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I grew up in a hunting family. I started hunting early, as most folks do in the South, toddling along with my father and grandfather as they hunted. From the age of five or so, I first carried a stick on these hunts, then a BB gun. Once all my “rites of passage” had been completed and a critical evaluation of my safety and shooting skills was made—and I passed muster—I was allowed to carry a shotgun along to hunt squirrels, rabbits, or an occasional quail in the woods of Alabama. I was about eight or nine. And so I began my immersion in my family’s hunting heritage.

Passing on hunting heritage and traditions began at an early age in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Hunting was a family-oriented pursuit, with parents, grandparents, uncles, and cousins all taking part in the traditional way of building the next generation of hunters.

After seven years as the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s Hunter Outreach Program Coordinator, attending countless seminars, reading volumes of studies on hunting trends, and talking to hundreds of parents accompanying youth hunters, I have grown concerned that we have forgotten the heritage of hunting and the methods to best teach, coach, and mentor the next generations of hunters.

National studies all show a decline in hunting and shooting sports participation. States have seen, and are still seeing, declining hunting license purchases (Colorado included). The forecast for holding on to this integral, critical part of our American history and experience shows an uncertain future.

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I frequently get calls from parents asking about the Hunter Outreach Program, and, after some discussion, I learn that the parent is a hunter but has waited until their child has reached the age of twelve before involving him or her in this unique part of our heritage. When I ask why they have waited so long, the typical answer is that they had to wait until the child turned twelve in order to hunt big game. When asked if they had taken their child along with them on hunts in earlier years, they generally say “No; not much sense in taking them if they cannot hunt.” I firmly believe that the parent is the best judge of when and where to begin teaching a child to hunt, and, if in the parent’s opinion, the wait was necessary due to maturity considerations or other factors, then the parent has made the best decision for the child. But, if the reason was simply because our Colorado law requires a youth to be twelve years old before hunting big game, then several years have been wasted that could have been spent teaching hunting skills, creating lasting memories, building confidence, and preparing the youngster for success.

I believe engendering a hunting heritage in a child is much like raising one in the first place. My wife and I raised four children, two boys and twin daughters, so I had some practice with “first steps” and toddlers. I believe the same process can be applied to engaging a young person in hunting and the shooting sports.

I’m sure that those who have children remember the first steps the kids took; wobbly, uncertain, and somewhat uncontrolled, the toddler usually heading for the arms of Mom or Dad, seeking the safety net that parents provide. Once that first step has been taken, parents encourage and coach them along, first holding their hands, then just finger tips, until finally they are confident enough to walk on their own. Then, at least with mine, we have a hard time slowing them down! The desire to walk and then run consumes their every waking moment until they are proficient at it. Sure, they make mistakes; go too fast, fall and skin up knees and elbows. But we pick them up, give them a hug, quiet the fears, and send them on their way again. I think teaching a young hunter is much the same. Their confidence, enjoyment, enthusiasm, then passion, are all acquired in the same manner as were those first steps.

The Division’s Hunter Outreach Program applies several key principles to each hunt it plans and conducts. Many of these principles apply to individuals as they teach, coach, and mentor the next generation of hunters.

The three most important of these “first step” principles are 1) Provide a positive threshold experience; 2) Provide access to proper equipment, and; 3) Provide social support.

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Providing a Positive Threshold Experience is a key factor in allowing a youth to enjoy the hunting adventure. Components include choosing times to hunt when you can devote all your time, attention, and energy to the young hunter. Even if there is no game to harvest, teach him or her about the woods, the creatures that live there, and the wonders of nature that are behind every tree, under every rock, or soaring high above. The five-mile hike up to that high meadow at 11,000 feet to look for elk may not be the best first experience for the novice ten year old’s first trip. Maybe sitting on a likely game trail for a bit or slowly walking along an even ridge, glassing the lower meadows, is a better option.

If your protégé has passed a hunter safety course, consider allowing him to carry an unloaded firearm, practicing muzzle control, crossing obstacles, and proper carry methods. End the day with an opportunity to shoot at a safe target, or maybe a small game animal if in season. The ultimate goal is an awesome trip to the field with someone who makes a difference in the young hunter’s life.

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Access to Proper Equipment is a tough one for a young hunter. Hunting can be an expensive pastime for growing children. Boots only fit for a year, clothing; maybe two. Few firearms are made specifically youth. Seemingly small things can add up to make either an enjoyable hunting experience or an unpleasant one for young hunters.

None of us like being cold, our feet and hands aching from lack of proper clothing or foot gear. A child is not any different. I often have young folks arrive to an Outreach hunt with poor-fitting or flimsy gloves, boots that are too large (or no boots at all), and clothing that is not adequate for the weather conditions.

If purchasing a good pair of walking or hiking boots is too much of an expense, then choose a day and place to hunt where such an investment is not necessary. Making novice youth hunters suffer from sore, blistered, or cold feet is a sure way to make hunting a bad memory, losing an otherwise lifetime hunting partner. Clothing does not have to become a major investment. Cruise the Goodwill stores, yard sales, and bargain-basements for good, serviceable clothing that is both warm and of the proper size.

Finding good “youth” firearms is a bit tougher, but nothing is worse than allowing a young hunter to attempt to shoot a firearm that has poor “gun fit”; too long in the stock, a too-long barrel, one that’s front-end heavy, or is “too much gun” (caliber), resulting in recoil that is uncomfortable and hurts the shooter. Like the cold, none of us like pain; we naturally react to avoid it. For the young shooter, this means flinching at the pull of the trigger, anticipating the hurt, or maybe giving up entirely on the idea of shooting.

I had a young lady, twelve years old, come to an elk hunt she had drawn from the Outreach Program. She brought her father’s 30-06, shooting 180 grain bullets. The first round at the range brought tears, the second shot brought more tears, eyes closed, and a serious flinch. The gun was too much for her—too long and too heavy. I swapped out her 30-06 for a 7mm-08 youth rifle with 140 grain bullets. The result? A smile, accurate shot placement, and an enthusiastic young hunter!

If firearms cost is an issue, check gun stores for used firearms or other places that market resale firearms. Before purchasing, and if at all possible, take your selection to a gunsmith and have it checked for function and safety. If it turns out to be a good buy and meets the needed safety requirements, talk to the gunsmith about cutting the stock and “fitting the gun” to the youngster. (Most gunsmiths can do this for a nominal cost.) Fitting the gun to the shooter will improve skills, accuracy, and enjoyment.

One last point about equipment: You must allow the novice to practice to improve his or her skills. Shooting accuracy is all about practice—for the novice or the experienced hunter. Taking a youth hunting, without having taken the time to practice, many times, at a range or clay target field beforehand is wrong, unfair to the youth, and sets the stage for failure: Just one opportunity to harvest the quarry may present itself; a poor shot will mean a missed animal, or worse, a wounded animal. Take every opportunity to practice the skills of hunting—shooting, tracking, looking, land navigation, listening, and yes, even walking or sitting quietly. Making the most of the essential part of the hunting experience—learning the skills—will mean a lifetime of hunting successes, camaraderie, self-satisfaction, and enjoyment.

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Social Support is the last of the principles. Few folks like to hunt alone. (In the case of a novice youth hunter, it’s not legal.) One of the most important parts of instilling in youth our hunting heritage is the opportunity hunting provides to talk about the hunt, share the experience, and, of course, to tell some good “hunting lies”! Reliving the hunt with family and friends will make it something really special, and, as it is said, priceless.

Campfire stories provide a lifetime of memories—whether completely accurate in the telling or not! Encourage the apprentice hunter to share the experience. Be patient if too many details creep in, such as the breakfast menu! The youngster is building a lifetime of memories, one step at a time—you are a part of those memories, and those memories are a part of you. The true value of the hunt is not the harvest of the game, but the “harvest” of the experience. Many years later, few young hunters will remember the game they pursued, but they will be able to tell about, in detail, the days spent in the field in the company of friends or family.

I have found the past seven years with the Hunter Outreach Program to have been a rewarding experience sharing, and passing on, my love of hunting to hundreds of youth and novice hunters. I believe we can continue to make a difference in the lives of young men and women by sharing with them one of our greatest American traditions. I encourage each of you to help those hunting “toddlers” learn to walk, run, and enjoy the hunt. Start them early, engage them in tradition, and invest in the greatest “trust fund” you can leave to them.