Starting a Tradition

In my home state of Kentucky, as well as across the nation, the sales of hunting and
fishing license have declined in recent years. There are a variety of factors involved.

More people live in urban and suburban areas than in years past. There is less access to rural areas due to development, private leases and other factors. The attitude of private land owners have changed and they are no longer quick to give permission due to poor behavior of some people and they also worry about liability issues.

Fewer children hunt and fish now like they once did. There are many more activities that involve our children抯 free time, including organized sports, video games, home computers and others.

What can outdoor lovers do to get more kids involved and ensure the next generation of outdoorsmen and women keep these traditions alive? We must introduce kids to the excitement of the outdoors. The following are seven steps to keep in mind when taking youngsters to the woods or on the water.

Safety First: The most important lessons learned in the field and on the water is safety. With fishing, this is often something simple such as wearing a personal flotation device or looking behind you before you cast. With hunting, make sure the take and pass a certified hunters safety course and they put that information to use in the field.

Start Early: You can never start them too early. If it is a fishing trip and all they can use is a cane pole with a bobber and live bait that is okay. If you want them to see what hunting is all about, take them with you on a small game hunt or while you are scouting.

Keep it simple: Do not overburden kids with a lot of technical equipment and advice. Do not make their first fishing trip a day of casting artificial lures for largemouth bass, or their first hunting trip a day of sitting in a blind all day watching for a trophy buck. Farm pond fishing or a couple of hours squirrel hunting will be enough.

Make it fun: Kids (and some adults) have a short attention span and can become bored very easily, particularly if they are not catching fish or seeing game. When my children were small I would take them to a friend抯 farm pond. They would fish for a while and then they wanted to run around catching frogs or crayfish. We would often even take a Frisbee or some other game and take a break from fishing and play a little. After a little bit of this they were often ready to get back to the fishing.

Get the right equipment: We live in the golden age of outdoor equipment for children. From small spincasting outfits with Barbie or Mickey Mouse on them, to single shot youth model firearms quality equipment for kids is available and affordable. Two years ago I purchased a single shot rifle/shotgun combo for my then 9-year-old son. It is a great size for a youngster and came complete with three barrels a .22, a 20 ga. and a .243.

It抯 all about them: When you take children fishing or hunting, particularly when they are just getting started remember that you are doing this for them. That is where your focus should be. Leave your equipment behind so that you can help and instruct them. As the adult, you will have plenty of chances to hunt or fish later.
Keeping memories: Not only are you getting children involved in the outdoors you are creating lasting memories. Take plenty of photographs and talk about past trips. You might want to keep a scrap book of just you and your families?outdoor pursuits.

Introducing children to the outdoors is a gratifying experience for both the child and the adult. It is also an important way to protect and pass on the outdoor traditions.
If you do not have children of your own, you borrow some from neighbors, friends or relatives. You can also join some type of mentoring program or start one at your local sportsmen抯 club. There are various ways to get involved.