Public Land/WMA hunting with a youth hunter

How old is the child?

I have similar reservations about bringing my kids on public.

If the child is old enough to hunt on their own, I don't see that much of an issue except hauling a climber and gear. Grown men are generally looking for lighter gear on public land... I can't imagine a 100 lb youth hunter carrying a 22 lb climber, gun, and 10-12 lb backpack.

I did go out a few years ago and set up a ground blind (with orange marking) on a pipeline that ran through Clear Creek WMA. My daughter and I hunted it for the youth weekend.

Really anything you can do to get the kids out in the woods is probably a positive experience for them. Even if the hunt isn't successful, they will probably still enjoy the time in the outdoors.

(no message)

quote:

---

Just kind of scares me and I feel pretty vulnerable on public land with whackos shooting rifles to not have my son in a box or more protected area.

---

ridiculous

I hunted youth hunt WMAs all the time growing up. I killed many deer as well.

My brother has been taking my 11 year old nephew for several years now too. Same results. Lots of dead deer.

quote:

---

Hard to hunt in climbers with a child

---

How old? I was hunting in climbers at around 9 or so. And that was in the old death trap climbers, nothing like the climbers we have today.

quote:

---

don't want to leave him alone in such areas. Just doesn't seem very feasible.

---

Then don't. Climb a tree nearby or sit at the base of the tree. My Dad took many naps at the bottom of trees while I was hunting.

quote:

---

ridiculous

---

not really, the wma hunts i've been on were very dense with hunters, you aren't always aware of who is around you and you are relying upon other people being smart. Putting my child on the ground in a WMA just isn't something i'm very comfortable especially not being over familiar with the WMA i'm hunting.

I would do the same thing I have done with my kids. Bring one lock on so that they only carry their weapon. Set up the stand and then they hunt the lock on. Position yourself about 80-100 yds away directly behind them on the ground. That way you are close enough to hear them call out in case of an emergency but far enough not to spook any deer in their immediate vicinity. Have done this for bowhunting. Could also do a lock-on, saddle set-up where the kid is in the lock on and the adult in a saddle near by or in the same tree.

How old is your son and can he shoot a rifle or primitive weapon ?

He’s 8. Just thinking this out over next 4-6 years

quote:

---

Putting my child on the ground in a WMA just isn't something i'm very comfortable especially not being over familiar with the WMA i'm hunting.

---

Don't put him on the ground

Apply for the youth lotto hunts. Growing up I would get drawn for 2 or 3 a year. Most of the time the hunts were very controlled and at times when the WMA wasn't open to the public. It's a very stress free and cheap way to introduce you kids to the outdoors. Killed 2 does and missed one in the 4 years I did them. Did the same for Turkey and Duck hunting.