Jeff I am so glad you have addressed this. It is an absolute hot button issue with me. I just detest all of these silly nonsensical youth seasons. Obviously I have nothing against kids and both of my sons are avid hunters and never participated in any youth season. It is the bigger issue that bothers me, and that is the sense of entitlement that we are creating in kids. Generations of kids , like you hunted with a BB gun went with Dad or Uncle or whoever, split wood at camp, learned about deer sign and on and on.. got their firearms safety and eventually got to join the adults and hunt...We tell these kids how super special they are and they need instant gratification.. it is doing a great disservice to them and to society in general creating this entitlement generation.. sad deal I will also guarantee that very few of these kids ever turn out to be actual hunters and woodman and that is obstensibly the goal The actual goal is always about selling licences and bringing in money... Youth seasons should be eliminated.. I could go on but you get my point...

@user-dn1tp3iv6u

9 ай бұрын

Hello. I'm a native american and I live in mid michigan and our Bow hunting season starts exactly when youth hunting starts but I was always taught to shoot does and to let the big bucks go until the late season that's how you keep good DNA in the Hurd and that's also what I've taught my children.

Glad someone finally made a video about this. I have been around and involved in some massive debates on this topic. It’s a trigger point for a lot of people either against it or defending it. It’s a competition these days for dad it seems. My son shot a 140”, or my son shot a 160”. I have personally witnessed a young man back when the youth season was implemented in MO. First deer ever was a 167 inch dandy of a deer. The next year the kids uncle took him again, some big does walked out in the field, the uncle asked if he wanted to shoot one of those big does. The kid responded, “ I don’t want to shoot a stupid doe” let that sink in a little bit. I’m not going to beat a dead horse with this topic, but nicely said Jeff. Good video.

@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you and man the end of your story was sad...isn't it? Part of the overall problem for sure - doesn't matter if you agree with the youth seasons or not.

I never agreed with youth seasons before I had children. Growing up, I was excited to be able to hunt with the grown men around around me, so I didn't understand the idea behind youth seasons. I appreciate the ability for my kids to be able to hunt for a couple of days without other hunters. I think it helps give them a little edge on being successful, and it focuses the attention on them as hunters instead of the adults. Hunting after all is about the enjoying the hunt and the companionship, not just killing an animal. Having an early rifle season for youth gives them a milder temperature to hunt in, which makes for a more enjoyable hunt for the kids, and the deer haven't been pressured yet by the full gun season, so their chances are slightly higher for success. Either way, my girls love hunting with our family, whether it is youth or not, and whether or not they are the person behind the bow or the rifle. Just to spend time with them in the woods and enjoy nature is the goal.

I totally agree with you Jeff! How many kids get to experience actual hunting? I mean finding sign, locating game, and having the shooting skill necessary to harvest it. Instead, in most cases it boils down to “sit here, be quiet, shoot when I tell you”. I think it ends up just being a bragging rights thing for both the parent and child.

@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751

4 жыл бұрын

Really great points Joseph...bragging points over actually retaining the kid as a hunter for decades to come. It really is unfortunate that we even need a youth season in the first place...

@habitatmindset3205

4 жыл бұрын

@@veteranironoutdoors8320 So it's early season for people that strictly gun hunt? Now days a kid could be 5 years old and go out in archery season with his dad/mom with a xbow and learn just as well even sooner than the mid October youth season.

@Paulannear

4 жыл бұрын

Joseph Pinter who’s to say some parents don’t take their kid scouting before the youth season? A lot of assumptions going on in these comments

@joescouter1

4 жыл бұрын

Paul Annear “some” parents might take their kids scouting for sign, determining stand/blind location, etc., and that’s the way it should be. But most don’t and I don’t think that’s much of an assumption. I understand the reasons for youth seasons, which are well intentioned, I just personally feel that it won’t have the intended results.

I do like that Youth Season offers a greater chance for early success in their hunting efforts and therefore can inspire the child in wanting to become apart of the family hunting heritage.

@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751

4 жыл бұрын

I'm with you on that too Cris. In my family personally I don't even know when the youth seasons are tho...because the kids hunt the entire season. I actually see the highest chance for success during the rut and opening day of gun season. I challenge parents to include their kids during the best times of the hunting season too. Youth season wouldn't be needed if parents were actively including their kids in the hunt.

@weswilson3758

4 жыл бұрын

The youth season is the first or second weekend in October.

@ironlife227

4 жыл бұрын

@@weswilson3758 in Michigan the "youth" hunt is in September

I'm only in favor of the youth seasons being "doe only". Bucks should be earned.

@jaredglass2562

4 жыл бұрын

Respectly I disagree (what state do you live ?) Its a step of progression. They may kill a doe or two there first few seasons but they need to transition to bucks . All hunters need to progress to bigger and bigger deer as they gain experience. Also some area's (western nc ) simply don't have the doe population to be able to afford giving them up.

@outdoorlife4x4lifted85

4 жыл бұрын

I respectfully disagree. What if a buck comes bye and you have your eight-year-old son but he can’t shoot it and he never wants to go hunting again.

@chrismarfia9917

4 жыл бұрын

@@jaredglass2562 I'm certain there are some exceptions - like the area you mentioned. Many states in the Midwest have rather high doe to buck ratios. Bucks are easy to shoot in these early youth seasons.

@chrismarfia9917

4 жыл бұрын

@@outdoorlife4x4lifted85 what if it motivates him to work harder and scout for that buck during the regular season? The point is - if a doe isn't special enough, then the youth hunter needs to come play with the big boys. I'm 100% against coddling kids (everyone gets a trophy - even if they contributed nothing). Teach them to work for what they want and you provide the tools.

@trumanmiller94

4 жыл бұрын

I agree 100%. Do you take them to the super market and let them get the giant oversized candy bar just because its what's right in front of them, or say if you're good you can get the regular size? Know what I mean

Well said Jeff. Seems society is also making and justifying things to be easier/soft on kids. It’s translating into poorer work ethic across the bored.

@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751

4 жыл бұрын

Amen Zach...so scary, and so true...

@KatelynArmstr0ng

4 жыл бұрын

Completely agree. Kids can be very independent, we're taking that away from them!

I agree completely! Criticism usually comes my way when I try to explain it. Just plopping your child in front of a big buck isn't teaching them anything, except how to throw a tantrum when it doesn't happen next time.

I totally agree with your comments. As a youngster I started with a Daisy BB gun, and over time became fairly proficient. I then graduated up to hunting rabbits with my Dad and a few beagles and a 22 rifle. I finally started hunting pheasants with my beagles and a pair of fast boots with a 20 gauge. Later in life I enjoyed training my own bird dogs, and did a lot of pheasant hunting. I didn't start hunting deer until later in life with my son. I also had the pleasure of owning a deer tracking dog and companion. I currently hunt deer with a good friend and my grandson's. I enjoy the time out in the woods with friends and family more that harvesting a deer. As I get older, I think it is most important to me to enjoy God's creations during my time in the woods...and to appreciate all my blessings. Bob

Exactly how I feel get out and hunt with the kids. Love the back pack... bought the same one in 1991 on my way archery elk hunting in Colorado and still use it today for hunting. Thank you for all the info you put out.

Good vid Jeff and good point of view! Iv got alot of good memories of that youth weekend with my 2 oldest kids. And all threw the hunting season.

The most memorable times I have in the woods were rifle hunting with my dad as a youngster. Back then, you couldn't legally gun hunt till 14. I learned so much and made so many good memories with my father without even being able to fire a shot. There were many kids that I know now as adults who won't hunt because they no longer have the edge of getting first dibs. I have mixed feelings on this but overall not a big fan of the youth hunt. But that's just me.

My first 8 deer were does, I didn't pass up a doe until this year's youth day. On that day I shot my first buck which I was extremely excited about. I had shot 8 does before that and was just as excited for those deer as I was my buck. I began with small game before this even and enjoyed every one of those squirrels as well. As a 15 year old I think that any chance I get to hunt is a blessing and my father would agree and that's why it's nice to go out on those youth days with him

Thanks Jeff. Awesome message!

I’m with u on this 1 Jeff, I’ve never understood youth season. It seams like youth season is a reason for Dad to get out early here in N.C.

@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751

4 жыл бұрын

It sure can be Shawn! I've just found if parents are actively engaged in taking their kids hunting, then the youth season isn't needed. Unfortunately, I have found the youth season is needed...

@shawnmyers9571

4 жыл бұрын

Whitetail Habitat Solutions I have a daughter that is now 13 yrs old, Killed her 1st deer with a muzzle loader at 9. None of her deer have been taken during youth season, Long as I do my part. 😁😁😁

You nailed this topic. Me being a teenager from Pennsylvania, hunting since 9 I've always participated in youth seasons. In pa we have a jr. And sr. rifle season in mid October (antler less only) but to shoot a buck you have to go archery or regular season, which I have, since I'm blessed to have a family and hunting camp full of avid hunters. Which I wish more people did too so they can understand everything that goes along with hunting and enjoying the great outdoors.

100% agree Jeff. My daughters are 6 and 9 and they are with me all the time working on habitat projects and hunting. We planted apple trees together last weekend. They were with me when I took a doe last year and they were so excited. Really trying to teach them that any animal we harvest is a trophy and just seeing wildlife and spending time in woods together is what it is all about. They are involved all year long not just for a weekend a year and that makes a big difference in my opinion. Always enjoy the videos and your books as well.

It's so important to involve kids in the whole process. From scouting in the spring to trimming lanes in the summer, to target practice. I even think they should be taken on a "ride along" type Hunt first to access their patience level. First time sitting can be so exciting, but expectations need to be realistic. Love your content!

I like your rants and I really like the logic behind them. Keep them coming!

Jeff... thanks for some straight talk on the youth hunt!!! I ask a DNR official once if they had ever done a study on how many young people that have participated in the youth hunts, are still buying a license when they are in their 20’s? She was unaware of any study been done to determine the effectiveness of the youth hunt!!!! I don’t think they want to know.... You don’t make something valuable by making it easier!!!

I got My first deer, a Button Buck, at 9 years old on my very first youth Gun season. I hunted with my grandpa and my dad before that, but that was the first time I got to hold my own weapon and take a deer. It got me Hooked and I've been addicted ever since. For me, I'm a believer.

Spot on Jeff, not a fan of youth season . It's up to the parent or mentor to create a ethical deer hunter.

@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751

4 жыл бұрын

Amen Mark! It really is in the parents and unfortunately that's why the youth season is needed for so many kids...

My kids grew up learning to hunt in Missouri where there were youth hunts. I liked them because it allowed me to give total devotion and concentration to their learning of all things hunting. The lessons taught during the youth portion of the deer seasons could then be honed and applied to the other seasons. One year, my daughter experienced hardship during a youth season but then redeemed herself, learning from her mistakes and conquering the task at hand during the regular deer season. That chance at repetition, aided in her learning. As a father, the lessons taught to and learned by my (now) adult children during those unique hunts, have been retained for life. I enjoy watching them get excited about the whole process. I'll be even more excited when I get to see them enjoy passing the lessons learned to their kids someday. Then, I'll know that they have reached that stage of hunting that involves the total experience, not just shooting something. I'd also mention that down through the years, we (I mostly) would video our hunting trips. Beginning to end. I edited them, added thematic music that really captured our experiences and we have them on dvd forever, enjoying the memories. Even that creativity has been learned by my kids. It's fun to watch them take advantage of the technology available and produce their own movies. What a legacy!!!

@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751

4 жыл бұрын

Man Carl, that all sounds awesome...and so true, what a legacy YOU have created for your kids 👍 I like that too... "It allow d me to give total devotion and concentration to their learning of all things hunting". Great statement ☺️

When i was a kid i had a similar small game hunting experience to you growing up in the Ozarks. We did not have a lot of money so I had to use handed down guns and mostly iron sights. Well now that im almost 30 I still consider it a fun challenge to hunt with irons and it is one of my best reminders of my childhood woodland adventures.

I completely agree with you Jeff and I just wanted to share with you a little bit about my deer hunting path I have only shot does for the last 8 years of my life I am now chasing a big buck I call f10 my brother and myslef both agreed that I should not shoot a buck till I am able to do all the work to shoot that buck weather is comes to scouting making mock scraps and all that he is a great mentor but I obtained my own property and have put in all the work to find this deer and make this property a place for him. I can’t imagine the amount of gratification I’m going to get if I get a chance to put him on my wall this year. I really appreciate all you do and your channel has taught me so much and helped me get an opportunity to shoot this buck

Jeff. This is best video of our hunting culture. I agree totally. Youth engagement in all parts of hunting, food plot management, mock scrape sets, scouting etc. Let us not skip early hunting steps, hunting birds squirrels rabbits to learn and learn hunting skills. Great work as always

Good perspective introducing my nephew to hunting this year. Starting him on turkey this spring and will try waterfowl this Fall he is 8. Glad made video gave me lot to think about as a mentor my kids older now and love hunting they happy just to be out there not always about a big buck

Hey Jeff, I shot my first buck two years ago during the youth season which I know is a yearling buck. During the weekend of the youth season I remember myself being ready to shoot anything that walked in front of me just because I was excited to be in the woods with my dad for the first time while I was behind the scope. I think the youth season is great when the parents are out there for there kids and not pressing them to shoot anything that doesn’t have 150 inches. Have a good day!

I’ve been taking both my kids hunting since they were 5, I’ve never done a youth season with them in Michigan but this year I am because they have enough hours in the woods with me and they are excited to shoot one this year! You’re right about including them during the regular season!!

@trumanmiller94

4 жыл бұрын

Now that is a example of someone doing the right thing. Good for you man

I’m in the woods every weekend during hunting, including bow, youth, and gun. I shot a nice 8 pointer during youth, that’s just how it worked out.

@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751

4 жыл бұрын

That is awesome Brycen! Very cool and congrats ☺️ The future is bright if we have a lot like you hunting!

Your point about standards is spot on, and I think that is one of the biggest problems in hunting today because everyone wants to apply their standards to everyone else. Social media has become a toxic catalyst for this. My dad didn’t really deer hunt much and I had to teach myself everything with trial and error. This was before doe permits were plentiful. It took me 17 years of hunting before I finally shot my first buck which was tiny spike. When I walked up on that deer though I felt like I just shot a trophy 12 point. I made a plaque for the antlers, and it is still displayed on my wall prominently along with all the deer I have shot since.

Right on Jeff, getting them excited for the hunt, not the kill! I'd add that getting them involved in the habitat work gets them more connected with the land and the hunt and excited to come back in season. Even if their "work" looks more like a stick fort in woods😊

Well however you feel about it, being a youth hunter when I was young enough was definitely a positive experience. It was always the last weekend in October, about 2 weeks before regular firearms season in Missouri. It gave me and my siblings a chance to get out with my old man and have a weekend about the kids getting the opportunity to hunt. He always made sure the three of us had an opportunity to fill the freezer. We’ve always hunted public land, and it’s never been about the size. It was all about that blackstrap and tenderloin! But my dad usually made the kids a priority during all seasons except opening weekend of firearms. Early and late youth seasons, muzzle loader seasons, the second weekend of firearms, ect. Thanks to all the dads that make an effort to get their kids out!

I'm a new dad and this video really got me thinking about how I will approach deer hunting with my son. I was taught by my dad and grandpa that, "you can't eat antlers." There was never concern for shooting a buck in our camp. But we all celebrated when someone actually came back to camp and hung up a buck. Size of antlers didn't even matter. I think I will teach that deer hunting is 1) a relaxing get away from the city 2) time to enjoy nature 3) wildlife conservation 4) providing food for friends and family. Then after all of those boxes are checked and you get back to deer camp, 1) did you come back with dinner 2) is dinner a buck or doe? I think youth season plays it's part in some ways. But I like to think that my son will most likely be in the blind with me most of the time anyway. At least I hope so...

Truly great to include Jacob,Sam and Dante in your videos as seen on this one.To me youth seasons break from family tradition like being at our neighbors camp on opener of firearm on Nov.15 here in Mich.Looked forward to that as a 15 year old all year long.Back then it was 1 buck only no does,came a long ways since! Parents need to realize hunters even the very young are stewards of the resource and that shooting a doe is part of that responsibitity.Shooting a good buck great, a doe just as great when parents explain the role that hunters play in managing wild life populations.Plus the great meals that doe will provide.You picked a very good topic for discussion in this video Jeff keep up the good info that these videos provide,no one else is doing this in the way you do ,certainly not fantasy land TV shows showing 8yr.olds shooting 160" bucks!!

I agree 100% Jeff. I’ve been saying this for years. One thing I’m happy about here in my state of Pennsylvania is they opened squirrel season in September this year before the archery season. The current mentor program turns new hunters into killers, not hunters or conservationists.

@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751

4 жыл бұрын

Man I love that early squirrel season! Sounds weird but it makes me want to travel to where I hunt deer in PA and hunt some squirrels ☺️

I am happy my state has youth hunting days. It gives me a chance to take my daughter to the place that my father taught me to hunt when I was her age. The property is open to the public and during the regular season it is very heavily pressured. I don’t even feel safe going there myself after having a bad experience during the regular season a few years back much less bring my kid. But I rarely see other hunters during the youth hunting days. I take my daughter with me to other places throughout the season but there is just something special about that place.

Took my nephew 2 seasons ago, he shot decent spike, it was such a great experience,.... but last season he had no interest because we suggested shooting a doe instead,.... very disappointing.. You said it in this video and I’ve heard you say it before, if you can’t get excited about shooting a doe, you shouldn’t be out there.. if I see a doe walking in on a hunt, I can’t breath, I’m shaking, it’s such a rush. teaching the management side is so important . Great video Jeff, .. I’m always asking my step daughter and wife to sit out with me during the season, both have committed to at least on sit this year. And because I use so much of your practices, I see deer 85-90% of the time. Which hopefully makes them want to sit more. Thanks again sir!!

@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751

4 жыл бұрын

Great words JJ...really appreciate them! Hopefully your nephew can get back into hunting? I love the excitement of shooting does 😁

@dennis7470

4 жыл бұрын

5 days on stand without seeing a "hair" and big doe walked out I wonder if the boy would lower his standards, he needs to learn they all look the same on the plate. in fact the ones you shoot on day 5 seem to taste just a little bit better too, all kidding aside, the big thing he needs to understand is: what you get is only a small part of the whole trip.

I love this !!!!

You hit the nail 100% square on the head Jeff! Your point about small game hunting is so true. Agencies and dads put way too much emphasis on the big game glamor species. Get kids out hunting period. They can ride their bike or walk to the squirrel woods, the rabbit fencelines, the dove fields, and the duck and goose ponds and feeding fields. Youth season for bear?!! Give me a break! That will be a one and done proposition for all youth except those whose families are already ingrained in the sport! And their kids are going to do it regardless if there is a youth season or not. Reach the kids that wouldn't be exposed to hunting otherwise!

I'm a fan of youth season from the standpoint of getting kids involved and give them a really good chance to be successful. If they are successful, they will want to come back. I wish the season wasn't necessary, but it does help kids get out there when the temperature is milder and the woods aren't loaded with hunters. Sorry, but i think I was spoiled when I grew up hunting and kids these days don't always have vast private land to hunt on and a youth season gives them a good chance to learn to love it like we did when we were kids.

Hi Jeff, thanks for the video. You make some good points. Here is another thought for you to consider. We are a family of 6 who depends on deer meat as a staple. The youth season is a great opportunity for our kids to contribute to that. It also gives them the opportunity to be the focus of the hunt where we adults can mentor them.

I learned to hunt just like you did. Great memories stalking small game with a Daisy pellet gun. My kids learned the same way after alot of gun safety lessons in the cow pasture.

Spot on!

This is honestly very well put. I started hunting when I was about 4-5 but didn’t actually touch a gun until I was 8. And didn’t shoot and kill anything until I was 10-12 years old. The starting point of all hunters is getting them outside in the woods and having fun. I didn’t shoot my first deer until I was 14. But I always enjoyed being out at camp with my grandfather, and father hunting squirrels, rabbits, and the occasional raccoon messing with the feeders. I loved being outside and I loved being able to eat what came from going out there. My only regret at 25 is that I wish I would’ve done more of that, and that I had positioned myself to where I can still do it now.

Good rant here!

@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot Mark!

thanks for talking about this -- I have always thought that a better approach is to include your kid in YOUR hunt as an observer. Kids need to learn about hunting, and to acquire skills and spend time with parents. This is how we make hunters, not with special seasons.

I've never commented on here before because I tend to agree with you on most subjects but not on this one. I live in Ohio with no access to private land so the youth season is a great opportunity to take the kids out without all the yahoos tromping all over. We don't even gun hunt during the regular season here due to idiots on public land are scary. My daughter and I got caught in the middle of a deer drive that we had no clue was happening until lead started hitting the trees around us. We also bow hunt and are happy to take any deer to fill the freezer. Our youth season is only 1 to 2 weeks before regular season so the rut is usually over or winding down. Since my kids are older teens and now quite experienced, they are usually hunting close by but not with me. This is a great opportunity for me to hunt along with them and share the experience since I'm not allowed to hunt at this time. As far as should they be allowed to shoot a buck. They most certainly should. They got out of the bed before the crack of dawn and put in their effort. Only one buck per year in Ohio. Who cares how they get it or when. Please keep in mind that not everyone has the golden opportunity to hunt private land all their lives. Now, I do know you hunt public but your view on this is a little one sided.

@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751

4 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry but your really misunderstood this one. I like the youth season because without it, unfortunately some kids would not be included in the hunt. Also...I have hunted public land in OH...7 years in total...and had the place to myself. If I did take a youth they wouldn't have seen another hunter. Bottom line tho, opening days if gun and the rut are made for the youth. If a parent does a good job getting their kids out the rest of the season, the youth season becomes a mute point. Incredible opportunities for kids to hunt all season long. Not one sided, actually. Coming from a hunter who got into hunting with no one in my family that even hunted. Our entire season for my brother and I, was a youth season ☺️ I like the youth season because without them...some kids would just never hunt. That is really sad and that's on the parents...

@manuelspicer1774

4 жыл бұрын

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 I'm not mad. LOL. I know where you hunt in southern Ohio is almost void of hunters, but it's over a 3 hour drive to get there from here in northern where hunters are thick. By one sided I meant that you have access to private land or you have the means to travel to less populated ares. Opening day of gun season in Ohio is on Monday so the kids have to wait til Saturday to hunt due to school. I agree that it is sad if this is the only time a youth gets to hunt. My kids have been turned off as far as hunting with a gun during regular season in my area, Thank god they will pick that bow back up as soon as the yahoos all went home.

@manuelspicer1774

4 жыл бұрын

Oh, I forgot to say that I love what you do and to keep doing it. I'll try to chime in on a positive note next time.

I see that there have been many comments here in different directions. I live in IL and our youth season is 3 days on Columbus Day weekend. I am a huge fan of youth season because it often gives a young hunter a better opportunity than during regular season to harvest a deer. My point being, that "reward" is a huge incentive to continue hunting throughout the rest of the year. I can only speak for my own experiences with youth season with my daughter and my best friend's son. My daughter was 12 when she shot her first deer, during youth season and she wanted to go hunting with me every possible opportunity she could get after that. And this continued into turkey season. The same was true with my best friend's son. My friend does not hunt and I have hunted his land for years and his youngest son, who was 8 at the time really wanted to get into hunting, so I took him during youth season-he shot his first deer, and now I am begged all season long to take him hunting. These are two kids that have a passion for the sport, and have learned a tremendous amount about nature, conservation, patience, etc. And I think the key ingredient was that early success during youth season- getting that opportunity before the woods were pressured heavily with gun hunters in November. And due to the number of sports and other activities the kids are involved in they often don't get as much time in the woods as I do. Bottom line- I am a big fan of youth seasons in general.

My first couple years of hunting weren't until after I was about 20 years old. I bought my first rifle after College and went squirrel hunting on some public land. I was so excited to shoot my first little red squirrel. I skinned him based of some KZread video tutorials in no less than 45 agonizing minutes. I was pitiful. I kept at and have slowly gotten better by learning what I can from seasoned hunters and more youtube videos. I shot a small button buck with my bow last season thanks to some great tips from your videos and a doe the year before with a shotgun, and each time, I have been super stoked about the whole thing. I have passed on and missed opportunities on many more deer, and everytime, despite my mistakes, I love coming home to tell me little kids about it. I am hoping that they get as excited about it as I do when they get older. I bought the 5 yr old a little 22lr rifle for Christmas, and we have been learning firearm safety rules and proper handling. We are going to do some shooting once the weather warms up, and when/if she feels ready, we will start hunting together in the fall. #DaddyDaughterDate

Couldn't agree more I took my my daughter that just turned 4 a month ago opening day of turkey season this yr we killed a tom 10" beard 1 1/18 spurs she was so excited she loves watching it on tv and stuff it makes me very very proud she is gonna carry it on

I can't agree more, I didn't have a youth season growing up, but I had a family member who took me hunting , we never focused on big bucks, matter of fact it was usually "doe days" that I was invited to go hunting. After 20+ years of working to much to have time to hunt, I got back into hunting, first deer was a doe, I was so thrilled, I've never been a trophy hunter, I leaned along time ago if you don't take the shot when you can - you may not get another, dont get me wrong , I get excited to see a big buck but I'm just as excited and happy to go home with a spike or a doe of any size

Spot on

Here in Maine youth season is crazy. It is at the end of October right at the end of archery season. Most years an archer is just seeing decent buck movement and wham 90,000 trucks are driving all over from field to field completely screwing up the deer movement . I rarely ever see a kid with an adult walking a field edge or sitting. If they are sitting it’s in a pickup..... So I took my son out during bear and deer season for two years. He learned about tracks, rubs, scrapes, food sources ect. He finally shot a doe and a bear the same season. He was super exited and has them proudly displayed in his bedroom. However he never hunted again. I would ask him if he told any of his school friends that he shot them and he always said, “No dad. Nobody hunts so they will think I am weird for killing something.” Unfortunately there is no easy answer. Society is changing and our outdoor sporting enthusiast are getting to be fewer and fewer. I now see a young hunter in the cab of a truck and I think, we’ll at least the kid is giving it some effort. I would love to take my son out again, even on a youth day. Just not his thing right now. Good topic!!

I like our youth season set up here in GA. There is a one week muzzleloader season between bow and rifle. That week is also youth week allowing youth to hunt with modern firearms. Its not a big deal for me as I take them through out season but it's nice having that week to focus mainly on them. They both took their first this year. A doe and a button buck. They couldn't have been more excited. Did euro mounts on both. The younger still teases the older about his being a buck haha.

Great video Jeff! Do you think less and less kids are less interested in getting out and enjoying the woods because some parents have more of an interest in other things like video games or other technology? I feel like technology has something to do with the lack of interest in the past 15 or so years. So many kids would rather play games then get out in the woods.

@KatelynArmstr0ng

4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. I see this on the daily. So sad.

I fully agree with you. It’s good to have a youth seasons but it’s more important to involve them in the hunt over all.

Shared experience…. Spent over 300 hours in the woods to realize his dreams of bagging a monster ….. he finally got his shot at a typical monster and missed with a crossbow 13 years old ….. he was so discouraged, he did not seriously deer hunt again until mid 30s ….. thanks for the video

I think you are 100 percent correct. My dad raised me to hunt with him the entire season. I would sit in a blind below his treestand, or with him in a buddy stand. I intend to do the same with my 2 boys when they become of age, but because the rules are what they are, I feel like it's an opportunity to take advantage of. I dont agree with the rules, but I would he depriving my sons of a chance to take a deer, when all their friends would be out there hunting. So therefore when that time comes, during youth season, I will be there with my boys.

I went with the guy's hunting when I was 4. Never had a youth season and have never taken my son out for youth season, he has always just come with me on opening day. Soon as he got a girlfriend he lost all interest in hunting anyways. Now I hunt as I pretty much always have.. Alone.. All these extra Doe hunts and all this crap they want to do with extending seasons is ridiculous. Id like it to be how it was when I was a kid. Draw for a Doe and ya get 9 day's to get it done. I don't even really gun hunt much anymore unless I need an extra Doe for the freezer.

@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751

4 жыл бұрын

A girlfriend...well at least he has his priorities right 😁 Hopefully he will come back out with you when his older...it's all about memories to last a lifetime and I bet he had some great times with dad. Awesome too that you were out when you were 4 ☺️ Love hearing that!

Jeff I cant wait till I have a mini me to share every aspect of hunting with all season long. I got my step dad hes a hunting buddy but i dont really got a partner if that makes sense. Cant wait

If it's done for the intended purpose , but it's not a realistic expectation. I agree with you. Big brother approach is a nice thought . Will that really teach

I agree with a lot of what you are saying. More independent kids hunting with pellet rifles for small game is a great idea.

I've never been a big fan of the youth seasons for the very reasons you mention in the video. However in stubborn states like Michigan, that refuse to move the firearms opener to a weekend, the best hunting experience for a youth, and the best teachable moments for a parent, is the youth season where you can have some 1-on-1 time on a weekend with your young hunter. Back 40 years ago, when I started hunting, you could miss a couple days of school for deer camp and recover pretty easily. Hell back then your teacher would even ask you how the hunting was. Nowadays they bury these kids in work to the point where missing a day can cause great anxiety, especially if you have a kid with Advanced Placement classes, which are administered like college courses at an accelerated pace. And if the teacher finds out you missed school to hunt...welcome to the $h!t list. So for that reason I think the youth season, despite all of its shortcomings, is useful here in Michigan. If they would do a Saturday opener, where you could grab your kid after school on Friday and dash to camp, I'd have a different opinion.

I couldn't be happier that we have a youth season now. I never had one as a kid but I sponsor a lot of youth hunts and i see dads that have never been get involved with their kids that have interest in it. Dads and kids neither one sometimes enjoy getting out in the cold during regular season and few start out as bow hunters . Once the hook is set though, they become all in usually. I've seen this over and over and it's a great thing. Dads that are willing to poach a deer or Turkey during their kids youth hunt are willing to poach regardless of what date or season it is. I look at it as an awesome opportunity but I do agree about the standards we're setting for the kids. Not many kids start out squirrel and rabbit hunting anymore. I think that part is sad but we have to get them involved for the future of these outdoor sports.

Youth season is a great opportunity for kids to get an extra weekend of hunting. Its not meant to be their only hunt but just a bonus hunt. My boys each have one buck tag a year in KY they can use it on any buck they want. My oldest tagged out on youth weekend this past year so he then got to hunt does, turkey and coyotes. The year prior oldest passed up on couple bucks youth weekend and had a tag sandwich at the end of the season. So for us its just a bonus hunt for the kids.

Ok all I can say is your great American Those values are what this country was built on . 👍

I love the youth season I take my son every year. We are in Michigan he said he won’t shoot a young little buck bc the bucks need to grow but he will take a Doe before a little buck . He said it should be a one buck state bc there too small up here.

@jeremycandy191

4 жыл бұрын

Drew Ski Amen, their too small, and certainly too few of them, Buck to Doe Ratio is WAY WAY OFF THE MARK!!!!

I just bow hunt anyway but my friends who rifle hunt just use it as more time to get out in the woods. Do you have any plans to video your turkey hunts this spring?

all I can do is clap. well put. I've taken my daughter with me for years and she's had a weapon for two years unsuccessful but she's still excited to go she's only 11 now so she has plenty of time. along with hunting v she's also taken a interest in trapping recently and we'll be doing that a bunch v with her next year as well.

Youth seasons had started in michigan just before i was 14. My grandpa took me out and i got a nice 7 point, two years in a row, grandpa said that "was going to be a tough act to follow". I had been archery hunting younger, but hadnt taken a deer. I had been an avid squirrel, grouse and rabbit hunter since i was old enough. The kids that dont belong in the woods you speak of were prevalent at my school, i brought pitures in (glossy kodaks in a ziploc) and was belittled and berated for shooting such small bucks, and for the does i killed. Id say, where is your deer? Id get the "i shot a ten point, but never found it" or its at the processor, and we didnt get pictures". Haha. My grandpa taught me to shoot, shoot well and never take a shot i wasnt confident in. And the venison was ALWAYS the trophy at our camp, still is. Antlers dont even make good soup. I assume those guys had a**holes for dads that would only shoot bullwinkle and would try to shoot half a mile with a .20ga at it. I agree with everything you said.

Jeff I can not agree more on your views with the kids. I have been a hunters education instructor in our state here in Wisconsin for years. I see it every year that one or two fathers that are turning hunting into a competition. Not about the hunt but about shooting just a big buck. I have heard them tell the young person you can't shoot a deer unless it is a buck of a certain size because that is what they do on the property. I have been in hunting industry for over 25 yrs, and I do believe that industry does not help itself in this area as the TV show we see promote big bucks and that is almost all of the introduction these kids have! I myself have our own channel like yours on You Tube and have done TV for years it has been quite successful. I make sure that the audience is aware for us its the hunt and whether it is a doe or small buck or whatever animal you are chasing be proud and happy with your harvest its about the hunt not the size of the animal. I believe getting the kids involved is very important as the average age of the hunter is going up because it seems the kids are not interested in hunting. Brought on in part by the instant gratification issues we see now days in the world I want it all and I want it now. All you have to do is sit in the woods a big buck walks in and you shoot him could not be more from the truth! I think you have done a excellent job explaining your views on this and I could not agree more! Thank you! Great job!

I went when I was 12 years old and remember it. Some of these kids are drug out to shoot a deer (hopefully not dad shooting a deer with jr tag) when they are so young they probably wont remember it.

Seems like a bonus hunt for me and my children as they hunt in regular season too. I never really take too much thought into any extra hunting time is a bonus. Also, adult or kid, should always have a fast heartbeat while aiming at any deer. I still get excited about does being taken. I preach if you lose that maybe not to hunt. I will admit my kids are not as adventurous as I was, don't know how to teach that with so many other activities they do. They do have access to guns and small game, they just don't care much about it. Good kids though.

Agree wholeheartedly. I took my boys deer hunting with me (mostly archery) for 2-3 yrs before I let them hunt at age 12. That way they learned it wasn't all about the kill, it was as much about learning and observing nature and deer habitat and movements. How to set still and try to pay attention. I do not care for little kids 6 7 8 yr. olds being allowed to hunt with firearms ( just my opinion) Here in Pa. when I was young we couldn't hunt till we were 12 and the excitement and anticipation for that first fall to hunt rabbits and pheasants was priceless, not to mention Deer Season ( rifle) my Dad didn't archery hunt, the anticipation for that opening day was equal to Christmas morning. I think letting little kids hunt early may take away from that excitement especially if they do kill a nice buck or two early on, they may lose interest if they have a few years without success....kinda feel the same way about youth sports (different rant) . Thanks for your informative videos

When I was younger I hunted the youth seasons and I think it is just another opportunity to get kids out maybe a little earlier in the year when it is a touch warmer. With that being said one of my first ever hunts when I believe I was 10 me and my dad had a giant 12 pt buck come down the hill behind us. I took a shot at him and missed. Looking back I believe that was the best thing that could have happened to me at that age. Later in that season or even the next (I don't remember) I was fortunate enough to get a button buck as my first deer. I honestly think if I had made that shot it could have ruined hunting for me. If I did get him where would I have gone from there? It is extremely difficult to harvest a buck of that size and if I did I think it would have ruined the challenge for me. That same season a classmate of mine killed a really big buck and I think he hunted one year more and then stopped and gave up hunting all together. That early success can be too much and once some of the youth hunters face some challenges they don't want to go out anymore because it just isn't fun. Thankfully I love the challenge of hunting. If I didn't I wouldn't have sat all day on the last day of our season this year in Minnesota in sub freezing temps. The challenge is what really made me love hunting. That and the community I am lucky enough to be a part of. Thanks for reading. Good luck hunters!

Social media is a great resource, but its also a terrible burden on many aspects of society. More now than ever I think its about "getting that big buck" even in the youth season. Though if the only weekend a kid gets to go out, I'd hate to see that taken from them.

I have so much to say about this topic. I’m all for the youth hunt because of the loss of hunters and interest in the sport. That being said we have lost something as a society and parents. We don’t do things like we used to. The kids get pulled in 1000 directions and some don’t take the time to do it right. It is a crying shame. Many families don’t even sit down as a family for dinner anymore. We’ve lost that connection with the youth. My kids learned and were excited to shoot any deer, and I tried to make that time the “youth “ season special dad time and it was. But your right I think for many it’s all about the kill, or the “ trophy” as they say for participating. I feel bad for many youth growing up this way. I tried to pass along the way I learned many hunting seasons curled up on the forest floor with my dad waiting for that deer to come along. Couldn’t wait to hunt on my own. I was 14 the first time and it was a right of passage. Now it’s a check box for some, not all as there are many involved parents. It’s a shame for those that don’t get to experience that.

I enjoy your channel, but I disagree with you on this. Youth season gives more kids an opportunity to hunt and to have success. If that motivates more kids to get into the sport on a lifelong basis. My son shot a spike buck two years ago, and he is now hooked. He loves deer meat and the chance to pursue the game. It was a definite success. What we need now is more future hunters.

Personally here in pa,the youth hunt is a great chance for parents to get unexpected meat to the table. I've taken many youth to the woods. Many of my friends have kids and needed extra adults as well as mine. During the youth hunt is the old adage if its brown it's down. We have rules as adults on antler count except for the youth. Prime example a few years back a four point with the body of a 3 year or 4 year old always came trailing these doe on known paths. We can't shoot him as adult. I swear we get many bucks that should be culled out of the herd and we can't touch them. So most of us adults target them thru youth season. This buck showed up big bodies and pencil size antleres and a friend's daughter got a crack at him. To watch the excitement is why I love the season. Let's face it us as adults get caught up in our own seasons. Youth allows guaranteed dedicated time to teach. And years later she still talks about that day. It still was one of my favorite hunts and I never pulled a trigger.

Im glad theres a early youth weekend here in Virginia for deer and turkerys. My grandson is 13. I took him spring Gobbler youth. No luck. I took him with me two days ago, he let a big bird get away, but learned a lesson. Which is what learning to hunt is about. Later in the morning I called in a jake, he got it, his first gobbler needless to say he was happy. He started out on squirrels. He has shot bucks, but will still shoot a doe too. I guess a lot of it is how you teach them. Its not all about killing a big one. My first deer was a doe, about 45 years ago. I remember it like yesterday, lol.

I started hunting at 6 years old with a bb gun. I wasn't allowed to carry anything else until I showed that I was responsible enough to do so. By 8 I was hunting with a 20 gauge shotgun and I still didn't kill my first deer till several years later. Everything has pros and cons but I'm 100% behind anything that gets kids out from in front of the tv and into the outdoors. As far as bucks go I say let them shoot what they want. Idc if its a 4 point buck. If they get excited let them shoot. I could never ruin a kids excitement by telling them some mess about "no you can't shoot that one because its not big enough". If they want to be a "trophy hunter" they will learn that over time but imo the trophies are the memories and there is no better memory in the woods than a kid's first deer. My first deer was a small doe but I wouldn't of been happier if it was a 10 point. I'm sure there are people that abuse the youth day and I think that is really unfortunate but overall I think its a good thing to have in place. We didn't have a youth day when I was a kid either. Our youth day is right smack in the middle of bow season. People will be wearing orange and running dogs (legal in NC) and I'll smile every time I hear a shot and hoping that somebody just smacked their first deer. I don't mind the youth season at all and I support it 100% but I do agree with you that the youth season shouldn't make or break whether a kid becomes a hunter or not. If they are interested the parent's should be taking them during regular season also just like my uncles, grandfather and dad did for me.

Every chance I get, I take my kids into the woods and show them sign. I explain to them why my stands are where their are. My oldest son is approaching hunting age, I will be absolutely pumped when he kills a doe!! If lucky enough to get a nice buck to walk out first, then great! Great video Jeff!

I got my kids in the woods early at 5 years old the came out with me anytime they wanted and I just got them excited to put meat on the table

As a teen I hunted heavily, and never hunted on youth season, simply because it was usually way too warm and I don’t like to have meat laying when it’s 65-80 degrees out

Agreed! Youths will gain a better understanding about hunting and that there is more than just hunting when they are more involved during the course of the season rather than just a few days sitting on a food plot. I'd like to see youths get more involved in the off season work as I think it's just as important if not more. Also tonight's special is 'BB Gun Squirrel' 😉😉😉😉😉

Hey Jeff! I personally shot my first buck during the youth season in Michigan about 10 years ago. I have multiple opinions on the youth hunt coming from a somewhat younger guy myself. I believe that at hunting age the kids should be welcomed with open arms out in the field. The youth hunt is unnecessary and in my opinion shouldn't allow younger individuals who would not normally be able to hunt obtain a license (age 9 instead of 10 in MI). I shot that buck with a .308 after missing one the night prior. Looking back I believe that I was arguably too young to be harvesting deer even though I was ecstatic to finally be allowed to hunt. Include kids in the process of hunting and allow them to mature into ethical hunters who can slot right into regular hunting seasons and opportunities. This is how I am even handling it with my adult friends who want to experience hunting. Show them the actual process instead of creating a new rule book and season!

I can only speak on my own experience and I was grateful to have an extra weekend to take my son hunting last year. I run my own business and my responsibilities limit how much I can hunt during shotgun season. We loved our time and he PASSED on a booner that was just out of his range. Good kid. Stupid but good.

Here in Maine they have a youth day. It is like the week before the actual deer season they have one day singled out for the youth so they get first crack at the deer and a parents can't hunt then so they can spend all of their time mentoring the youth during the hunt. Then Maine residents have the Saturday before the full season opens, Then on the following Monday , youth, adults and out of state hunters all get to hunt. It seems to work alright. Sadly you STILL can not hunt on Sunday. Hopefully we can change that ridiculous law soon. They have made all the stores open on Sunday and you can now buy alcohol on Sunday but you still cant hunt.Though you can dispatch an animal in a trap on Sunday. Go figure!

Crossman 760 was my first "gun".

My opinion on youth season is that their season should be during the same season as everyone else

I personally love the idea of the youth season. I know several people who cant take the time off work during the regular season either because of a demanding job or there is just to many people asking for it off. So people who can ask for a day or 2 off early on to help a youth get a chance at a deer is a great option.

Used to go with my dad and brother when I was 8. Did not hunt by myself until 14 for small game. They have a youth hunt for turkeys here in New York state before the season opens in May. We don't need a youth season, get them out small game hunting, take them big game hunting with you until they can big game hunt at the regular season time

I actually like the youth season concept. I have always hunted with my kids all season, not just youth days. Youth days are often before the primary season opens. It has always given me a chance to get out there and hunt turkeys that haven't been pressured. It is hard enough to get a turkey as it is, so why not give them a little better chance to keep their interest up? I would extend this argument to places with low deer numbers. We have plenty of deer where I live so there isn't really a need for me to use the youth deer season. I do agree that it should be done "right", but then we start down the slippery slope of disagreement over what "right" is. We really don't need any more division among the hunting community than we already have. We have bigger enemies to be concerned with.

I know plenty of people who have had the story of “kid was scared to pull the trigger, so dad shot the deer.” It seems more about getting first shots. I say get rid of it and have parents say “I know we probably won’t get anything, but you never know” during the actual season, in the cold and wind. Not when it’s still highs or 80-90 and lows of 60 when walking to the blind. (Youth in VA is like early September) doesn’t really get cold here til rifle season

No on special seasons! I broke into small game with dad, I got to carry the dead birds and dog water. Deer hunting was at 14 (mich.) Not having a special season, made me feel like I was growing up, Like getting a drivers licence, best of all the men I went with treated me as a equal, not a kid. Learned a lot about being a man and being around men. some good, some bad Big part of becoming one. the adult taking the new hunter out needs to have a good idea of the kids ability, and be there to help, not do. A kid that can stalk and shoot squirrels with a .22 will have no problem finding the heart on a deer. learning to hunt is a long process over years, not a couple of trips to the range to shoot off the bench

In our family it's all about meat in the freezer. The grandkids are getting into it.Youth turkey coming up.I used to get off the bus at 12 years old and grab my 22.And go shoot squirrels. When is the last time you shot a squirrel? I haven't shot 1 in 25 years. Stay safe out their.No virus In that blind.

@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751

4 жыл бұрын

Amen D! I actually shot some squirrels maybe 3 years ago...4 at most? Fried them up...pretty tough ☺️ Next time will use my mom's crock pot recipe!

@dswish1730

4 жыл бұрын

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Yes.They don't taste that good without grandma's love..Why is that??

Please record and post the turkey hunting

You have valid concerns, however I kind of like the idea of children having the first unpressured crack at game. I also think parents myself included want their children to succeed so badly that they do all the legwork without their children because it's faster or we've "been watching" a certain animal just for this hunt. It's a trap we set for ourselves! This year so far was a turn for the better, turkey youth hunt was successful for my youngest because he knew where the birds were moving before me. I work nights, my wife and boys had been watching a flock of birds for quite some time and they knew where to put up the blind and who to get permission from. That at least let me know he cared enough to look and be excited for the hunt.

Youth weekend gives kids a chance to hunt before the deer are pressured. In Virginia we bow hunt the whole month of October, muzzleloader the first two weeks of November then by the time rifle/shotgun season starts the deer are hardly moving during daylight and have dogs chasing them when they do.

@staceydodd7247

4 жыл бұрын

Lucky the don’t run dogs in Bedford county