4 Things To Do First To Prep Kids To Hunt Safely
Firearms safety begins at home. And if you want to teach your children to enjoy hunting as much as you do, training them to be safe around guns and other weapons is a must. So, how can you teach your kids the best gun safety practices right from the start? Here are a few things you can do before hitting the wilds.
Use a Gun Safe. The ideal way to store all guns at home, particularly around children, is by investing in a gun safe. Gun safes provide a solid storage location for everything from pistols to rifles and shotguns, all safely locked away from the reach of guests and kids. If you can't use a gun safe, you may also be able to use a locked cabinet, file cabinet, or traditional safe. The point is to store firearms safely, separately from their ammunition.
Enroll in Firearms Training. The first step to helping kids hunt safely is to teach them how to properly treat and discharge the guns they will be around. Proper firearms instruction includes the basics of safety, such as how to hold a gun pointed in a safe direction and best practices regarding built-in safeties. Consider taking firearms training in your area as a family, so you all learn the same methods for storage and use.
Get Proper Equipment. Firearm safety isn't just about learning to hold a gun properly. It's also about making sure your little one is safe in the field. Get proper hunting gear from the, including camouflage as well as safety vests and hats. Avoid colors that could be mistaken for game. Dress the little ones properly for the weather, packing tasty and high-protein food as well as basic first aid items.
Do Practice Runs. A practice run is a great opportunity to familiarize your child with hunting safety before any actual guns or wildlife is involved. Take a day trip or camping excursion to where you tend to hunt, and spend a day or two in the wild with your children simulating a hunting trip. Kids who aren't used to camping will gain great experience, and those who are will see the differences between a play trip and a hunting expedition. Discuss how to safely hunt in a group, do a little target shooting, or practice stalking.
By preparing your children to enjoy hunting and to be safe when using weapons, they will both respect it and have fun with it. And then you can head out as a family to do what you love.