There are many things that can shape a child into who they will become as an adult. Some of these things are tangible, others are not. Many of us experience a specific place, a new hobby, or meet a new person…and the butterfly effect is huge. For me, it was turkey hunting.
I often wonder how different my life would be if my dad hadn’t taken 7-year-old me out calling turkeys on that early spring day in April. There are many memories that have blurred over the years, yet that day remains crystal clear in my mind; the creaking leather of my dad’s old truck seat, the fuzzy lining of the green hoodie that I wore, and the orange rays of sun peering through the trees above the ridge line. While it didn’t seem it at the time, that day marked a core memory for me, and it was one that made a huge difference in how I live my life.
Since that morning, I have had the opportunity to be a part of many other “first hunts” in the turkey woods. I have accompanied some of my younger siblings, as well as some of my friends’ children – and then finally my own two daughters. I’m not sure if these hunts have had as large of an impact as my first hunt did for me, but I do know that the memories were special, nonetheless.
If you are thinking of taking a kid turkey hunting this spring, there are a few general guidelines that can help it go well.
The most important thing about taking a kid hunting, no matter their age or experience, is your mindset. Prioritizing the child’s experience and following their lead, will make all the difference in making it a memory that they look back on fondly – and will be the marker as to whether they want to return to the woods with you in the future. To break down this concept even further, tagging a turkey on this hunt should be looked at as a bonus, not the main reason you’re going to the woods. Keep an open mind and the hunt will be a learning experience for both the child and you.
Taking a kid on a hunt is no small task; there should be planning involved right down to a checklist. Having gear that fits them and is appropriate to the weather is very important. Camouflage clothing is crucial to being undetected by the sharp eyes of a turkey, however it doesn’t have to be a particular camo. Most hardwoods patterns are just fine, and there are a variety of places to find kids sized camo these days. The gear should include shoes as well; if you’re hunting an area with lots of mud or standing water, make sure that they have waterproof boots. Hunting an area with ticks and mosquitoes? Make sure you have appropriate clothing and the addition of kid-safe bug spray or thermacell. If you’re gun hunting, you’ll want to bring along some hearing protection for them.
When I was little, I remember my dad gifting me a knife before my first official deer hunt. While a knife may not be appropriate for every kid, a turkey call is a great option to gift before a first turkey hunt. A slate call or a simple push button that they can work themselves is ideal, and it’s something else that they can be taught to use on the hunt.
Over the years I have learned that while gear is an important part of the hunt, it is not the most important. First place priority is reserved for snacks – and if you think you’ve packed enough you should double that. Not only will snacks cure boredom and quiet hungry bellies, but they also act as a distraction if you do get a chance to bring a gobbler into range. Packing water is also important, especially if you’re hunting a state that sees warm weather in early spring.
Hunting out of a pop-up blind or using a portable stake up blind is a great option if you have a kid who doesn’t like to sit still or who is simply too young to sit still for very long. Just because they don’t want to sit still doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t go along on a hunt. If hanging out in a blind seems boring, go for a walk and try to hunt run and gun style – adapt and overcome.
If you’re not hearing any birds, take the opportunity to teach them about your surroundings. Tell them about the trees, what birds are chirping, what calls you use and why. Kids are curious and they soak up information like sponges.
While most people tend to bring kids that are school age, don’t rule out bringing your toddler or even a baby. A good backpack carrier and a hunt scheduled during nap time goes a long way, and I spent many an enjoyable morning in the woods when my girls were only a few months old.
Keep your hunts short and sweet if needed; the first hunt doesn’t need to be an all-day trip, just an introduction to how amazing the woods are during turkey season and showing the next generation what it’s all about. And 9 times out of 10, the kid is going to ask to accompany you again. After all, isn’t that the whole point?