Great News! I am able to take my 14 YO son elk hunting this year

[RealMuddyboots]

Buy him his own bino's so he can be involved at his level. Have extra rangefinder? Bring extra batteries since every tree, rock, boulder, log, squirrel, bird ad nauseam will be ranged which is really good experience for him. Maybe be official rangefinder for you.

Whatever his favorite snacks or meals are try to bring them. He can make do when he is older.

This can be basic 101 hunting skill training, wind, thermals, hunting pressure, movement etc. Make it fun. Yeah, its your hunt and want it to be successful but it already is with your son along so make it an experience that will be a memory. No it's not sappy, my son is 43 and still remembers hunts he was on with me that he was not hunting.

He is now your hunting partner which is a forever memory.

Have fun and good luck!

 

[BAKPAKR]

Nice thought as a non-res I’m not sure I’m $800 interested in keeping him occupied. Bear tag at $100 would be ok except knowing my luck he’d get one and then I’d have to deal with a bear. lol.

If he was my son and showed any interest in hunting, was comfortable with shooting whatever rifle you have for elk, knows firearms safety, and could get a tag, the hunt would be all about him getting to elk hunt, not just being a spectator in elk camp.

 

[bmontang]

Is this hunt about you or engraving the outdoors and opportunities abound in him?

LOL - both and also about affording gas money for the way home.

 

[bmontang]

If he hasn’t been around firearms much preach safety. Brush up on yours as well. You’d be surprised how many kids I get through hunters safety who comment “but that’s how my dad does it.” Why a shot is safe, why it’s not. Loading/unloading, safety mechanisms, carry positions, keeping your muzzle in a safe direction, etc.

He should be old enough to take a hunters safety course in your home state and they probably offer one online.

He has been around firearms a lot and is a dang good shot (I guess having a big brother in special operations and being trained by a SF sniper instructor gives you good habits). I didn't know about the discounted youth tags. I am definitely looking into those.

Thanks everyone for your tips.

 

[Westelker]

He has been around firearms a lot and is a dang good shot (I guess having a big brother in special operations and being trained by a SF sniper instructor gives you good habits). I didn't know about the discounted youth tags. I am definitely looking into those.

Thanks everyone for your tips.

I just sent you a PM.