Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

What's a good age to start the younguns Turkey hunting? My son is 3 right now and will be 4 in august. I know with TSS on the scene it will allow for a kid to start a little younger as far as tolerating the gun goes, especially with some of the .410 patterns. I don't really have anywhere that I know would work for setting up a ground blind and getting him in it as far as "knowing birds are coming to this field or food plot". I'm mostly on my feet on the move so I know him sitting still for very long could be a challenge

My uncle took his son for the first time when he was 4. It worked well, but ultimately depends on the kid. But I don't think any earlier makes sense for turkey hunting.


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Are you talking about going along on a hunt,....or actually being the hunter? 

If you are talking about just going along, then if they have the interest and physical capabilities, they can go at any age. 

If you are talking about them actually hunting, I personally believe that any child less than ten years old that is hunting should first and foremost, be able to demonstrate (to an unbiased source) that they are capable of handling and accurately shooting a firearm.

Secondly, they should be required to take, comprehend, and pass a hunter safety course. 

Under those two parameters, I personally believe it is a rare kid that can fulfill both of those, and also have the maturity to understand the implications of killing an animal, before they are about eight years old,...and often times, much older. 

Quote from: GobbleNut on March 23, 2021, 09:50:43 AM
Are you talking about going along on a hunt,....or actually being the hunter? 

If you are talking about just going along, then if they have the interest and physical capabilities, they can go at any age. 

If you are talking about them actually hunting, I personally believe that any child less than ten years old that is hunting should first and foremost, be able to demonstrate (to an unbiased source) that they are capable of handling and accurately shooting a firearm.

Secondly, they should be required to take, comprehend, and pass a hunter safety course. 

Under those two parameters, I personally believe it is a rare kid that can fulfill both of those, and also have the maturity to understand the implications of killing an animal, before they are about eight years old,...and often times, much older.

I agree with a couple points you made there. And selfishly I want to take him as the hunter but a part of me knows how special turkeys and Turkey hunting is to me and I want his hunts and especially his first Turkey kill to be engrained in his memory forever, which I can't remember what I did yesterday much less at 4 years old. I was 15 when I killed my first Turkey and recall every single aspect of that hunt, down to the exact tree I was sitting on and want it that way for him but don't want to hold him out longer than he should for that reason. Like I said, guess most of it is an anxious ready on my part for him.

I should clarify that my example of my cousin going at 4 was only to "go along," not to actually hunt.


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I deep down know 4 is too young. He tells me all the time "he can't wait to get his first Turkey" so I think that's what makes me want to share it with him quicker than he's probably ready. And don't want to push it on him definitely.

Quote from: AppalachianHollers on March 23, 2021, 10:16:47 AM
I should clarify that my example of my cousin going at 4 was only to "go along," not to actually hunt.


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Sure let him tag along. Let him have fun playing with the calls and don't try and make it too serious of a hunt. No Bataan death march, and when he gets bored or tired, just head in. Just let him enjoy some time with Dad, "hunting." Teach him safety while you are out. As one father to another, don't be in a rush to have him kill something. Childlike innocence is a fleeting thing, only lasting a short period in all our lives. Let him enjoy it while he can. Far too soon he will know the harsh reality of life, that we all know too well.

My own son started tagging along with me when he was 5. We had a lot of fun, and never got a thing. He took his hunter safety course at 11 and began actually hunting then. He has grown into a fine man that i couldn't be prouder of. Military vet, firefighter,sworn full time law enforcement. All those lessons i taught him in safety and gun handling and being a man of his word were not in vain thankfully. I wish you many safe and fun adventures with your son, that you will have many stories to share for years to come!

For me its usually around 10 or 11 and they have to show the initiative. I ain't one to coddle too much or make it to easy. No blinds and the biggest leg up might be a hen decoy. That only lasts for the first turkey. After that they can take their lumps and learn from it. If they aren't cut out for it then that's fine. Call me old and crotchety but I like my kids to have to work for it to some extent. I still do all the scouting and give them cracks at the easy to get at Tom's. If they are meant to be turkey hunters it will take, if not I will still raise them to be decent humans.

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Quote from: RiverRoost on March 23, 2021, 10:27:08 AM
I deep down know 4 is too young. He tells me all the time "he can't wait to get his first Turkey" so I think that's what makes me want to share it with him quicker than he's probably ready. And don't want to push it on him definitely.

I think every "hunter" parent goes through that same process.  We want them to experience the same thrill we did (and do) when first getting to carry a gun and actually hunt.  However, I believe some parents push that envelope too far. 

Again, if a youngster can demonstrate the physical and mental abilities that should be the basis to handle the actual act of being a hunter, I am fine with letting young kids hunt.  I just personally think they need to be able to prove it to someone other than that parent that wants to start them before they are truly ready.

I have two girls...  Neither shoot, but both go hunting with me...  They love dove hunting, they tolerate duck hunting, and they do not like turkey hunting.

I took my buddy's kid, who was really excited to go as well.  We had turkeys gobbling, had to make a couple quick moves, and were done at 8 A.M....   He also prefers other types of hunting, where he can roam and move.  I had both he and my daughter helping me call (to get them involved)...

Sitting still and quiet for long periods of time, is not enjoyable to them.  Frankly I was quite surprised, cause I have not taken any of the kids on long hunts, there has been plenty of action, but the sitting still and quiet is very unappealing.

I think my oldest will have a different viewpoint when she is shooting next year....

My son started going along with me at 6 and killed his 1st at 9!

One should answer whether the hunt is for the ego of the child or the adult.  Real turkey hunting is both a physical and mental challenge.  God created doves, squirrels and rabbits for a reason.

i appreciate your desire to get them out as soon as you can.  doesn't have to strictly be turkey hunting. could be going scouting with you or whatever. as long as you're in the woods, letting them have fun, and trying to teach what you know they can absorb.

it's really up to the individual kid. i wouldn't let any kid under 8 shoot in a hunting situation. and i know 16 year olds i wouldn't let either. my older nephew is 10 now. got his first turkey last year and has shot a doe and 2 really nice bucks already. all the kid cares about is hunting. he's also in the 99th percentile for height and weight and is scarily mature. so hunting with him hasn't worried me at all. just make sure i have a constant focus on gun safety(which i control until it's time to shoot) and a lot of ethics

his younger brother likes hunting but is less mature and not as crazy about it. i have to approach taking him differently. he gets bored and likes his screens.  he got his first deer last november and handled it very well. 

even when  they're gung-ho you gotta remember they're just kids.  i'd have followed my dad to the ends of the earth at that age, but too much effort and no success could turn them off. pick and choose your excursions wisely.

good luck and be safe

28lber
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I with GobbleNut on this too.

I do a lot of Learn to Hunts and Youth Hunts and the kids vary wildly on their readiness, we don't allow any kids under 10 on the hunts (gun in hand)  as tag-a-longs yes but not handling a gun. I know for a lot of this is just the excitement of getting the kid out there but when I see a picture of a 5 year old behind a turkey (JMHO) they really has no concept of what taking an animals life is, yup Dad/Mom are proud and their kid did it, but still comes to me as it was more the parents than kid, I have had a number of kids the were being "pushed" in to the program. I had a young 10 year girl that was in tears even about shooting the shotgun, we still went out, still had fun, seen turkeys but never squeezed a trigger, didn't even worry about it. We watched the deer, squirrels, birds and turkeys that morning. She was back out again at 12 and and what a couple of years made a difference in her. Every kid is going to different...Some are ready and some not.


MK M GOBL

I was six and on the trigger, and look how I turned out.  Ok, bad example.  But I knew exactly that when I pulled the trigger that somethings life was going to be over, at least in theory.   But I had been around all aspects of hunting from day one.   The killing, cleaning and eating.   I was exposed to the cleaning and eating before the killing.   If your old enough to kill an animal then I think you should be old enough to run your arms up into a deer or hogs chest cavity and pull it's heart and lungs out.   I know it sounds harsh, but if your not ready for that then I don't think your ready to be on the trigger.    Agree, every child is different.  Some are ready young and some are never ready.   Nothing wrong either way.

Quote from: GobbleNut on March 23, 2021, 09:50:43 AM
Are you talking about going along on a hunt,....or actually being the hunter? 

If you are talking about just going along, then if they have the interest and physical capabilities, they can go at any age. 

If you are talking about them actually hunting, I personally believe that any child less than ten years old that is hunting should first and foremost, be able to demonstrate (to an unbiased source) that they are capable of handling and accurately shooting a firearm.

Secondly, they should be required to take, comprehend, and pass a hunter safety course. 

Under those two parameters, I personally believe it is a rare kid that can fulfill both of those, and also have the maturity to understand the implications of killing an animal, before they are about eight years old,...and often times, much older.

X 2 .. agree ...

It sounds like I might be in the minority here, but my oldest shot his first turkey when he was 6. He shot another when he was 7, and he filled 3 tags last year at 8. He has taken 5 shots to harvest those 5 birds. He has been hunting with me since he was 3 for doves, turkeys, ducks, and coyotes. He has so been outside as soon as I get home hunting helping clean and prepare everything from quail to deer over the years.

The first year he asked about shooting one on his own we reviewed gun safety, practiced shooting a 20 guage from a seated position with shooting sticks (same as he would be shooting from the blind, and we looked at a lot of photos and videos of turkeys so he could tell me where he would aim. He did great in all those areas, so I got him a permit and we hunted. My daughter was 6 last year and voiced a little interest,  but wasn't ready yet. If she's interested this year we'll go through the same steps to see if she's ready or not.

I think it all comes down to the kid. They need to be able to safely handle the firearm in the same situation they will be hunting, to be able to shoot well enough to make a clean kill, and to be able to understand the implications of killing an animal. If they demonstrate all of those, then they're ready to hunt. If not, they aren't, regardless of age.

This was a hard one for me. I started my son at 7. He has taken three turkeys but it has been a real challenge. He's now 12 and just now capable of holding a gun without sticks, moving on a turkey at instruction, and really putting all the pieces together. Turkeys are a lot more challenging than deer and outside of blinds and decoys it gets even tougher. But, as young as you are comfortable taking them is my theory.

IMO , it depends on the kid and what age they start showing interest " not pushed " to go .
My son is 7 , he started showing interest at 6 .I started him with squirrel hunting , then took him deer hunting .
He got his lst gobbler this year on our youth hunt . I got him a little bitty 410 that he can handle on his own.
He did really well ,  our hunt is on you tube " laikens 1st turkey " by t3 calls if anyone wants to watch it .
I put him in my lap , I told him when to move etc , but I didn't touch the gun until after the shot for safety reasons . I see so many kids even smaller then my boy killing turkeys with full size guns ,, I call bs on that .
He hasn't asked to go back ,, but when he does ?  We going again .  But only when he ask to go ...

My daughter was 7 when she started,  she started out hunting squirrel and did well, she will be 11 in a couple months, she can take squirrel with 22 long rifle, I told her if she can do that (which she does), then the rest will come. She has harvested deer , and turkey.

I started taking my kids to the woods as soon as they were out of diapers.

My daughter solo called her first tom up at age 3.  She's 18 now, and has never actually killed a turkey (no desire to actually shoot one), but has been with me multiple times and we enjoy the time together.

My 16yo son has killed 8 birds, first when he was 8 or 9.  He couldnt stay still when he was younger, but he enjoyed the time together. 

My youngest is 13, she killed her first and only at age 9.  I think the shotgun recoil bothered her and she has not wanted to go back.  I don't push it.

Generally, my opinion only, is that kids are NEVER too young to take hunting.  But keep hunts short and fun, don't hike them to death.  I don't think they are old enough to shoot a bird until they are capable of handling the firearm safely themselves.  Again, just my opinion and the way I raised my 3 kids in the woods.

We have a responsibility to introduce our children to hunting and the outdoors, but it's up to them whether they love it or not.

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Quote from: huntineveryday on March 23, 2021, 01:53:20 PM
It sounds like I might be in the minority here, but my oldest shot his first turkey when he was 6. He shot another when he was 7, and he filled 3 tags last year at 8. He has taken 5 shots to harvest those 5 birds. He has been hunting with me since he was 3 for doves, turkeys, ducks, and coyotes. He has so been outside as soon as I get home hunting helping clean and prepare everything from quail to deer over the years.

The first year he asked about shooting one on his own we reviewed gun safety, practiced shooting a 20 guage from a seated position with shooting sticks (same as he would be shooting from the blind, and we looked at a lot of photos and videos of turkeys so he could tell me where he would aim. He did great in all those areas, so I got him a permit and we hunted. My daughter was 6 last year and voiced a little interest,  but wasn't ready yet. If she's interested this year we'll go through the same steps to see if she's ready or not.

I think it all comes down to the kid. They need to be able to safely handle the firearm in the same situation they will be hunting, to be able to shoot well enough to make a clean kill, and to be able to understand the implications of killing an animal. If they demonstrate all of those, then they're ready to hunt. If not, they aren't, regardless of age.

I agree with all of this.  My oldest was six last year when he shot his first turkey.  The kid has way more hunting in his blood at his age then I ever did.  I never fully caught the bug until I was probably 15.  My second is five now and loves hunting, but I don't think he is as crazy about it as his older brother.  He thinks he wants to shoot one this year, but I don't think he is near ready.  He'll probably need another year or two.

Take them whenever they want to go!
My son started tagging along at age4.
Maybe a half dozen hunts that year.  I carried him in on my shoulders in the dark.  When he did walk in he would have a death grip on my hand.  I don't think he really cared about turkey hunting other than just spending time with me. The Lil fellas hear a lot more noises in the dark than they do in daylight.   
U rely all on ears when u can't see.

Age 5 we bumped alot of turkeys.   I bought a pop up blind even though I hate them. It was either that or continue to hunt together without killing a turkey. I wanted to keep him interested so I did what I had to do.  I had a spot that was a pine ridge that was guarantee 1 turkey per year.  I killed one in front of him that year and he was hooked.

Age 6 he killed his 1st turkey from that same pine ridge from that same pop up blind.  He went ever time I went on weekends.

Age 7 killed one

Age 8 he limited out. One in blind and two sitting beside a tree. No more popblind hunts for us.

Age 9 killed one missed two. One my fault.  Long story!! Forgot to load gun (rookie move) and the other was turkey was two close.

Age 10 now he missed one this past Sunday morning.  Woods are still really open.  I put him in the best spot I thought for him to kill and put myself  15 yard away. Closest spot for me to hide.  He saw the gobblers running up the woods road 200 yards away.  They popped up over the last ridge and stopped for a second and he thought they were bout to leave.  So he shot. Way too far. 61 yards.  It was unfortunate that I couldn't sit right there with him and help coach him. 

A man will have to accept the fact that he will not be as nearly successful as he would hunting solo.   But the memories you make with your best buddy are priceless.   It's just a additional blessing if you get a bird.  I love to kill turkeys as much as the next fella but I would rather him kill just one than me a pickup bed full of turkeys.  He loves it!  He doesn't let me go much without him. 
Im starting to believe I have forgotten how to hunt effectively by myself.  I tend to be too conservative as I am with him.  Make it fun for em.  Enjoy the moment. 


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My 6 yo daughter goes with me a few times a spring for an afternoon hunt.  She's just a tag along. She thinks she's ready to shoot one,  reality is it might be next season.  But we have an ok farm to hunt and the perfect setup for an afternoon with the .410.   She will sit in a deer blind in the worst conditions and usually not complain.  This past dove season she came with me.  Turned into a photo shoot of her playing in the tall grass instead of shooting at dove.  The only time I really make her sit still is the last 45 minutes of light during deer season.  Other times we may just go wander around looking at stuff.  Shes shoot a few different guns since she was 4 and enjoys it.  Just needs more practice. 

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Quote from: roberthyman14 on March 23, 2021, 07:42:39 PM
She will sit in a deer blind in the worst conditions and usually not complain.  This past dove season she came with me.  Turned into a photo shoot of her playing in the tall grass instead of shooting at dove.  . 

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lol

cute

i don't think i've ever been reckless or too irresponsible, but hunting with my nephews the last few years has really reasserted gun safety into my mind

Take them whenever they want to go!
My son started tagging along at age4.
Maybe a half dozen hunts that year.  I carried him in on my shoulders in the dark.  When he did walk in he would have a death grip on my hand.  The Lil fellas hear a lot more noises in the dark than they do in daylight.   
U rely all on ears when u can't see.  I don't think he cared that much about turkey hunting other than spending time with me while doing something I'm very passionate about. 

Age 5 we bumped ALOT of turkeys.   I bought a pop up blind even though I hate them. (Should have bought it the year before at age 4 but I'm a slow learner)! It was either that or continue to hunt together without killing a turkey.  I wanted to keep him interested so I did what I had to do.  I had a spot that was a pine ridge that was guarantee 1 turkey per year.  I killed one in front of him that year and he was hooked.

Age 6 he killed his 1st turkey from that same pine ridge from that same pop up blind.  He went with me ever time I went on weekends. At the time that was the only days I could get a hunt in. 

Age 7 killed one blind

Age 8 he limited out. One in blind and two sitting beside a tree. No more popblind hunts for us.

Age 9 killed one & missed two. One my fault.  Long story!! Forgot to load gun (rookie move) and the other was turkey was too close.(7 steps)

Age 10 now and he missed one this past Sunday morning.  Woods are still really open.  I put him in the best spot I thought for him to kill the turkey and put myself 15 yard away. Closest spot for me to hide.  He saw the gobbler running up the woods road 150 yards away.  He popped up over the last ridge and stopped for a second and he thought they were bout to leave.  So he shot. Way too far!  61 yards.  Turkey flew to next ridge and started gobbling again.  It was unfortunate that I couldn't sit right there with him and help coach him. 

A man will have to accept the fact that he will not be as nearly successful as he would hunting solo.   If you can't accept that then you better leave the kiddos home.  If not you will end up mad and then they will not want to go.  But the memories you make with your best buddy are priceless.   It's just a additional blessing if you get a bird.  I love to kill turkeys as much as the next fella but I would rather him kill just one than me a pickup bed full of turkeys.  He loves it!  He doesn't let me go much without him and I love it. 
Im starting to believe I have forgotten how to hunt effectively by myself.  Even without him I tend to continue to be too conservative as I am with him.  Make it fun for em tho! Let them scratch on calls and ask for their advice.  My son will thanked me the other day because I ask him what he thinks we should do.  Enjoy the moment.  It will have to be perfect and all the stars will have to allign for the Lil guys to connect on one. I apologize for all the rambling

Good luck bud!


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Quote from: guesswho on March 23, 2021, 12:29:35 PM
I was six and on the trigger, and look how I turned out.  Ok, bad example.  But I knew exactly that when I pulled the trigger that somethings life was going to be over, at least in theory.   But I had been around all aspects of hunting from day one.   The killing, cleaning and eating.   I was exposed to the cleaning and eating before the killing.   If your old enough to kill an animal then I think you should be old enough to run your arms up into a deer or hogs chest cavity and pull it's heart and lungs out.   I know it sounds harsh, but if your not ready for that then I don't think your ready to be on the trigger.    Agree, every child is different.  Some are ready young and some are never ready.   Nothing wrong either way.

I'm all for this. I too was introduced to the cleaning/butchering aspect before I was ever allowed to carry and pull the trigger. If your kid won't get inside a rib cage of a deer and pull out the inards or at least try then they have no business pulling the trigger. Kids in my opinion don't need to sit in a blind either. If you haven't taught your kid to be patient and how to sit still you don't have any business taking them either.

It all depends on the child and their ability.  I made sure mine was able to adequately shoot prior to going. My son and daughter both killed their first deer at 6 but could shoot on their own with a rest. My daughter hasn't shown an interest in turkey hunting,  but I felt my son was ready at 7.  He killed his first bird at 8 with no blind and held the gun on his own. I personally feel that 4 is too young but up to the parent to decide. I didn't let mine go until they could demonstrate that they could effectively handle the gun and shoot.

I started my son when he was 10. At the time that was the law here in Wisconsin. We've hunted as a team every year since.  (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210326/e519c071d0400cb8579610e1a15de6d6.jpg)
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Safety, safety, and more safety. Every kid is different.  I didnt kill my first gobbler until I was 16. Howwver I went along with my Dad, Uncle, and Grandpa many times. Dad actually got me my first shotgun, a single shot H and R at age 6. He ingrained gun safety every time it was touched. All of the ones I mentioned going with were Military Veterans. I'm a Vet as well. I've taken my 2 young kids, boy and girl, last 2 seasons as the hunter. She is the oldest and she got her gobbler last year at the age of 11. He on the other hand is on his 3rd year try. He was 9 the first season he went. Each time when I hand them a shotgun I ask " What do you do when somebody hands you a gun?" They know the drill on checking the action. Safety. Point in safe direction,  check chamber, check safety, clear weapon,  Each and every time. It has to be taught and reiterated ALWAYS.  That being said, I feel if they are taught correctly and fully comprehend how special hunting is it's okay. Speaking of that, its Youth season today. Getting him up to go after couple of gobblers I heard last night. Wish us luck! God Bless.

Quote from: Cowboy on March 27, 2021, 05:38:21 AM
Safety, safety, and more safety. Every kid is different.  I didnt kill my first gobbler until I was 16. Howwver I went along with my Dad, Uncle, and Grandpa many times. Dad actually got me my first shotgun, a single shot H and R at age 6. He ingrained gun safety every time it was touched. All of the ones I mentioned going with were Military Veterans. I'm a Vet as well. I've taken my 2 young kids, boy and girl, last 2 seasons as the hunter. She is the oldest and she got her gobbler last year at the age of 11. He on the other hand is on his 3rd year try. He was 9 the first season he went. Each time when I hand them a shotgun I ask " What do you do when somebody hands you a gun?" They know the drill on checking the action. Safety. Point in safe direction,  check chamber, check safety, clear weapon,  Each and every time. It has to be taught and reiterated ALWAYS.  That being said, I feel if they are taught correctly and fully comprehend how special hunting is it's okay. Speaking of that, its Youth season today. Getting him up to go after couple of gobblers I heard last night. Wish us luck! God Bless.

Good luck to you guys this morning Cowboy. Have a great time and enjoy the time together with your son.


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