There’s nothing quite like watching a kid light up when that first gobbler sounds off. Getting your young’uns into the woods and teaching them the ways of the hunt—well, that’s one of the most rewarding things we get to do as parents, mentors, and outdoorsmen.
But let’s be honest—teaching kids to hunt isn’t just about handing them a call and saying, “Good luck.” It takes patience, preparation, and a whole lot of heart. Whether your little one is just tagging along or ready to take their first shot, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help make those first hunts count.
Step 1: Start with the Why, Not the Weapon
Kids are naturally curious. Before you even step into the woods, talk to them about what hunting means. Teach ‘em about respecting wildlife, conservation, and how hunting plays a role in that balance. Help them understand that pulling the trigger is only a small part of the hunt. The real magic is in the woods, the waiting, the learning, and the memories made.
Step 2: Make It Fun First
Let’s face it—kids don’t have the same attention span as us seasoned hunters. So if you're hoping for an all-day sit with a seven-year-old... good luck! Start with short, fun trips. Let them explore, look for tracks, play with a call, and just enjoy being outside. Turn the woods into a classroom—and a playground.
Step 3: Gear Them Up Right
Nothing will sour a hunt faster than cold toes or itchy clothes. Get your kids geared up in something comfortable and weather-appropriate. And if they’re carrying calls or helping with gear, make sure it's lightweight and manageable. A good slate call or simple mouth call can be a fun intro—just don’t expect championship yelps right away (though you might get some good laughs trying).
Step 4: Teach the Calls Together
Kids love making noise—and lucky for us, turkey hunting is one of the few sports where that’s actually a good thing (well… sometimes). Start with basic yelps and clucks. Let them try box calls, pot calls, and even youth-sized diaphragms when they’re ready. Make it a game—who can get the gobbler to answer back first?
Step 5: Safety is Everything
This step ain’t optional. Teach your kids early and often about hunter safety. Blaze orange, trigger discipline, field of view, identifying targets—this should be part of every hunt, every time. Make it second nature.
Step 6: Celebrate the Little Wins
Did they sit still for 15 minutes? That’s a win. Did they spot a hen before you did? That’s a win. Did they whisper instead of shout? Huge win. Celebrate progress, not just harvests. And when they do tag their first bird? Take the photos. Make the memory. Let them tell the story a hundred times.
Step 7: Keep It Going
The first hunt is just the beginning. Keep the fire burning. Let them help scout. Let them help prep gear. Let them be part of the tradition. Hunting becomes part of who they are when they feel like they belong in it.
Final Thoughts from Lyle
Some of my favorite hunts weren’t about what I brought home, but who I brought with me. Getting kids involved in hunting is about building confidence, character, and connection—to the land, to the animal, and to each other.
So if you’ve got a kid in your life who’s showing interest—don’t wait. Take them. Teach them. Show them why we do this.
Because long after that bird is gone from the freezer, the memory of that hunt will still be fresh.
See y’all in the woods,
~Lyle
Get Them Started Early
Let them practice with "Youth Calls" made specifically for them.
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