20 Nebraskaland • April 2020
By Jarrod Spilger
TAKE A KID HUNTING
There's no nobler cause than introducing a youngster to
Nebraska's great outdoors. Many children, both girls and
boys, seem to have an almost innate interest in hunting. Here
are some things to remember when taking a kid hunting.
Start Out Small
Most kids want to immediately hunt deer, but that may
not be the best choice. The November firearm season is
often cold, and there are many other hunters afield. Instead,
think smaller and warmer. September doves are a great
introductory quarry. The weather's nice and there are usually
plenty of birds. Ditto for October squirrels, since they are
often quite vocal and readily available. Spring gobblers are
another good bet. Warmer weather and the excitement of
both calling to turkeys and hearing them respond combine
to create a memorable hunt.
Use a Blind
Kids tend to fidget, and a blind will help conceal any
movement, especially at the moment of truth when they
go to raise their gun. It'll also provide shelter from the
elements. The pop-up blind is probably the best thing that
ever happened to youth hunting.
Use the Right Gun
Don't start youngsters with too much gun. Conversely,
don't give them too little gun, either. Many kids begin
their shooting careers with a full-choked, single-shot .410.
However, small payloads and tight chokes can be something
of a handicap. A lightweight 20-gauge may be the better
choice. It provides sufficient firepower for everything from
doves to ducks to turkeys, yet won't overpower the shooter.
If the kid is big enough, a 12-gauge will also work, provided
you don't subject them to magnum loads. Mossberg makes a
large variety of youth shotguns in all three of these gauges.
While shotguns are versatile, nothing beats the low-
recoiling .22 rifle for introducing new shooters to guns. Plus,
it can also be used to successfully hunt squirrels and rabbits.
Pack Snacks
Growing boys and girls get hungry – frequently. If you
want them to stay in the blind all day (or at least for a few
hours), you've got to bring food along. Granola bars, Rice
Krispies Treats and juice boxes will keep them happy and
attentive. Remember, hunting is supposed to be fun. With
the right preparation, that jumpy little kid sitting next to you
in the blind may just turn out to be your best hunting buddy
someday.
IN THE FIELD
With turkey calls in hand, Richard Johnson and his son Nolan of
Gretna scout for birds in Cass County.
To submit photos for the Take 'Em Hunting campaign, which runs
through May 31, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/takeemhunting.
