A Great Lodge for my boys

[Dakotazeb]

Snipe10 should be commended for getting his kids into the outdoors.

Not enough time and effort is put into getting the next generation interested. And that may come back to haunt all of us in the next couple decades.

When I was 7 & 9 (nearly 5 decades ago) my family kept out of state pheasant hunters on our South Dakota farm.

It was my favorite season of the year. I walked with the hunters, listened to their banter, carried birds, watched the birds dogs work, and couldn't wait for the day dad would let me carry a gun.

When I was 12, I got to carry an old 20 gauge single-shot. The limit was 3 roosters a day. And I got 3 shells for the day.

The message was - be very careful with this gun. Be careful when you shoot, and that when you shoot you have a good chance of success.

No "put as much lead in the air as you can". No sky-busting. The message was - this is a tool, respect it and I will teach you how to use it properly.

My dad took the time to teach a boy how to hunt. He is in his 80's now. What sweet memories he has blessed me with!

Swede, I agree with you 100% if he is simply trying to get the boys in the field with him like your dad and my dad did. I was out hunting pheasants with my dad when I was 4 years old but didn't get a gun until I was 10. I think what Snipe10 has failed to clarify here is if he intends to have his 7 & 9 year old sons just follow him in the field or is he planning to put a gun in their hands. Taking them along in the field at this age is one thing, putting agun in their hands is another. I've already stated my opinion on that. I think most on this thread have taken is post to mean he intends to have them carry a gun and I'm not sure that is correct. Snipe10, please clarify this for us!!

 

[PHEZZYBOY FROID]

This is a Fantastic Photo

Grove,
That is great advice. I took my son last year for his first pheasant hunting trip to North Central Kansas and the bird count was way down but he had a great time regardless just being there and of course getting to pull the trigger on a 20 gauge. I have posted this picture before but I need to do it again, a picture is worth 1000 words!
Hope the picture links to this post

It shows the thrill of the hunt through a kid's eyes. The way that he is holding that bird also conveys that the beautiful game bird that we pursue is a gift and not merely another one for the game bag.

Love this Pic.:thumbsup: