by Ace Luciano - Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Introducing a child to hunting is more than just a one-time experience—it’s about fostering a lifelong passion and, if you do it right, growing a lifelong hunting partner that you will get to enjoy hours of quality time with for years to come. The last thing you want when introducing your child to your passion for hunting is for their first few hunts to be their last.
Kids are naturally curious and adventurous, but if hunting becomes boring, uncomfortable or frustrating, they’ll quickly lose interest. The key to keeping them engaged is making the experience enjoyable and ensuring they feel included every step of the way.
Why Kids Love Hunting
For most kids, hunting isn’t about filling a tag or putting meat in the freezer. They’re drawn to the adventure, the chance to be outside, the excitement of spotting wildlife and to spending time with you. For younger children, just being in the woods with a parent or mentor is thrilling. It’s about the sights, the sounds and the stories that unfold while sitting in a blind or hiking a game trail. One of my fondest memories is of an early-season deer hunt with my oldest son that had zero expectations to begin with but culminated in a close encounter with three deer at “reach out and touch them” range.
Older kids, and especially those who have already developed an interest in hunting, often enjoy the challenge of the hunt. They like learning things like how to track animals, call in game and improve their shooting skills. Success, whether it’s taking their first deer or simply watching wildlife up close, gives them a tremendous sense of accomplishment, and likely something that not a lot of their friends today have enjoyed. That said, every child is different. Some may love the excitement of a fast-paced dove hunt, while others may prefer the patience required for deer hunting. The trick is to figure out what excites your child the most and tailor the hunting experience accordingly.
How to Make Hunting Fun for Kids
If a child associates hunting with discomfort, frustration or boredom, he or she won’t be eager to go back. That’s why making every hunt fun should be a priority. Start by keeping things light. Too much pressure can suck the fun right out of the experience. If they miss a shot, don’t turn it into a lecture. Instead, use it as a learning opportunity and reassure them that everyone has off days. The same goes for hunting ethics. Teach them the importance of fair chase and respecting the animals they pursue but remember to keep your instructions age-appropriate and easy to understand. Food can also be a game-changer. A well-timed snack break can turn a long sit into an enjoyable outing. Pack their favorite snacks, and don’t be afraid to break them out when attention starts to wane. If you’re in a blind or treestand, whispering about their favorite treats can be more entertaining to them than watching for movement in the woods. My younger son loves to duck hunt to this day because his first duck hunts were spent mostly eating his favorite donuts, drinking hot chocolate and playing with his “best buddy,” our chocolate Labrador, Soren.
Another great way to keep kids engaged while on the hunt is to give them a sense of responsibility. Let them help scout, set up decoys or carry small pieces of gear. If they’re old enough, teach them how to use a rangefinder, read tracks or handle a grunt call. Give them a binocular and challenge them to find animals in the woods. This also sets them up nicely for a strongly desired Christmas or birthday gift to use while they are out with you. Remember: Kids love feeling like they’re part of the action, not just along for the ride.
Knowing the Importance of Proper Clothing and Gear
When I started hunting, there was no such thing as Gore-Tex or other waterproof fabrics or even youth hunting apparel. Boots were either rubber and waterproof or warm—but not both. Thankfully, those issues are no longer a problem today.
Comfort in the outdoors is as crucial as it is for us adult hunters. If children are too cold, too hot or soaked from an unexpected downpour, they’re not going to have a good time. Investing in proper hunting clothing and gear designed for kids makes all the difference. Hot weather hunts require breathable clothing that wicks moisture and provides protection from the sun and bugs. Nothing will ruin a hunt faster than a swarm of mosquitoes or a case of heat exhaustion. A lightweight, long-sleeved camo shirt, a wide-brimmed hat and a good pair of moisture-wicking socks can keep them comfortable in the heat. When the weather turns cool, layering is key. A base layer that keeps sweat off the skin, an insulating mid-layer and a windproof outer layer allow them to stay warm without overheating. As temperatures drop, cold-weather gear becomes essential. A thick, insulated jacket, warm gloves, a balaclava and quality thermal socks can make or break a winter hunt. Footwear is just as important. If their boots don’t fit properly or aren’t warm enough, their feet will be miserable, and so will they. Invest in boots that fit well, provide good support and match the hunting conditions. If it’s cold, make sure they have insulated boots, and if it’s wet, waterproofing is a must.
The same logic applies to their hunting tool of choice. Their rifle, shotgun or bow needs to be the right size for them. A full-size shotgun, for example, will be too heavy, have too much recoil and be frustrating to shoot. A youth-model firearm or a bow with an adjustable draw weight makes it easier for them to be accurate and confident.
Reading Your Child’s Attitude
One of the biggest mistakes an adult hunter can make is ignoring the child’s attitude. Kids are rarely going to flat-out say, “I’m miserable,” but their body language and enthusiasm level will tell you everything you need to know. If they’re constantly fidgeting, sighing or asking when it’ll be over, they’re losing interest. That’s your cue to make a change. If you’re sitting in a blind for deer, whisper stories, play quiet games or let them glass the woods with binoculars. If you’re upland hunting, make sure the walking pace isn’t too fast for them. If they seem frustrated with a missed shot, lighten the mood with a joke or a reassuring pat on the back. The goal is to make them want to come back. If they start associating hunting with boredom or discomfort, they’ll be hesitant the next time you invite them.
Keeping Hunts Short and Engaging
A common mistake is assuming a child can handle an all-day hunt. While some kids may have the patience for it, most will struggle to stay focused. Long sits in a blind or hiking for miles can quickly turn into a drag. Shorter hunts are often better for kids, especially in the beginning. A quick morning hunt followed by a hearty breakfast at their favorite diner makes the experience more enjoyable. Ending a hunt on a high note—even if it’s before you normally would—leaves them wanting more. It’s also important to mix things up on your hunts. If deer hunting in a blind gets stale, take them squirrel hunting where there’s more action. If they get bored waiting for ducks, go on a scouting trip instead. Keeping things fresh prevents the experience from feeling repetitive.
Sometimes, the hunt “is what it is” and you may not have the opportunity to head back to the vehicle due to distance, travel, etc. If this can’t be avoided, your planning will make or break their enthusiasm. Many times, I packed an inflatable pillow and a compressible sleeping bag for my kids to use in the field. Their packs were full of treats and a handheld video game and/or their current favorite book.
Speaking of Games and Phones …
While it might seem counterintuitive, allowing a child to bring a cell phone or handheld game actually can help keep them engaged for longer periods. If they start getting restless in a blind, letting them play a quiet game for a few minutes can give them a mental reset. Even taking pictures of wildlife or making a short video about their hunt can keep them entertained while still being present in the moment. Just be sure to keep the volume off and remind them to put it away when the action starts.
Hunting with your child should be about more than just harvesting an animal. It’s about creating memories, teaching valuable skills and fostering a lifelong passion for the outdoors. By making it fun, ensuring they’re comfortable, keeping hunts short and being mindful of their attitude, you can ensure they’ll want to keep coming back for more. The goal isn’t just to take them hunting—it’s to make them love it—and if you do it right, you’ll have a lifelong hunting partner who’s just as eager to hit the woods as you are.
About the Author
Ace Luciano is a sales and marketing executive, hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman, best-selling author, entrepreneur, seminar speaker and fundraising professional who most enjoys his role as a youth mentor as he works to pass down our hunting heritage to the next generation. A dynamic outdoor personality and all around "good guy,” Luciano is a self-described outdoor generalist who is a jack of many trades, and a master of several. To order a copy of his book, Guns the Right Way: Introducing Kids to Firearm Safety and Shooting, click here.
Photo by Lon Lauber; lonlauber.com