The outdoor industry seems to be exploding largely due to social media and the immediate availability of videos, images and anything else you want to see. The reality is that while it is growing, it’s not at the pace many would expect. In 2008 hunters purchased 14,623,598 tags between all species. Ten years later in 2018, hunters purchased 15,544,848 – this is a growth rate of just over 9%. The state of Wisconsin as actually fallen by 9.6% in purchased hunting licenses.

What Can We Do?

Get Kids Involved

Start with fun stuff. Go to a 3D range, set up your own course. You need to build excitement before bring a child to the field for a 5 hour sit. Same thing with fishing. I love Muskie fishing but wouldn’t start my kids with that. Dig for worms and shore fish for bluegills and sunfish. You are setting the stage for a future hunting & fishing partner – this is about them, not you.

What Shouldn’t We Do?

Don’t put unrealistic expectations out there – 150 inch buck, 50 inch muskie.                                                                        

Pushing too hard – Are they ready for this?Harvesting an animal is an honor and should be treated as such   

Are they prepared for the reality of this and the work and respect needed to finish the job                                                                                                                                     

Being unprepared – This can be anything from harsh conditions to accurately shooting

Doing it all – Let your child do it. Sure it’s faster and easier for you to do it, but how will they learn?   

Get OutSide        

• Scout a field                - Set up trail cameras                    - Take pictures
• Look for sheds                - Take a hike                                    - Plant a food plot
• “Time Spent Hunting Is Never Wasted – Time Spent Hunting With A Child Is Priceless

  Author: Chris Vaughn