For the last 15 years, I have dedicated myself to several different causes that have a common theme. They all focus on getting more youth involved in "traditional" outdoor sports. What is a "traditional" outdoor sport? There are several, but in my instance that means hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and trapping.
As someone that has personally initiated over 1000 youths to hunting, shooting, and the outdoors, one of the most common questions that I receive is, "What is the best way to introduce a youth to shooting?" The short answer is, take them with you! As we move to a more urbanized society, this has become more difficult than in the past, but as a father to four young children, I can assure you that it can be done.
There are some important factors to consider whenever a young person is around firearms, but if you keep the following three things in mind, you will ensure not only that a good time will be had by all, but also that the child has the best chance of developing a lifetime passion for the same things that you enjoy..
The Three Biggest Mistakes People Make When Introducing Kids to the Shooting Sports
Here are the three biggest mistakes people make when they introduce kids to shooting.
1. They make it about them and not the child. Remember-kids like things to be exciting, and they like things to be fun. Fun for you doesn't mean fun for them. My number one "top secret" trick? I like to use reactionary targets. Pop cans or milk jugs filled with water...a spinning or resettable target...even balloons taped to a backstop all work great!
2. They "over-gun" or "under-gun" the child. An investment in the right equipment now means many, many years of fun ahead. Why take the chance of making it a negative experience for that youngster? The more children you have or plan on introducing to the shooting sports, the more economical it becomes to buy the proper equipment. It also sells well when they've outgrown it.
3. They aren't flexible. Remember, kids have short attention spans. Watch them carefully for signs that they are bored or need a change of scenery. Never, ever become frustrated or raise your voice to a child learning to shoot a gun or bow. Aside from the added risks of error, it's a great lesson in patience for all of us.
Finally, I would like to address the issue of the right age to start a child in the shooting sports. The correct answer is, it depends on the child but you can never start early enough. They government, state or federal, is not good source of information or advice in this case. I've seen kids that were avid, safe hunters at age 7 and others that shouldn't be anywhere near a gun at 17.
By the time a child is 10 or 12, they have already become involved in school activities, other sports, and these days it seems they are becoming interested in the opposite sex at an earlier and earlier age. If your child is at that stage, you will have a much more difficult time than had you introduced them earlier. My kids were in the field and out on the water with me by the time they were 3 years old. The result? They all are passionate outdoorsmen (and women) that love to accompany me to this day.
Follow this advice, and you will ensure a lifetime of companionship, responsibility, enthusiasm, and enjoyment with your child.
The Three Biggest Mistakes People Make When Introducing Kids to the Shooting Sports
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Ace Luciano has been a consummate outdoorsman for over 30 years and has travelled the globe in pursuit of both game and fish throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Africa, Europe, and Australia. He is a Read Head (Bass Pro Shops)and Mossy Oak hunting Pro and a member of the pro staff of or companies representing Leupold Optics, Traditions Muzzleloaders, Browning, Barnes Bullets, Magnum Research, and BLACKHAWK! tactical and hunting gear and a semifinalist in the 2006 Field and Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge.
In order to help pursue his passion, in 1995 he became a partner in the adventure booking agency World Game Hunts, Ltd. For the adventure of a lifetime, visit [http://www.worldgamehunts.net]
Recruiting youths into the outdoors is a passion, and Ace is involved in numerous conservation organizations and youth projects.
A 20 year veteran of sales and marketing, Ace has won the pinnacle sales award at every company for which he was ever employed and now shares his experience with other outdoor-related businesses. You can benefit from Ace's sales and marketing expertise by visiting his website, http://www.BigGameAce.com
Whether you are looking for a new source of customers, keeping the customers you have from the competition, starting a pro staff program, or simply want to streamline your business and make more money, you NEED this "Ace" in your hand!
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