Hey everyone. I started a blog about getting kids to learn and enjoy the outdoors especially hunting and also to do it the right way. Just seeing if anyone would be interested in sharing any of their experiences teaching a new generation about hunting. Trying to cover all emotions of this task. Showing the happiness ita brings and also the frustration. You can also email me if you like. Twasurick@me.com. Thank you.

My granddaughter started going with me when she was 10. Didn't carry a firearm, but I tryed to explain every move I made and explained why.
Important thing that worked for me was to keep my thoughts, actions, and explanations on her level. MOST important was patients, and listen to her and pay attention to what her thoughts were. I started slow and did not rush her. When it came time for her to take the Mandatory Hunter Ed. class, I went with her both days and got my cert. There were approx. 30 kids in the class and only two other parents/guardians present. The other kids were "dropped off" to take the class on their own.
I tryed to remember that when she was with me, it was her time in the woods. She now looks forward to deer season each year and has taken three deer. She's 17 now and each deer was taken with one shot. She tracks blood trails better than I do. If she does something wrong, I don't critize or "talk down" to her. Her first three years, when we hunted in the morning, was a problem with her staying awake, but I let her sleep, instead of discouraging her.
Just my experience with a granddaughter. Might not work for you, but hopes it helps. Again, I feel patience is the most important thing to remember.

I agree with what Erv said. My Dad started taking me ringneck and deer hunting with him when I was 6. He never said anything when I broke sticks or ice on puddles or shouting - "there he is Dad, shoot him, shoot him" Just calmly explained why those weren't good things to do... I think the most important things (notice I didn't say these were all) that he instilled in me were firearm safety and respect for all animals and the land. Other than chipmunks (sorry Alvin), which were almost to epidemic populations and snakes, every animal I've ever shot has gone on the table.