He is 13 and wants to hunt with a fire arm but has not taken any safety classes. If i sit next to him and i dont have a gun can he hunt? And also is it to late for him to take lessons to hunt this year with a fire arm for rifle season or muzzle loding season?
2006-11-12 13:47:50 · 20 answers · asked by Brrdog 2 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
Most likely, it is probably too late.
The laws depend on the state. When I began hunting in Wisconsin about 17 years ago, I believe you could carry a gun when you were 12 or 13, only if you were with an adult AND you took a hunters safety class. If you took hunter’s safety, you could hunt on your own after age 14+ (as opposed to 16 without the class). Besides that, most states I have ever purchased a license in require a Hunter’s Safety certificate if you were born after a certain year. The year varies, but it is usually between 1970 and 1980.
So if I had to take a guess about you sitting with your son and your son having a weapon, it is probably illegal. I would recommend giving your states Department of Natural Resources (or Fish & Game, whatever it is called in your state) and find out if there are any Hunters education classes left and to ask your original question about sitting with your son while he is hunting.
Not that I advocate breaking the law, but…
There is no law in any state that I am aware of that makes it illegal for your son to be with you while you are hunting, provided both people abide by clothing and other requirements. If you happen to hand the rifle to your son when a deer walks by and your son shoots it…chances are no one will know the difference. Even if you just take your son out while you hunt, it would be a good experience for him. When I first started hunting, it was tough to point a weapon at a living thing and pull the trigger, knowing I was going to take a life. That feeling goes away with time, but your son might change his tune after he sees an animal killed up close by you.
Besides, a day in the woods is a great way to get some exercise, see the raw beauty of nature, and spend time with your son. If you hunt and your son can’t, give your son a camera for practice. Give you son a camera with a regular lens and have him get a good picture of a deer, a squirrel, and a rabbit. It will give your son a goal and teach him vital hunting techniques (finding game, anticipating game movements, setting up ambushes, stalking, etc…). Just a thought.
2006-11-13 01:26:42 · answer #1 · answered by Slider728 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may not like it when he finds himself at the point where he is about kill. I know this from experience. My uncle thought I would be a good hunter when I took an interest in owning a BB gun and became a pretty good shot. He took me rabbit hunting. When in the woods, he explained that the dogs (our beagles) would seek out the rabbits and chase them around toward us. When in sight I should shoot the rabbits. I had a 410 shotgun. My thoughts were that if I missed I could accidentally hit the dogs. Didn't want any part of that so my possibilities as a hunter ended right then. The hunting trip was over and we went back home. It's possible you might not have wanted to hear this story, but I thought I would share it with you to provide some contrast to the other answers you'll most likely receive. I'm not against hunting. It's just not something I want to do myself. I don't even like fishing because I don't like the idea of the pain a fish probably goes through when an imbedded fish hook is torn out of his mouth.
2006-11-12 14:08:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what state you are in, so that may make my answer invalid. However, he only has to take Hunter's Ed. to get his license. Most states require license at 16, not 13. He will need adult supervision until he reaches 16, or until he is old enough to obtain his license. I've hunted ever since I could keep both ends of the gun off the ground! But understand this, my Dad taught me all aspects of gun/hunter safety before he let me go. He also taught me to respect the animal as well. Stay with him until he earns your trust before turning him loose. Do this for his sake as well as the game he is hunting and his fellow hunters.You should help him in every way you can.
2006-11-12 14:00:02 · answer #3 · answered by junior 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The legal answer for this question is No. It is mandatory in ALL states to have a hunters safety course.
Now if there is no safety courses available and you still want him to go, You could have an experienced hunter take him out.
The third option is to have someone who is experienced at hunting take him out. He shouldnt be allowed to touch a firearm, but have the person teach him about every aspect of the sport. He can learn how to find a hunting spot, know when to move spots, and how deer react to certain things.
Good luck at whatever you choose! Thanks for getting another child hooked on hunting!! :)
--Patrick
2006-11-12 14:00:53 · answer #4 · answered by shrimpfishingboat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm not sure what your state laws, but i would be surprised if he doens't have to pass a Hunters Education class first. It's a good class for any 13 year old.
You're probably looking at getting prepared for next year. Firearm safety and maybe a BB gun might be a good place to start.
Someone suggested archery. That's a good place to start too. You can practice in your back yard.
2006-11-12 14:02:12 · answer #5 · answered by more than a hat rack 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hunting safety is an absolute.
Hunt with experience people.
Start shooting with a pellet gun, like a Gamo Hunter rifle. Devolop shooting skills first, no point spending money on expensive big bore rifles if you can do it cheaper for the same results.
Still shoot with a pellet gun to keep up my skills.
2006-11-12 14:37:08 · answer #6 · answered by honker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son also is 13 and he started this season. We started with a hunters education course which we took together and I also showed him the destructive force of firearms with a rifle and water bottles(very impressive exsplosion) which got the point of safety across. Contact your local wildlife and fisheries for the dates to take a course which covers safety, survival, and prop[er game management. Doing this together will be great for both of you and there is no better quality time to spend with your son. Good Luck!
2006-11-12 13:59:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its too late for a hunt this year. He will have to take a youth hunter safety course. If you are going to take him hunting make sure that you are prepared and plan it well.
2006-11-12 14:16:53 · answer #8 · answered by Popcorn Playa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For his age I would take him ONLY after he has taken a safety class. No class, no hunting. Safety first. Good luck and have fun.
2006-11-12 14:26:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
in most if not all states you MUST have a hunter safety class. if your not a hunter i would suggest you both take a course. Just log on to your states department of natural resource's web site for more info.Hunting is a great activity for parent and children to see nature and interact with each other. Just be safe, go slow and enjoy each others company.
2006-11-12 14:01:29 · answer #10 · answered by bryp10 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋