User post: How old should a child be to go hunting?

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  Posted by vixenvena Sun Nov 8, 2009 4:03pm PST

  Wow... You're not even married yet and you're already trying to decide when to get your kid involved with guns! I'm too stunned for words at this.

  Personally if it were me, I'd ask myself if I could be involved with a man who hurts animals for sport rather than for food.

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  Posted by Mhu Sun Nov 8, 2009 4:07pm PST

  It depends on the child but I knew women from Canada, Western Pennsylvania, and upstate New York who were taken out at around that age, and they were decent individuals. More importantly, it depends on the person taking her hunting, and the reactions of other family members. An irresponsible individual (any drinking or drugs while armed qualifies) should never take a child hunting or even to a range. The child ought to be well protected from a harsh environment and have superb ear protection properly in place when the shooting starts.

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  Posted by kevin b Sun Nov 8, 2009 4:21pm PST

  My granddaughter, who turned 5 last February, went hunting with her dad about two weeks ago. I think it depends on how mature the child is. they did not see a deer to shoot, but she was prepared for it if they did. She has been askign to go hunting with my son since she was about three. Again, it depends on the child.

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  Posted by NO NAME Sun Nov 8, 2009 4:49pm PST

  aways took my sons hunting,they drew straws who went as sit behind me on horse back and in front at age 3 plus help skin the deer

  i am a western man,and raised my 5 kids that way

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  Posted by KittenKaboodle Sun Nov 8, 2009 4:51pm PST

  "Shot a gun?" It's shoot a gun or shoot a deer. And depending on where you grow up it is a matter of how tough your kid is. I used to go scouting for deer and elk with my dad and brother from the time we could walk. No car seats back then. We stood up in the seat and were on the look out for deer, elk, coyotes and whatever kind of wildlife we could find. My brother started taking his 2 daughters out hunting with him when they were 2. Both my brother and I received our first BB gun when we turned 6. Our first .22 rifle when we were 12. His daughters received the same. The oldest is 13 now and just took her first hunters safety course. The 9 yo will take hunters safety as soon as she is old enough.

  And it sounds like your boyfriend is just trying to get a reaction out of you. And if he's hunting just to kill something he's no hunter. You eat what you kill. One shot, one kill.

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  Posted by dolphin Sun Nov 8, 2009 5:02pm PST

  First, Whattttttttttttt???

  The inkling of gun in either of your heads is perposterous !

  Second, That's why we have such problems with guns in this day and age.

  For hunting or self protection.

  Responsibly a license is issued to a hunter for specific animal,

  You're needing one for fishing for heavens sakes.

  In matters of age, Safety requirements are supposed to be met and States differ on age requirement.

  Mental testing should be done first, { as in this case }

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  Posted by chrissyr Sun Nov 8, 2009 5:08pm PST

  it really depends on many things. first, if she is going to go on a hunting trip around guns (obviously) she needs to understand that when one is not careful it is very easy to get hurt or killed. no matter how long you have been around guns you should always treat them with the utmost respect. perhaps she could sign up for a gun safety class. she should also understand that killing the deer is not just for sport. it keeps deer population down, it can provide food and for re-enacters buckskin for clothing and hides for camping and keeping warm.

  if she is going hunting then she needs to be able to be still and quiet for long periods of time. so don't worry about it now. wait and see.

  and if you find yourself with extra deer meat then give me a call. i wouldn't say no to some deer sausage or venison steak!

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  Posted by Juan Sun Nov 8, 2009 5:24pm PST

  it depends if u know how 2 handle a gun . plus u r tryin to get food................... isnt he????

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  Posted by GirlyGirl© Sun Nov 8, 2009 5:48pm PST

  42. And only if they are starving.

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  Posted by GirlyGirl© Sun Nov 8, 2009 5:52pm PST

  When I was in high school, alot of kids younger than I hunted. One boy's older brother blinded him in one eye with buckshot. Two years later, the younger brother pulled a rifle out of his locker and shot his brother three times in the chest in the hallway of our school. Killed him. Sorry, but I don't think that putting guns into our children's hands are going to solve anything. Nothing at all.

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