Potential for starting to take kids who need mentors out to bowhunt?

[Virginiashadow]

What do you all think if maybe in the next couple of years, if I purchased some youth bows and maybe trained 3-4 young teenagers how to shoot the bows properly and then took one of them each Saturday throughout the season to bowhunt? Have any of you guys done this? I feel it is something that would be a good thing for kids.....and maybe I could get other friends of mine to teach and train the same amount of kids...just a thought.

vashadow

[LoneWolf]

I think it would be a faboulous idea, and a wonderful gift to the sport, the youth, and yourself.:D
The only thing I'd be concerned with is the liability issue if the youth are not well known or family. It's a shame you even have to think of something like that, but in this day and age seems you doo. Perhaps Fabsroman could give us a little insight into this.

[Valigator]

We have been doing that for years...we built a target on the side of the yard...and started the kids on whatever we had in the house which was everything...long bows, crossbows, compound...etc...when and if we saw the kids who had a natural talent and love for the sport...we usually took their birthday and drove them down to Bass Pro and got them outfitted for a compound.....now we dont give it to them...not for a couple of years at least but it is always hangin on the wall when they come visit....and if we go on a nice hunt and there is room for them which we always make...they get their first deer...first hog....ect... thats why we are always surrounded by genuinely good kids....we are blessed and kept young by them...

[fabsroman]

It is a great idea if you have the time and resources to do it.

As far as liability is concerned, have the parents around when the kids are practicing and have both the kids and the parents sign a release of liability that pretty much holds you harmless. You don't want to be sued by the kid or parents if the kid shoots himself/herself in the foot. I definitely wouldn't take the kids out in the woods until everybody felt comfortable with it. Once you feel like you are getting along with the kids and the parents, start offering to take them on some hunts.

I have thought about taking kids hunting, but just don't know where to get a list of kids that want to hunt. Plus, I am always worried that it will be one of those bad days where nothing is killed or shot at. I hate when I have a beginner with me and that sort of thing happens. It feels worse than when it just happens to me, my dad, and the dog.

[Valigator]

Fabs your so funny......the whole idea for us doing what we do is because the parents dont want to take the time and effort....getting a signed release...nope...all the parents know when you hang out at Valigator"s you take your chances....laughing

[popplecop]

I think it is a tremendous idea, it is what is needed in all the outdoor sports. We do it locally here with spring turkey hunting. First time hunters don't even need a lic. or permit, but must attend our 4 hr. class and go with a mentor. Usually a 1 or 2 day hunt. Done thru our DNR & NWTF. I do applaud you for what you are going to do, I'm sure you will find it very rewarding. The future of hunting is the youth not us.

[M.T. Pockets]

I've done this with a few kids. I've been a volunteer firearms safety instructor for the past several years and have about 30 kids a year. Out of these 30 there are usually about 4 or 5 that really have the love of the outdoor sports in them. If I see one that doesn't have a parent that hunts I'll invite them with to my shooting range first, then on a hunt. I have always known the parents well and make it a point to have at least one other adult with. It's sad but it's just not a good situation for an adult to be alone with a kid these days, even hunting. A couple of these kids are now adults and are really first class hunters. I'm a few years older and I hope they wheel me out in the field when I'm older.

I'd check with your state's dept. of natural resources to see if they have a volunteer instructor course for archery and become an instructor. Very valuable resources and some pointers on how to be around youth in today's legal environment. They may also provide liability insurance for you while hosting the classes and training (Minnesota does).

Also, we have a local sportsmen's club that hosts a youth shooting day for the students right after they complete their safety course and get their certificates. This is really a lot of fun too.

[gregarat]

I also think that its a great idea:)

I have another idea for Liability incurance.
When I was a teen I compeated in 10m precision air rifle and smallbore, with a NRA program. I remember their being a nice incurance policy.

Mabe you should try working with the NRA. Who knows they may have other goodies for your program?

[Virginiashadow]

Thanks for the advice all. I really think it is something kids around my area need to be given a chance to do. Alot of them have noone to look out for them. An adult with some sort of hobby is a miserable adult.

vashadow

[Wolvie]

VA ,.......I wanted to do the same thing about 15 yrs ago,.........in my home state of Ohio.
But I started thinkin about the possibilities of one of those kids gettin hurt or something,...
than I looked into my local DNR,(DEC),..
and I believe you can do the same in your home state and try to become or get involved in the program I am in and have been for over 20 yrs. ( In Ohio, and now in NY).

Hunter Safety Education Program,....it will take you about 2 yrs to get everything you need (as far as qualifications),and certification,......plus you are insured through the state,.......everything is supplied to you for your classes,......all u need is the time.
And if you belong to a Hunting Club ,...all you gotta do is get the okay (after you are certified) and you can teach all the safety classes u want.

I think that your best way to go,....and you`ll have alot of fun and believe me I am still learning,.from my students.


Good Luck Bro,.......


Later All
SAFE HUNTIN~

[Wolvie]

Here`s one quote I use and came up with,......
" A good teacher never stops learning".

Keep that in mind as you consider your teaching future,......and as you go you will see what I mean.

Later All
SAFE HUNTIN~