Share the Fishing and Hunting Traditions

One of the first things you should consider with someone new to hunting is that they will get into it more if they dress the part.It doesn’t have to be extravagant either. Something as simple as a camo hoodie can be a good start. It’s also a good time to explain why there are different camo patterns and how that fits into different firms of hunting. When my wife started hunting with me, we went shopping beforehand so she could get the right cloths she wanted that fit right. It may seem a little silly, but it really is important.

Right next to dressing the part is having the right footwear. Unless you’re headed up into the mountains chasing elk or mule deer, I’d suggest a good pair of rubber boots as a place to start out. They cut down on scent and keep your feet warm and dry no matter what the conditions are. These Cabela’s brand boots are good quality and wearing them will be a good idea for any hunter, or angler heading out.

Scouting is a really important part of hunting and something you need to have your new apprentice take to heart. I have almost as much fun scouting as I do hunting. One of the absolute best tools I have is a trail camera, and the new cellular ones are the best. To  get my kids excited about hunting, I set up a camera so it reports to their phones. I cannot tell you how many times already one of them, or both, have come running to say I needed to check out a picture. It’s so much  fun and really builds excitement.

Part of being a mentor is guiding your mentee through the process. I remember teaching my wife how to goose hunt. I sat next to her and guided her through the process, even helping her point the shotgun at the geese. It was a cool experience and one that brought us closer together. I did the same with my son just a couple seasons ago, and I’m taking someone new this weekend! Be right with whomever you’re taking. It will be extremely helpful for them, and richly rewarding for you. Two-person ladder stands are a great tool for helping someone learn to hunt right. Just make sure you’re using the right safety precautions. Always wear a safety harness!

Getting new people started on decent equipment is a must. A cheap fishing rod that breaks right away is going to be a huge setback. Get something decent, like an Ugly Stik combo, to start with These are super tough rods mated to a good quality reel. The kid I’m mentoring now was in shock when I took him to the store and bought him the exact combo. He wasn’t expecting it, saying that $50 was too much. I told him I was investing in his future and to enjoy every minute of using it. We all have to learn to enjoy it and pass it on.