scpatterson

I have a 9 year old and a 3 year old and I would get my butt kicked by the little one if I didnt take him. he doesnt shoot of course but the older one does. I think as long as you can keep them interested any age would be good. We hunt out of box stands and all 3 of us can get in. I have taken the oldest boy on a camping/squirrel hunting trip a couple times a year for the last few years and he loves everyone. This year I am taking both boys.

rickmorgan2003

I took my daughter and son out last year at ages 8 and 10, but last year was their "training year" so they could learn about how to set up, camo, wind, spoting dear etc. They passed the field dressing test, which is to say they "helped" me dress one and didn't freek out so this year my son has a Barnett 150lb crossbow that he has practiced with. I will impose a 20 yd max range limit and take him in a double tree stand with me opening day of bow season. We have an ancient persimmion tree that the deer love so hoping he has a great start and gets hooked. My daughter will either start later in the season or next, depending on her skill with the crossbow. They have to hit the vitals target first shot from a tree stand at three distances that I set up before I will let them out with a weapon. First rule is safety, second is have fun, third rule is never wound an animal, make sure you kill it.