Start Them Young: Hunting Gear for Pre-Teens
Eye & Ear Protection
The seventh of Remington’s 10 Commandments of firearm safety is to always wear eye and ear protection. It takes only one report from a rifle to cause permanent hearing damages, while proper eyewear can protect from flying metal fragments and other debris.
Smith & Wesson and Beretta know a thing or two about firearms, so their safety glasses should be placed near the top of the list for your kids. Of course young people are more interested in looking cool than protecting their eyesight. You can easily spruce up any pair of Oakley’s with replacement lenses that come in a variety of colors. Make certain the eyewear you choose has side shields and spring hinges which make the glasses more durable.
Traditional foam earplugs are the easiest and least expensive option for ear protection. RangeMaxx and Walker are two of the most popular brands for hunting ear muffs. It’s also much easier to put on and remove earmuffs, and they are more sanitary.
High Tech Hunts
Generation X and baby boomers played outside all day until their parents called them in for dinner. Smartphones, video games, and tablets have replaced the outdoors for youth today. A 2014 Mothercare survey found that 26 percent of kids spend less than 30 minutes per week outdoors. Another 80 percent of parents admitted to never taking their kids fishing or even star gazing. One way to get kids interested in hunting is incorporating technology into the adventure.
Remote-controlled quadcopters, equipped with cameras, help hunters locate game and capture footage. Some can fly as high as 500 feet (150 meters) above the surface. Keep in mind many hunters believe quadcopters take the sport out of hunting and balk at their use. But your son or daughter will enjoy controlling the copter and instantly uploading footage to their Facebook and Twitter profiles while on the hunt.
The Caldwell Wind Wizard II not only tells you the exact speed and direction of the wind, but can assist you when teaching your children about scent and how the wind can carry it.
Hunting is an excellent activity that allows parents to spend quality time with their kids. The more you tailor it to their specifications, the more they’ll enjoy it.