Tips for Encouraging America’s Youth to Experience Nature and Hunting

Every time I leave my house, no matter where I go, I see children watching something on a tablet, their parent’s iPhone or a screen hung in a restaurant or waiting room. They’re in this transfixed, paralyzed trance, unaware of their surroundings or people trying to interact with them. I see it everywhere, but I don’t see children playing outside very often, and it’s even more rare to see kids or teenagers trailing behind adults on hunting adventures.

According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, the number of children ages 6 to 15 years old who participated in hunting increased from 1.2 million in 2020 to 1.8 million in 2021. However, the pre-pandemic years of 2017 to 2019 had less than 1 million kids participating, and many believe the numbers have returned or declined in recent years.

I know many factors may contribute to a decline in youth hunting participation, including urbanization, family priority shifts, complex hunting regulations and alternative recreation options, but I think we’re staring—quite literally—at the biggest culprit.

The Kaiser Family Foundation found that kids ages 8 to 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours in front of a screen for entertainment each day. Additionally, the Child Mind Institute found that American children spend only about four to seven minutes playing outside each day. Research finds similar trends for adults, and the daily screen-time statistic continues to increase globally for all age groups, with some reports showing an increase of 30 minutes per day each year.

Because people and children spend more time inside watching screens than they spend outside engaging in nature and physical activities, it’s unlikely they’ll be introduced to or interested in any type of hunting.

A lot of screen time, such as playing video games, scrolling social media, searching the web or watching TV, music videos or a newsfeed, can negatively affect physical and mental health. Sitting for prolonged periods puts you at risk for increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat and unhealthy cholesterol levels. High daily screen time is also associated with fatigue and poor sleep habits. Mentally, daily screen time is linked to increased anxiety and depression, and brain development delays, especially in younger children.

On the other hand, studies regularly show time spent outside equals improved sleep, a boosted immune system and reduced stress, anxiety and depression. Plus, many outdoor activities involve physical activity, which promotes cardiovascular health and muscle strength. Research also shows that being in nature can increase focus and concentration, while enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills.

No matter how many screens surround us daily, we must intentionally choose to limit screen time with the children in our lives in favor of bringing them outdoors. The more we take kids outside, the more they beg to be there—and the more likely they’ll be interested in hunting, which has additional positive benefits.

If you have a child in your life, consider using these tips to transition them off screens and into nature.

Trim screen time slowly, but start now.
Many experts and organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend no screen time for children under age 2, one hour per day for children 2 to 12 and two hours per day for teens and adults. According to the Mayo Clinic, you must be realistic about your reduction expectations and trim in gradual progressions to hit targeted limits. Many sources encourage parents to start now, saying the longer you wait to decrease screen time, the harder it will be. Also, be a positive role model and lead by example. Children watch, learn from and copy adults, so it’s best to put down your phone, too.

Offer outdoor time frequently. 
Any time your child has free time, take away a device or turn off the TV and go outdoors. Go for a walk, draw with chalk, kick or throw a ball, find or collect bugs, go on a scavenger hunt for leaves, acorns, rocks, animal tracks, etc. Older kids might enjoy kayaking, biking a nature trail, skipping stones on a pond or foraging for berries or arrowheads. The activity doesn’t have to be hunting-related, but if you want them to hunt eventually, the more outdoor connections you can help them make, the better. And remember to show your enthusiasm and be engaged.

Build on outdoor experiences.
Every child is different, so offer activities that will resonate or excite your child. If you’re dealing with a kid that prefers the indoors, you may have to introduce him or her to the outdoors using inside activities first. For example, read nature- and hunting-themed books from the library or hang a bird feeder and identify bird species from the window. Slowly expand your child’s outdoor comfort zone by exploring the backyard or a local park to search under rocks, logs, etc., for critters, or talk about different types of environments and habitats and what type of creatures might live there. Then, explore new places, like state parks and wildlife management areas. Providing new experiences can reinvigorate a spirit of adventure and simulate the dopamine rush kids get from receiving digital notifications, further helping them forget about their devices.

Take in-person classes.
Many outdoor pro shops, parks and recreation departments, and state and federal parks offer outdoor activities and classes. Search online to find in-person programs on hiking, gardening, invasive species, conservation efforts, birdwatching, beekeeping, shooting archery or firearms, bowhunting, bowfishing and more. Also consider involving your child in a 4-H, Scouts or Future Farmers of America program. Introducing kids to a variety of outdoor classes, groups and activities ensures they’ll find something that interests and entertains them. Plus, hands-on classes allow you to meet like-minded people and learn about other opportunities. When the child is old enough to understand the seriousness of ethics and firearm safety, consider a hunter education class.

Invite them hunting.
Pick a type of hunting suitable for the child’s age, interest, capabilities and energy level. For example, shed hunting is good for talkative, energetic toddlers while squirrel hunting with an air gun is ideal for the 5- to 8-year-old age group, and run-and-gun turkey hunting works well for 9- to 12-year-olds. Meanwhile, the 13-plus crowd likely can sit still quietly enough in a ground blind to pursue deer or waterfowl. Then, make the ask. Most often, if you’ve cultivated their love for the outdoors, they’ll want to go. Make the hunt more about them as opposed to harvesting something, and tune into the things that excite them to provide more fitting follow-up activities. Always teach them to respect wildlife. It’s best not to occupy the child with a phone when afield or you’ll inhibit learning opportunities. Keep them engaged by sharing stories and discussing what you see or hear.

Unfortunately, many American families created an indoor culture centered on screens, but it’s not too late to change. For kids’ physical and mental well-being, reduce screen time and provide them with opportunities to play outdoors. Their comfort in—and connection to nature is the first step to becoming a hunter.

About the Author
Cassie Gateway is a freelance outdoor writer and content creator and member of the 2024-2025 Voice of Leadership Panel. The panel is an appointed group of outdoor industry leaders who volunteer to contribute their voices to crucial hunting and outdoor recreation issues to inform, inspire and educate participants within the hunting, shooting sports and outdoor community.

Photo by Lon Lauber; lonlauber.com