Spring turkey season opens Thursday, and with wild turkeys plentiful in every county, there is no better time to introduce a child to turkey hunting.
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Don't wait to take them until they're old enough to pull the trigger. Take them out as soon as they show any interest and make it as positive and fun as possible.
Todd Craighead, host of the television show "Outdoor Oklahoma" often takes his 7-year-daughter, Emily, on his hunting adventures. Emily will get her first big dose of turkey hunting this spring.
On a scouting trip last weekend, Emily got to use a box call for the first time. She called, the turkeys gobbled back, and she was thrilled.
"Regardless of how the rest of the season goes, we've already made memories," Craighead said.
For other parents who will be turkey hunting with their son or daughter for the first time this spring, Craighead offers these tips.
Take kids scouting ahead of the hunt. Teach them what signs to look for and then "let them" discover some more on their own.
Involve them at every level of the hunt, but give them one specific aspect to be in charge of, like carrying the decoys. That way, they're not just a passive observer, but a key player in the hunt.
Let them help call. Practice using a box call or push-pull type call before your hunt. Don't sweat it if they don't call perfectly. A hot turkey is usually very forgiving of your calling until he gets close to gun range.
Have them wear ear plugs.
Plan a "Turkey Hunting Training Night" in your living room before the season. Watch a turkey-hunting DVD together.
"Sit on the floor as if you were in the woods, use a broom for a gun, and even call at the appropriate times," Craighead said. "This can allow the child to visualize and even play out all the aspects of a hunt while giving them an interactive perspective of what to possibly expect."
Get them their own camo. Borrowed hand-me-downs or rolled up sleeves and pant legs doesn't communicate to the child that this is their "own sport."
Use a blind so they can move around. A youngster will last longer in the field if you're not having to constantly nag them to be still or quiet. It also allows you freedom to take along other "creature comforts " like coloring books, snacks, GameBoy, etc.
If they don't pull the trigger on the bird, offer to let them display the fan and beard in their room as reward for "helping" call it in.
Find ways to extend the experience beyond just the one trip. In other words, let the child take the fan, beard or spurs for show and tell at school, or ask them to draw a picture or write a story of the experience and frame it for your office. Talk about it often.
Take a photo whether you get a bird or not and frame it. You will both cherish a visual reminder of the first hunt for years to come.
EdGodfrey:475-3159, egodfrey@oklahoman.com
