Hey fellas, hope you all had a good new year and I hope no one minds this post. I've posted similar things before but there's always new folks.
Spring is coming, lots of dads have hopes for children. Some young n this may be their first year. A few pointers to consider.
First, you need to figure eye dominance. You can't shoot righty and shoot lefty or you'll miss. Closing an eye could be unsafe, kills binocular vision necessary for range estimation. If you aren't sure how to figure this just ask.
Once they're ready to shoot you should explain what to do or what your commands are. They will try n automatically put their finger in the trigger. Best to teach now the correct way. Show stance, form, etc
Start them w a gun that fits. Don't expect them to enjoy hunting if they're wearing size 10 boots. Why an adult gun than?
Begin your instruction w a .22. It kicks softly and is not too loud. Double hearing protection (inner foam and outer muffs) make recoil seem less. Work up slowly and don't let them shoot full loads.
Go at the child's pace. When they're done you're done. Never pattern turkey loads in front of the child. Pattern the gun yourself and let the kid shoot light loads through it. While we're on patterning. Turkey loads are fairly tight, we often need a sight. Make sure the child is familiar w it.
Don't over choke the gun. A long beard type load may not be the best for a kids first hunt. Have the gun throwing a forgivable pattern even if it means slightly less yardage.
Guys missing game consistently could make the kid disinterested. Better he passes a 40 yard shot and kills one dead at 32yds than misses the 40.
Here's one I though most guys knew but I've found out otherwise. Practice w the gear. That practice should include hunt simulation. Have the WITH AN EMPTY GUN practice walking n squatting into a ready position. Show them how to move left or right. Maybe place targets in the woods and have them turn towards a target to acquire it. If you have sticks, practice w em.
This shoulda been first, last and in the middle stress safety. Have fun n good luck
Always on point Bowguy!
What could be more important than a kid learning to hunt "right", if you're going to take the time to teach put your time into it. I have mentored young and old for the past 17 or so years and from 10 years old to a 67 year old, men and ladies. As long as they have the interest to learn I'll keep with it with them!
MK M GOBL
Great point it could be any age needs help. Don't forget the girls boys
Spot on buddy... Nothing more satisfying than getting a youngster their first bird and all that goes along with it.
Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk
YES! My Son is a stud. But after watching some YouTube video's of kids shooting 20 gauge.... I went with a 410!
So LOP is a big deal... I already had a Remington Youth 1100 LT 20 turkey special! However the LOP was way way way to long....
Here comes the Mossberg Super Mini Bantam with adjustable LOP from 10"/12" wow! 10" is what he needs.
Just got it at Academy Sports for 289.99 all black. I'm going to have him start with light target loads... I want him to enjoy shooting not be scared of it.
We will take it slow... I'll keep OG posted on the results.
God bless everyone and be safe!
All really good advice. One thing my dad did with me when I was a kid to prepare for my first turkey hunt, was to get me in all my 'gear', backed up against a tree and he would place clays out at varying ranges for me to shoot. It helped with getting used to real life situations where the bird was not in the perfect location, made me aim for a small target and of course it was instant results seeing the clay break.
I for sure will be doing this with my girls when they get old enough to hunt.
I will be taking a first time turkey hunter out this year (Adult) She has gun hunted deer most of her young life (20's) She said she saw more turkey this year hunting deer than she saw deer and said she wanted to hunt them but did not know how so I told her I would take her. We are going to set up in my Pentagon blind because that has the room for two people, I just have to figure out how to teach without coming off like a drill instructor like I have been accused of in the past.
I am going to try to get her to play a few calls before the season starts so she can participate in the calling, seems like a good way to keep her interested. Also I have to let her know I will not take her unless we sight her gun in in advance. I think she shoots a 12 gauge, though she is a tiny little thing so maybe I am wrong there.
Any ideas on how to keep her entertained until turkeys show up? It will be my first time really instructing somebody in a hunting situation.
The first time I take someone out I'm basically guiding them in a sense. They do no calling. As we hunt I let them into what I'm doing n why. If they called our odds would decrease most times imo. I want them to succeed or at least be close.
Here's sort something to think about. You wanna keep her entertained. The hunt should be entertaining. You should find birds. I'd personally have a bunch located. Not sorta located, exactly where they are n I'd be right near em. Just like I'd do for my own hunts except I'd prob be trying even harder if that makes sense. I bet to some it does.
The night before I'd def roost one. Daylight breaks and we're in the game. If it flew down the wrong way I'd start on another I had located. From there as I worked him ,if possible ,I'd just give some info as to what we're doing, trying, etc.
20 years old and 12 ga ought to work if she's familiar w gun. My daughter is 19 and killed birds w a 12 for years now. She's only 5'. 2" tall. Remember turkey loads smart if you're not accustomed to em. Pattern gun for her. Let her shoot lighter loads. I just prob wouldn't feel the need to "trick" her by giving her a turkey load first time in the dark opening morn.
Don't take this wrong, if you're at all dramatic have someone else pattern/sight gun in. You can't cringe every time you shoot and expect her not to be worried.
If I didn't answer you questions or if you have more I'd be glad to help
Quote from: Bowguy on January 14, 2020, 09:59:11 PM
The first time I take someone out I'm basically guiding them in a sense. They do no calling. As we hunt I let them into what I'm doing n why. If they called our odds would decrease most times imo. I want them to succeed or at least be close.
Here's sort something to think about. You wanna keep her entertained. The hunt should be entertaining. You should find birds. I'd personally have a bunch located. Not sorta located, exactly where they are n I'd be right near em. Just like I'd do for my own hunts except I'd prob be trying even harder if that makes sense. I bet to some it does.
The night before I'd def roost one. Daylight breaks and we're in the game. If it flew down the wrong way I'd start on another I had located. From there as I worked him ,if possible ,I'd just give some info as to what we're doing, trying, etc.
20 years old and 12 ga ought to work if she's familiar w gun. My daughter is 19 and killed birds w a 12 for years now. She's only 5'. 2" tall. Remember turkey loads smart if you're not accustomed to em. Pattern gun for her. Let her shoot lighter loads. I just prob wouldn't feel the need to "trick" her by giving her a turkey load first time in the dark opening morn.
Don't take this wrong, if you're at all dramatic have someone else pattern/sight gun in. You can't cringe every time you shoot and expect her not to be worried.
If I didn't answer you questions or if you have more I'd be glad to help
No you made some very valid points and did not offend at all. I agree with you about roosting and all but my problem is I have to be in a blind because of my back, hips and knees, I am constantly moving. I may make half an hour on the ground if I was lucky then I would be in so much pain I would not do either of us any good.
I do know from hunting the property in the past that the turkey tend to go from one field to one of 3 trails every morning, that is why I chose the place I chose for my blind last year, that and there was another field behind, another maybe 75 yards to my right and and intersection of pipeline pathways that the pipeline company keeps mowed and I view it as kinda like a turkey super highway if that makes any sense. Of course if they go low or to the field above us it could cause some possible problems. I do have 2 other blinds I could set side by side and try to get to before the turkey if need be, I was thinking of setting the one up in another spot and just hunting with her out of the larger blind so the turkey did not become spooked by it being over hunted.
I would not trick somebody with ammo, I have seen people do that to others and I do not consider it funny in the least unless it is a arrogant loudmouth and then I may be the one to set him in his place that way. I would never under any circumstance do it to a kid or a new hunter, I have seen where a kid would not touch a gun because one of his friends handed him a gun and told him it had no kick and it did.
Ok let me address trick the kid first. I'm not referring to having fun watching em freak out. That's asinine. Talking bout letting em shoot light loads only. The day you hunt they get a real load. Their adrenaline masks any extra recoil.
Like I said you want to know where they're gonna go. If you have a few blinds, either roost one at night and set one up if you can quietly in the morn or set both spots if you're sure they're using em and try n pattern them in the morn. It's still older information than roosting but if they're consistently using the top route and that's all you can physically handle that'd be your best bet. Two spots could be tough though. If that's all you have and they aren't there it could be a long sit.
Find as many as you can in as many areas as you can
Quote from: Bowguy on January 15, 2020, 05:20:25 AM
Ok let me address trick the kid first. I'm not referring to having fun watching em freak out. That's asinine. Talking bout letting em shoot light loads only. The day you hunt they get a real load. Their adrenaline masks any extra recoil.
Like I said you want to know where they're gonna go. If you have a few blinds, either roost one at night and set one up if you can quietly in the morn or set both spots if you're sure they're using em and try n pattern them in the morn. It's still older information than roosting but if they're consistently using the top route and that's all you can physically handle that'd be your best bet. Two spots could be tough though. If that's all you have and they aren't there it could be a long sit.
Find as many as you can in as many areas as you can
Ah okay, thank you very much for the advice.
It can be hard from afar but when I learned no one told you anything. Sure most guys on here experienced that. A fellow in my archery club didn't forewarn me of things to look for but once I told him what happened he'd comment what I should have tried.
Just keep mentioning what happens and guys could help but realize, I do understand physical limitations. But a bunch of it could limit you further. Don't give up, just find ways around it
I found out she has a 20 gauge, she says her father took the chokes and the plug out of it when she was a young teenager so I am guessing that means she has some for of bird barrel. Other than TSS what is a good ammo to suggest to her?
If the chokes are completely out don't shoot the gun. You need a choke in. Get a reg factory full or even mod choke. You may lose a pinch range but the advantage of a fogiveable pattern are great.
Forget TSS. She's not gonna spend big money to try this sport. Def not to pattern w that stuff.
Try federal grand slam loads. I tried em last year n was way impressed. Remington premier turkey loads might work too. Forget most the rest unless you come across Winchester supremes. They're discontinued. I'd just try the federal. Remember to pattern/sight in her gun
Quote from: Bowguy on January 15, 2020, 06:10:54 PM
If the chokes are completely out don't shoot the gun. You need a choke in. Get a reg factory full or even mod choke. You may lose a pinch range but the advantage of a fogiveable pattern are great.
Forget TSS. She's not gonna spend big money to try this sport. Def not to pattern w that stuff.
Try federal grand slam loads. I tried em last year n was way impressed. Remington premier turkey loads might work too. Forget most the rest unless you come across Winchester supremes. They're discontinued. I'd just try the federal. Remember to pattern/sight in her gun
Thanks for the reply. I do know not to shoot it without the chokes in but I do thank you for looking out for our safety. I defiantly will take her to pattern the gun, I would not take her out unless I knew it had been done, we own it to our quarry no matter what it is or what tool we use to be sure of an ethical shot.
I am using the Winchester Longbeard XR's in my 12 but do not know if they are made for 20 gauge. I will also look into those you suggested as well.
They make them in 20. They're not super forgiving but another option if that's your/her wish to use. You'll prob gain range but lose a little forgiveness. Next problem is being they're so tight she will prob need a sight. She may need one either way but I shot birds til maybe3 years ago w nothing but beads, except a Williams bolt on sights on an sp-10. She could have similar luck. Remember right now she's only trying it. Don't wanna kill her expense wise. You also don't want to short her something she needs.
Do you have an extra gun ready? Let her use that
Quote from: Bowguy on January 15, 2020, 06:52:53 PM
They make them in 20. They're not super forgiving but another option if that's your/her wish to use. You'll prob gain range but lose a little forgiveness. Next problem is being they're so tight she will prob need a sight. She may need one either way but I shot birds til maybe3 years ago w nothing but beads, except a Williams bolt on sights on an sp-10. She could have similar luck. Remember right now she's only trying it. Don't wanna kill her expense wise. You also don't want to short her something she needs.
Do you have an extra gun ready? Let her use that
I only use the one shotgun, don't have the other. I would be fine with letting her use it but it is a 12. I have the old Hi-Viz sights on my 12 I could pull that off since I use a scope now and let her use that if it will fit on her vent-rib is she has one. Would that size be different or is that pretty universal? The front sight is magnetic so it would just go on the rib if it is the same.
I'm not familiar w hi viz sorry but a magnet is a magnet. Rib sizes do vary do the bolt on type fo matter. Wilson sells a universal one fits most ribs
Quote from: Bowguy on January 15, 2020, 09:02:25 PM
I'm not familiar w hi viz sorry but a magnet is a magnet. Rib sizes do vary do the bolt on type fo matter. Wilson sells a universal one fits most ribs
The one I have the rear sight attaches via some Allen screws and then the front sight is magnetic. Never had a lick of problem with the magnet moving and would still be using it but my eyes no longer are able to see it well.
Ok well than the rear sight if not universal fits only one rib size. If it's universal you can attach to dif rib widths
Quote from: Bowguy on January 16, 2020, 08:59:59 AM
Ok well than the rear sight if not universal fits only one rib size. If it's universal you can attach to dif rib widths
I would not be opposed to buying her a sight if she can't get one, I have always given stuff away to new archery hunters have started with new turkey hunters this year as well. Guy who helped me get into archery before my car accident really laid a good foundation helping me when I had nothing and now I believe it is all of our duty to do the same with others coming up.
so i am looking for opinions on this... my 5 year old (who is big for 5, 65pounds 4 foot) is dying to go hunting with me. i "took" him deer hunting which amounting to sitting in a ground box blind on a powerline and looking thru binoculars and blowing grunt call. I didn't really expect to see anything so I didn't even bring my rifle because i was scared that if i shot it he would be scared especially with a rifle.
I asked him if he wanted to turkey hunt with me and he gave me an excited yes. he loves "playing" my turkey calls, etc. He has a push pin he can yelp on good enough to not scare anything off so i figured we could both call and see what we could do. i asked if he wanted to just call one and not shoot? or if he wanted to shoot one and he said he wants to shoot. I have considered just letting him come with me and see if we can call one up from a ground blind into a field and letting him watch him strut and gobble?
He has not shot a gun, but we have a 22 down where i hunt i was going to take him and let him try. I have electronic ear protection for him to wear, etc. I am looking at one of the Tristar G2 auto 410s for him to hunt with when he is ready to go. i thought about starting him with 22 and then move up to the 410 with light dove loads to practice and only shoot a "turkey" load if he actually got a shot on one thinking the excitement would negate the extra kick.
so, all that to say... do you think 5 is too young? should i give it another year or 2? i was 5 or 6 when i first shot my grandfathers ithica 20ga pump. that think kicked like a mule.
It depends on the child. My buddy Jimmys boy used to shoot a 22 and 410 at 4. That's no bs either. Most kids aren't ready than but he'd shoot until he couldn't hold up the gun and ask for help. Jimmy told him when he needed rest he'd have to stop for a little bit. The kid would cry.
You need to experiment w the 22. Than try 410 light loads. Perhaps in a lead sled or something. No opinions of sorts are needed, least not in the classic sense. You gotta determine the child's ability to do this and make the decision. We'll all help but the final decision needs to be yours. Don't hurt him, don't scare him. Take it slow
Auto 410 will have very little recoil.my son was shooting a 20ga.at 6 he would shoot it over and over loved it.It was an auto also (11-87 compact) the stock has different spacers to adjust lop with all the spacers its the same lop as a full size 11-87 good luck hope he gets a big one.
So Bowguy is spot on, all kids are different and would depend on that "level" they are at. It sounds as your son has been in the field with you already. Once you have him in that firearms shooting stage and he is comfortable with it.
So just to bring up something I have run into from mentoring. I had a young girl out turkey hunting, she went through our Learn to Hunt Turkey Program, classroom, and field & safety day. On the day of our hunt we (her, her dad and I) got to the point of her just having shot her first turkey, as we got up to the bird and I am getting the bird ready to take a picture, and I can hear her dad talking to her and the girl is in tears, I get up and go over and talk to them, and her dad was telling her how good she did and she killed her first turkey. This seemed to be almost overwhelming to her, NOT in a bad way but she had seen her older brothers hunt, dad hunt and such and this was her first "anything" out hunting, she had been along on hunts with dad before, watched him take deer and turkey and said he had never seen her like this before, she was physically shaking from the excitement of all of this. We took some time talked and took some pictures with her and dad.
Yup this is why I turkey hunt, mentor, youth hunt, "learn to hunt" and get some adult newbies turkey hunting.
Good Luck to you and your boy!
MK M GOBL
Thank you we need more people like you in our sport .
TG for the Youth Turkey Day or Days to bring in New Turkey Hunters! New Jersey has 1 Day + New York has 2 days. So important to get a Youth started on the Youth Days!!