In 2006, the Pennsylvania Game Commission launched the Mentored Youth Hunting Program. The objective behind the Program is simple and clear: create expanded youth hunting opportunities while maintaining safety afield. The program provides added means for youngsters to nurture their early interest in hunting and allows them to take a more active role in trips afield with mentoring adults. The program was introduced to hopefully acquire the interests of the PA youth at an earlier age in the hunting sports that have so much competition these days as they get older.
Last year my son Jimmy (SPIKE), at the ripe age of 11 years old was able to harvest his first spring gobbler through the Mentor Youth Hunting Program. Not to mention a few squirrels and ground hogs. Jimmy is now 12 and rearing to go for spring gobbler. He has been practicing his shooting skills with his shotgun at various targets and simulations we have provided for him.
Jimmy with his first spring gobbler in 2007
Jimmy practicing at the Range
Another youngster I have had the pleasure of knowing, Madison Faith, is also preparing for her first PA spring gobbler hunt. Madison is 8 years old and is the daughter of Jim and Debbie Faith of Duncansville, PA. Madison’s parents are both hunters and last year on their hunting trip to Africa, Madison was able to harvest her first animals. A spring buck and a bles buck. Both were beautiful animals and Madison at the age of 7 was able to close the deal. One evening while she, Jimmy and I were sitting around talking; she told me that she, like Jimmy, has been shooting since a very young age. She was excited to be able to hunt in Africa where there is no age limit as long as the child can prove itself at the target range and are in the company of an adult. So being able to finally hunt back here in her home state of PA at the age of 8 excites her just the same. She will be participating in the Mentor Youth hunt. Madison has her gun picked out and said she, her father and a good friend Ed Miller will be practicing and preparing her for the opening day of youth spring gobbler. Which both Jimmy and Madison knew off the top of their head, was April 19, 2008!
Madison Faith with her 870 Express 20 gauge she will be using for the Youth Turkey hunt
Back home, Jimmy prepared his turkey vest and did some practicing with his shotgun with his “dummy shells”. Using the dummy shells is a great way for kids to practice at home all year long. It gives them more hands on and experience handling the firearm they are going to use in the field.
Dummy shells Jimmy uses to practice handling his shotgun at home
Some of Jimmy’s gear for turkey hunting
The Mentor Youth program is a wonderful program to preserve and teach our youngsters about our sport. With so many distractions pulling kids indoors, such as video games and TV, it is crucial to encourage and protect activities that maintain a child’s connection to his and her natural surroundings. Hunting teaches and allows children to feel comfortable within nature. There are many important lessons that can be taught in the wild. Youth hunting teaches young people about the outdoors and helps them understand the importance of conserving wildlife and the habitat. But it also encourages an appreciation for the outdoors.
For adults and children, youth hunting is a great way to create life lasting memories with family and friends. It generates a common interest that builds a strong relationship between two people. Involving the kids in the scouting, planning, exploring, and hours in the field. Kids appreciate the sense of involvement. Jimmy and Madison thought it was really neat to have both been able to provide a meal for the family with animals they have gotten. When asking Madison and Jimmy what their favorite part of hunting was so far... BOTH replied, being with their family and friends. This is coming from two children who already have harvested animals under their young belts. Madison harvested African animals. Yet, she recalls the whole trip, the people she met, the food, sights all like it was yesterday! Memories! Jimmy recalled memories afield not just of his turkey kill, but of fun times spent with family and friends and laughs shared.
This program is not only about the legal taking of an animal. It’s getting the kids involved earlier, making them a part of our natural resources. Teaching them skills, ethics and knowledge in order to safely and responsibly enjoy the outdoors. This will help them to appreciate hunting more. For hunting takes quite a few skills and yet, children love to learn. Jimmy has learned many skills already in hunting. How to identify waterfowl, use a compass or map, tracking, calling, photographing wild animals, identifying scrapes, tracks, etc. These are life long skills that reflect our interest in the natural world. I feel that the Mentor Youth program is only encouraging and helping preserve our sport and encourage our youth to be active and responsible in the outdoors as adults. It also promotes the continuation of hunting into adulthood.
So as Jimmy and Madison prepare for the upcoming season, we hope too that you to take the time to pass on the heritage of our sport. Take a kid who has the interest hunting. Some of the most memorable times I have afield are of times I have shared with my son. I look forward to many more! We’ll be sure to update you all on how Jimmy and Madison’s seasons go.
Here are a few tips I found on line about introducing and taking a youngster hunting. (Adapted from National Shooting Sports Foundation materials. Tips on hunting with kids)
Hope they help and you enjoy!
- Instill safety, etiquette and ethics. Teaching safety standards gives youngsters
the responsibility they’ll need to enjoy a lifetime of great hunting
experiences. By teaching etiquette and ethics, you’ll show them what the
hunting tradition is all about. - Keep it fun. Don’t get too serious or competitive. There’s no need to turn
novices into pros their first time out. It’s far more important to just have a good
time. - Start with the basics. If you learned to hunt when you were young, today you
probably perform the whole process automatically. Make a conscious effort
to explain and show step-by-step what newcomers should do, so they will feel
comfortable later doing these things on their own. - Create instant success. Recognize small accomplishments. Shooting game
is always a bonus and helps kids appreciate the experience even more.
Young people also enjoy the pride of having provided a meal for their family,
like Mom and Dad do. - Be positive. If you build a youngster’s self esteem and confidence, they’re
more likely to enjoy hunting and want to go again. A well-timed compliment
can go a long way. - Share your love of the outdoors. Help your young guests notice things
around them. Stop and listen to birdcalls and sounds of a rushing stream.
Draw their attention to signs of wildlife. Help them understand the important
role that hunters play in conservation of natural resources. - Provide appropriate equipment. Make sure the equipment you use is the
right size and weight for a youngster. - Hands-on instruction helps. Everyone learns best by doing. Sometimes
you may need to lecture, but as much as possible, intersperse the talking with
doing. A few trips to practice at a local shooting range are key to becoming
comfortable with handling a firearm. - Create a feeling of independence. Youngsters want to become increasingly
independent. Have youths develop new skills and then give them the freedom
to practice those skills on their own. - Choose the right location. Convenience is a consideration. Whether on
public or private land
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