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Get Kids Involved Safely with Guns
bnailon
Member Posts: 460 ✭✭✭
It worries me that kids across the country are bombarded with anti-gun messages from TV, schools, etc. Firearm education and parental involvement are the keys to deflating this radical, left-wing message.
I am trying to do my part to expose my 3 kids to firearms in the safest and most responsible manner. I have been very successful at it so far and I am very thankful for that. I don't know if there is any secret formula, but this is how I am doing it. I started taking my kids dove hunting locally here in SE Texas with me at age 6-7--and taking them deer hunting and to the range regularly sometime after that. My oldest son (15) just received his early Xmas present last week--870 Express, and my youngest son (14) received another 870 for his birthday in August. Our agreement is that the kids pay half of their gift, so that they have ownership in those firearms. My youngest (10 year old girl) goes dove hunting with us now. She used my old single 20-gauge over the weekend as we sat together and discussed gun safety, hunting ethics, etc. The boys are very mature and resposible--aced the required hunter safety course--and now bow hunt and gun hunt. It's a matter of time before my daughter gets enough experience and maturity to have her first shotgun, too. We have our rules that all firearms are locked up in the safe--that they cannot handle them while I am not present. If they want to look at them, they ask and I ususally oblige unless I am busy soing something else. Their friends at school are hunters and fishermen with similar parental involvement. I cannot explain how proud I feel with my kids taking up the same interests as I have.
Start them early...preach safety and responsibility constantly...teach them about following state and federal hunting regulations...give them ownership in their firearm gifts...and I think most people will be amazed at how their kids will come to appreciate firearms and hunting.
Now...if I can just get them to carry the garbage out..and get mama out there with us....
I am trying to do my part to expose my 3 kids to firearms in the safest and most responsible manner. I have been very successful at it so far and I am very thankful for that. I don't know if there is any secret formula, but this is how I am doing it. I started taking my kids dove hunting locally here in SE Texas with me at age 6-7--and taking them deer hunting and to the range regularly sometime after that. My oldest son (15) just received his early Xmas present last week--870 Express, and my youngest son (14) received another 870 for his birthday in August. Our agreement is that the kids pay half of their gift, so that they have ownership in those firearms. My youngest (10 year old girl) goes dove hunting with us now. She used my old single 20-gauge over the weekend as we sat together and discussed gun safety, hunting ethics, etc. The boys are very mature and resposible--aced the required hunter safety course--and now bow hunt and gun hunt. It's a matter of time before my daughter gets enough experience and maturity to have her first shotgun, too. We have our rules that all firearms are locked up in the safe--that they cannot handle them while I am not present. If they want to look at them, they ask and I ususally oblige unless I am busy soing something else. Their friends at school are hunters and fishermen with similar parental involvement. I cannot explain how proud I feel with my kids taking up the same interests as I have.
Start them early...preach safety and responsibility constantly...teach them about following state and federal hunting regulations...give them ownership in their firearm gifts...and I think most people will be amazed at how their kids will come to appreciate firearms and hunting.
Now...if I can just get them to carry the garbage out..and get mama out there with us....
Comments
I wish I could hear this kind of story from more parents.
P.S. It worries me too. [:(]
The gene pool needs chlorine.
That's how I intend to teach my girls, only I'm going to start with Paintball instead of BB's. Then, later if they're interested, with a .22... and so on.
My hats off to you. You have done a great service to keep the tradition alive for the future.
"We have our rules that all firearms are locked up in the safe--that they cannot handle them while I am not present. If they want to look at them, they ask and I ususally oblige unless I am busy soing something else"...
This is excatly the rule of law I have at my home. My 15 year old son is very responsible. This may sound too much, but I taught my son not to point guns including plastic toy one at anybody. Therefore no paint ball guns for him! It is just the way how I feel.
-dk
Thanks for the kind words. Kudos to you, too with your 15-year old. As you indicated, kids are our future in carrying on the traditions and heritage of firearms and shooting. I guess it's more difficult in certain parts of the country to get kids outdoors. Godd luck with your son. He sounds a lot like mine--can't get enough hunting, fishing, and shooting!
I still have the Rem. Mod. 11-48 410 Auto Dad gave me for my 14th birthday.
John
A penny saved is a congressional oversight!
That's neat! Makes you feel good doesn't it? Mine started out with BB guns--same way. When they were little, they polished and oiled their BB guns watching me oil and clean my rifles and shotguns--Always pointing them in a safe direction and following the 10 safety commandements.
My 14-year old son took a 6-point buck this morning at 100-yards in a tree stand by himself with a 7mm Mauser--Xmas gift from a couple of years ago. I'll put some photos on GB Discussion in a few days.
Congrats and keep up the good work.