Gerald Martin
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2009
- Messages
- 8,684
Tony, I understand your concerns. I actually think all kids regardless of age should have to pass hunter safety before being allowed to hunt. I don't think there is a feeling of entitlement among parents who feel their children are old enough to hunt as much as a sense of frustration over an arbitrary age limit. Set the boundary with a skills and knowledge test and make it rigorous enough that only those who can qualify are allowed to hunt. That should be the determining age whether it be 6 or whether it be 16.
My daughter just completed her hunter ed this past Sat. There was a big difference in child ability as well as parental involvement within the class. Those whose parents took an active role in developing and participating in were much more engaged and interested in the class. I must say the instructors went above and beyond in giving as much training as they could. At the field day they allowed each child to shoot multiple firearms other than the .22 rimfires and shotgun at their own expense. My daughter was allowed to shoot an AK 47, an AR 15, a lever action .357, and a Glock .40. She was thrilled and asked if she could take the class again, just so she could shoot all the guns.
My daughter just completed her hunter ed this past Sat. There was a big difference in child ability as well as parental involvement within the class. Those whose parents took an active role in developing and participating in were much more engaged and interested in the class. I must say the instructors went above and beyond in giving as much training as they could. At the field day they allowed each child to shoot multiple firearms other than the .22 rimfires and shotgun at their own expense. My daughter was allowed to shoot an AK 47, an AR 15, a lever action .357, and a Glock .40. She was thrilled and asked if she could take the class again, just so she could shoot all the guns.