Youth Hunting
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Mike from ME asks:My 7 year old son is left eye dominant, but right handed, should I start him out with a left handed bow or tech him to shoot with a right handed bow?Winke Responds:Mike, I think I would have him shoot right handed by teach him to always close his left eye when aiming. If he can't do that, he either needs to wear a patch over that eye when shooting or he needs to shoot left-handed. Good luck.
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Should youth hunters be restricted to just shoot does so they learn the importance of shooting them?Jim from WI asks:Do you think the youth hunt should have the yutes shoot does only? This way they can learn the importance of shooting does and don't grow up thinking bucks only.Winke Responds:Jim, Not a bad idea. I don't have any problem with the kids shooting bucks, though. In a lot of areas, the youth hunters end up shooting does anyway because the does are more numerous and easier to shoot. In the end, it is going to come down to the teaching of their mentors. If the mentor understands this importance, it will be passed along. The mentoring process is so valuable in hunting and deer management.
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Bob from MI asks:Hey Bill, I have a question about Andrew's bow. What is the draw weight? and how far out do you think he can shoot a deer?Winke Responds:Bob, He is pushing up on 30 pounds. I want him at 30 pounds before he hunts. I think right now he could effectively kill a deer out to about 15 yards, but that is more related to his skill with the bow than to the bow's ability to deliver a lethal arrow.
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Phil from IN asks:I got hooked on Midwestwhitetail last year and can't wait for each episode to come out. I remember you hunting with your children on last years episodes. My oldest sone (7 almost 8) has sat in a ground blind with me, but not with a gun. I am wanting to get him a gun to hunt with me this fall or next year. What would you suggest for him to shoot. He tends to have some fear so I want to be very carefull about the amount of kick the gun has I do not want to ruin his desire by having him scared of a gun. He hasn't shot anything bigger than a .22 yet. Would much appreciate any help you can give. Thanks, PhilWinke Responds:Phil, I started both of ours out by practicing with the .22 and then used the .50 caliber TC muzzleloader with a single 50 grain powder pellet and 250 bullet for hunting. I never let them shoot the .50 in the yard, but kept them on the .22. When the deer came out, they never noticed the recoil and were comfortable squeezing the trigger. That load doesn't kick much at all and is plenty powerful enough to create good killing power at ranges up to 100 yards. Also, be sure they are wearing ear muffs. I think they get just as shy about the noise as they do about the recoil. So use the earmuffs even when hunting. Good luck.
