States across the country are beginning to focus on early youth hunts to increase the involvement of young hunters. All experienced hunters need to find interested youth and get them involved in outdoor activities, being that they are the future of our beloved sport and the conservation of our lands and waters! The lessons children learn afield such as persistence and patience will be applicable in many other life experiences. For the adult taking a child afield for the first time, there are a few things you can do to increase the young hunters odds of harvesting a bird.

Proceeding safely afield should be at the forefront of a youth’s outdoor education, teaching when, where and how to do so are the most important tasks of the adult. It’s a proven fact that children involved in activities at younger ages tend to continue that activity throughout their lives. Our state has fortunately stepped up to get youths involved in outdoor sports at younger ages. Hopefully this will keep outdoors men numbers up in the future.