my daughters first hunting trip!

Capt. John

Capt. John

Active member
Well it finally happened. I was getting my things together Sunday to go out to hunt a nice hill country pond the next morning. My youngest daughter Samantha likes to help. She said the magic phrase. "Dad, I really want to go hunting with you". I was more than happy to make that happen. My older daughter is disabled and requires to much work to get out so this would be my very first time taking one of my kids out even though I've been a father for almost 6 years. I had my things packed but later that night she brought me three barbie dolls and told me to put them in my pack. I did of course. The next morning I woke her up at three to get dressed and head out on the 2 hour drive west. She never went back to sleep in the truck, she was excited! This pond is on a high fenced game ranch my good buddy manages, they have some neet critters on the property. Right before daybreak an ostrich ran by us on the bank of the pond about ten feet away from our hiding spot. Sam said, "theres a bird daddy, shoot it!" That made my day for some reason. I explained the size differance to her. Right at lst a trio of gw teal buzzed in and landed. I was about to jump them and shoot but after seeing the apprehention in my daughters eyes I let them go and we spent the rest of the morning talking about why I shoot ducks and how we eat them and prepair them. Then we played barbies on the bank of the pond while watching axis deer mill around on the bank across from us. I never fired a shot and it was the best duck hunt of my life. I feel like this was a good low impact way to introduce her to the sport. Maybe next hunt we can shoot something. I guess there will always be ducks but she will only be young once.
John
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I set the timer on my camera and got this awesome pic, its my new computer screen saver
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Thants great John.
I have three daughters and have enjoyed taking them along with me. Those are memories you will enjoy forever.
 
John,

Very nice, I like your perspective on things. I'd say you are doing a good job as a parent.

Did she take a nap on the two hour drive home? :>)
 
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John, you bring up a great point for someone taking a child hunting and one that I wish someone had pointed out when I took my son when he was four. It would have saved that moment of doubt when you go to pull the trigger and have that instantaneous Bambi thought about their reaction to the killing. Fortunately, when I shot the first goose of the pair and was hesitating on the second, my son replied "Dad, get the other one before it gets away."
My sons are now 29 and 25 and we head to the marsh tomorrow to do our annual Thanksgiving week end duck hunt.
My younger son was never big on the harvesting of ducks, but always loved the social aspect when we went on trips. So many mornings he would sleep in while the rest of us would hunt. Had I forced him to be a "duckhunter" back then, I suspect he would not be the avid waterfowler he is today. He loves it as much as his brother and I do. No question as I'm sure you all know, the bond created is the best.
Happy Thanksgiving!
 
Thak you very much guys, it was a great morning for me and she has already asked to go again. Not shooting those ducks was kind of a quick decision, and looking back Im still glad I made it. It opened a conversation that would not have been there had I shot I believe. She has a very kind heart and is a timid child, I dont think I could live with myself if I did this the wrong way and turned her off from something I hold so close.
 
What a great morning John. My daughter is not interested in hunting and doesn't like loud noises, like gun shots, but we have played a lot of Barbies over the years!
 
Great pics!
Its great that your daughter wanted to go, start off slow and it wont be long and she will be shooting ducks and telling you to go retrieve them for her.

Call Mattel ,maybe they will come out with a Duck hunt Barbie.
 
That's great John. It's great to have your daughter involved. Many girls don't take to hunting. Both of my girls are avid deer hunters and it's great to share the legacy with them. Congratulations!
 
Capt John - Now that is what it is all about! Last year on my daughter's first real duckhunt with Papa - she told me I was awesome - best duck hunting moment in my life so far!!

Cherish the moments!!
 
I just finished "reviewing" my usual forums. This thread was by far the best one. You did a great thing for that little girl. I'm 72 and my wife and I are raising an almost three your old grandaughter. The first time I take her duck hunting (if she asks), I will remember your wonderful "approach".

Good for you!
 
So you spent the morning in a duck blind playing Barbie??? Reminds me of a old saying "It doesn't matter how big and tough you are. When a child hands you a toy phone, you answer it.

Good stuff. It's a day that neither of you will ever forget.
 
She is adorable! I would have to say that is a magical phrase, John. Keep doing what you are doing, dad!
Al
 
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