What are you teaching your kids?
It's no secret that in today's world, technology has a strong impact on the next generation. All too often I see children stuck to their phones, begging for new video games, or anxious to see the next episode on TV because one just isn't enough. Growing up I remember being with my dad hunting, fishing, riding my bike, playing sports, and anything else outdoors. As I got older, technology strongly influenced me but I'm thankful to have the foundation of the outdoors to bring me back to what's important. I worry that the next generation won't have this foundation to fall back on, and I believe it's our responsiblity to make a difference.
My husband and I focus on engaging the younger generation in our outdoor adventures to help them learn some of the most basic tools in life. Being outdoors is one of the only places I experience peace and quiet, while putting the chaos of life aside temporarily. It's during these moments that people grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Why would we not pass this opportunity along to our kids? It's important to remember that young children look up to us and absorb every detail. Below are some of the most influential traits and life skills that I've learned by simply being in the middle of nature:
Courage
It can be intimidating and scary to hunt for the first time as a kid. With few years of experience (if any) and the pressure to make a clean shot, it takes a great deal of courage to get out there and harvest an animal. With dozens of kills under my belt, I still ask myself "am I completely prepared for this?" If I'm questioning myself before heading to the stand, imagine the mind of a child going on their first hunt. We try to praise the small accomplishments, whether it's remembering to walk quietly or unloading your gun at the correct time. These moments will help build the confidence needed to follow through with harvesting an animal.
Determination
Any well rounded hunter knows that there will be slow days that make it hard to keep pushing through. I remember feeling so physically and mentally drained after elk hunting for 7 days in New Mexico without a chance to shoot, but I never once thought about giving up. Even on high-fenced ranches in Texas, we can pick out a buck we plan to kill and not get a shot at him for years. You learn the true meaning of determination and how hard you're willing to work to accomplish something.
Survival Skills
Although the possibilty of being stranded is slim, hunting is a great time to teach young ones what to do in bad situations. Simply building a fire, knowing what to eat, and knowing what plants to avoid is crucial for survival. Learning signs of animal behavior or other people in the area will go a long way, as well as knowing what kind of wood will put off the most smoke to signal for help. Teach your kids everything you can and it will make it more enjoyable for them and ease your mind when they start going into the woods on their own.
Patience
Back in 2008, when I killed my very first buck with my rifle, I hunted every day for a week. I would go to one stand and he would show up at another stand. Being in the middle of the rut, it was really unpredictable what he would do, so it was so important that I remained patient with a good attitude. He finally showed up and all the waiting was worth it. Hunters often sit through horrible hunting conditions with little movement around them, and it's very common to go home empty-handed after numerous hunting trips. It takes patience to return to the stand and continue to hunt, even when you feel you've put in enough time.
Respect
Obviously being surrounded by other adults will teach you to use manners and to respect other's privacy, but what I'm most passionate about is the respect of the animal. This includes making ethical shots and eating what you kill. We really make an effort to use everything we can on an animal, even if that means donating because our freezer is full. I've also learned to respect what other people are working so hard to harvest. If a cull buck walks out and I know someone has their eye on him, I let him walk. It's great for kids to learn boundaries and to appreciate the entire experience.
Spirit
To harvest an animal, you truly have to put yourself in their position. You learn what trails he takes, what he wants to eat the most, and where he's bedding down. After all of this is taken into consideration, you try to plan his next move for him. In a sense, you're becoming the animal in order to have a shot at him, and connecting with nature in the process. This is the spirit of hunting!
Precision
I can't say it enough: practice makes perfect. We try to shoot multiple times a week, and every day the week of a big hunt. After long trips, it's even more important to test your equipment before going in the field. You can't practice too often, in too many positions, or in too many conditions. Any practice is good practice because you can't predict when your opportunity will present itself. AIM SMALL, MISS SMALL!
Quality Time
Sleeping in a cabin with a dozen other hunters, sitting around a campfire telling stories, blessing the food before dinner, and sitting next to your best friend in a stand as you harvest your first animal of the season will always be the most memorable times in life. Relationships always grow during these times because the distractions are eliminated and you're truly focused on what matters. It's important to not let this fade. In other words, KEEP HUNTING!
