It's hard to forget the scene in Yellowstone where John and Kayce Dutton take Tate out on the child's first deer hunt. As the wise family patriarch, grandfather John has plenty of hunting advice for his young grandson. After Tate takes down his first deer, his father, Kayce, performs a tradition passed down from John, anointing Tate with the blood of the animal. Kayce says: "It's a big deal, taking a life. But everything on this earth has to do it to survive."
Many hunting families have long-standing traditions surrounding how they introduce their children to the sport. Whether it's the age at which a kid is first taught to hunt, or a specific piece of advice on how to shoot safely or kill game ethically, hunting traditions are about strengthening a family's bond and sharing a respect of nature from generation to generation.
We asked our readers (you!) about the advice they give their children before they hunt and fish. Here are some of our favorite hunting tips that real parents pass to their children.
Getty Images, Anna Richard
1. "Have Patience"
"Patience," writes a reader named Jeremy. "Some days are better than others; it's not called catching, it's called fishing. The same goes with hunting."
We learned the same thing. Never take a great day for granted and go out expecting nothing but some great time outdoors.
2. "If You're Not Sure of Your Shot, Don't Take It"
This sage wisdom comes from a reader named Ty. He adds, "There will be other shots. This is a beautiful creature, and don't make it suffer."
We couldn't agree more. Treating animals with the care they deserve is a vital part of hunting.
3. "Respect Your Prey"
"Make sure you have a clean and ethical kill shot," reader Shane writes.
We know how much respect hunters have for the animals they are hunting.
4. "Focus Your Shot"
"Aim small, miss small," read the wise words from reader Thomas.
We know it's easy to be fooled by such a large target, especially if you're deer or elk hunting. It's more effective to zero in on a smaller spot.
5. "Make Memories"
"It's about the trip," reader Ron writes. "Not the trophy."
We've learned that same lesson. Sometimes you have a lousy trip and get nothing, but the memories you make are priceless.
6. "Be Intentional"
"If you want to shoot a deer," reader Danial advises, "always be ready to shoot a deer."
We've, too, learned that if you really want to hit your target, you have to always be ready.
7. "Be Confident"
"No shot is better than a certain one," writes reader Tyler.
The more confident you are in your shot, the more likely it is to make contact.
8. "Hunting is Hard Work"
"Pulling the trigger is when the work starts," writes reader Brett.
As seasoned hunters, we know that shooting is only part of the equation. The real work begins when you have to field-dress and haul your meat back to your truck.
9. "Practice Precision"
"Make the first shot count," writes reader Tom. "Don't keep blowing holes in it and ruin the meat."
Shooting efficiency not only saves you from having unnecessary holes in your meat but ensures you get the most amount of venison out of your tag.
10. "Be Aware of Your Surroundings"
"Safety," wrote reader Robert. "Know the target and what's beyond it."
Safety is one of the most important lessons a child can learn. You never know when someone may be walking behind your target.
11. "Get a Full Visual"
"I told my boys: See the ears, eyes, nose, and tail, or don't shoot," writes reader Clint.
We've learned that in order to keep everyone in your hunting party safe, you need to establish a proper visual before you take the shot. No need for a hunting trip to end with someone in the hospital.
12. "Take Your Time"
"From my dad [I learned], take your time and look down the barrel," writes reader Joe. "I said the same words to my son."
Nothing is achieved by having an itchy trigger finger. We've learned that being methodical pays off in the long run.
13. "Waste Not Want Not"
"If you kill it, you're eating it," reader Dairl writes.
Any ethical hunter only shoots animals they intend to eat; an important lesson in respectful hunting for any child.
READ MORE: 6 Best Children's Books About Hunting, Picked By an Experienced Hunter
