I took Jakey and Julia out last Saturday for an afternoon of jumpshooting ducks and an evening in the blind for deer.
My son really wanted to get his first duck in the worst way and worked hard making some great sneaks with me. He had two opportunities and missed, which is to be expected when he is just starting out. I was impressed that he analyzed what he did wrong after the failed sneaks and laid out plans to give himself a better opportunity the next time. He was quickly learning that you learn from your mistakes and make adjustments as needed! The next sneak, two ducks flew right as he was getting ready to shoot. As soon as they flew, three coots swam out of the grass right in front of him. He asked if he could shoot and I gave him the green light. Two shots later he had his first "duck", er coot, floating on the water and he was estatic!!! I waded in to get it and he could hardly believe his good fortune. I have no doubt Jakey will take a lot of game in the future, but you can bet he won't forget this!!
Later in the afternoon they both had a blast catching salamanders. You just can beat that for fun if your a kid!!
That evening we had five deer from 4 to 12 yards from the blind, including a dandy 4x4 WT buck, but they wouldn't give Jakey the shot he needed with his bow. The kid is thoroughly hooked and can't waited to get out again. He is going to be tough on the critters in the next few years!! His sister likes going with to "hunt" salamanders, climb hay bales, and sit on dad's lap in the deer blind. She does not have a drive to hunt herself, but loves the outdoors.
You just can't beat days like that!!
My son really wanted to get his first duck in the worst way and worked hard making some great sneaks with me. He had two opportunities and missed, which is to be expected when he is just starting out. I was impressed that he analyzed what he did wrong after the failed sneaks and laid out plans to give himself a better opportunity the next time. He was quickly learning that you learn from your mistakes and make adjustments as needed! The next sneak, two ducks flew right as he was getting ready to shoot. As soon as they flew, three coots swam out of the grass right in front of him. He asked if he could shoot and I gave him the green light. Two shots later he had his first "duck", er coot, floating on the water and he was estatic!!! I waded in to get it and he could hardly believe his good fortune. I have no doubt Jakey will take a lot of game in the future, but you can bet he won't forget this!!
Later in the afternoon they both had a blast catching salamanders. You just can beat that for fun if your a kid!!
That evening we had five deer from 4 to 12 yards from the blind, including a dandy 4x4 WT buck, but they wouldn't give Jakey the shot he needed with his bow. The kid is thoroughly hooked and can't waited to get out again. He is going to be tough on the critters in the next few years!! His sister likes going with to "hunt" salamanders, climb hay bales, and sit on dad's lap in the deer blind. She does not have a drive to hunt herself, but loves the outdoors.
You just can't beat days like that!!
