Hunting with kids

Daddy, I want to come turkey hunting. Like, actually turkey hunting,” said six-year-old Harper.

She’d been on our annual trip since she was a baby and had tagged along for a few midday outings, but never for the full experience. This year, she wanted it all — 3:30 a.m. wake-up and everything. I tempered my expectations. We might not hunt long, or stay silent or still enough — and I was okay with that. I love hunting turkey, but more than that, I love hunting with my kids. I was good with whatever happened.

Turns out, I didn’t need to lower the bar. We filled two tags in two mornings, on two of the most exciting turkey hunts you could ask for. The birds put on a show. The look on Harper’s face as a tom pecked and spurred my jake decoy is one I won’t soon forget. She also developed an interest in the diaphragm call. With minimal practice, she already sounds awfully turkey-like. I see a kids’ calling contest in her future...

The joy (and challenge)

Hunting with young kids is a different game — but one I’ve come to love. Last fall, I barely deer hunted. Time and low deer numbers were factors, but mostly, I didn’t want to go without Harper. I thought about slipping out for a morning, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to share it with her (or risk a scolding if I came home with something).

I absolutely love hunting — and feel incredibly lucky to share it with my kids. We spend time outdoors, I pass along knowledge, and they learn about wildlife and where our food comes from. It takes patience. If I wanted the experience to be positive, I had to let go of expectations — no getting frustrated over talking, noise, or movement. Maybe we spook a deer. Maybe we pack up early to explore. Maybe a turkey spots her shifting and bolts. And that’s okay — because we’re building something bigger.

The hunts may be shorter, less frequent, and less successful. But the experience is the win. And when it is successful, it’s even sweeter. Seeing the excitement in Harper’s eyes after I shot a turkey she called in — there’s no way to describe that. I wouldn’t trade moments like that for a truckload of notched tags.

Keep in fun

It can’t be all serious. Sure, kids need to learn patience and stillness — but expecting that 100% of the time is unrealistic. You’ve got to read the moment. Don’t force it. It’s better to pack it in early than risk turning the outing into something negative.

I try to make it something she wants to do, and let her steer the ship. I’ll encourage and guide, but if she’s done, we’re done.

Tips and tricks

When I asked Harper for her top hunting tips, she didn’t hesitate: “Snacks.” Then: “Colouring and quiet toys if I get bored.”

Honestly, solid advice. I pack a bag with quiet snacks, books, colouring supplies, and a few small toys — whatever keeps her content, quiet, and engaged. When we’re in a blind, I avoid the iPad. It’s tempting, and it would buy me time — but it defeats the whole point: being present, watching wildlife, soaking it all in.

We started with grouse hunting — an ideal entry point for young kids. It’s usually active, with regular sightings. If you mess up a shot, it’s no big deal. We walk trails or ride in the truck or UTV to keep it interesting. Low pressure, low stakes. It can last an hour — or all day.

My girls are fascinated by grouse crops and always request a “biopsy” to see what the birds ate. They can name most organs and are genuinely interested in the cleaning process. They act as my retrievers and beam with pride when they find a bird. And honestly? They’re great at spotting grouse in the woods.

Finding what works

Harper has joined me on turkey hunts, bear sits in cornfields, and plenty of deer outings. We’ve hunted from blinds and still-hunted. I much prefer walking a cut — it’s less effective, sure, but far more enjoyable. She can walk, sit, and explore for hours, but an hour in a blind is usually her limit.

And I don’t blame her. My three-year-old, Jorja, is already a grouse-hunting enthusiast and has joined me for a few brief deer walks. We even saw a couple.

The trap to avoid

Don’t push too far. I still catch myself slipping into the “just a bit longer” mindset — wanting success for them. But that’s when things can turn. You’ve got to be okay with coming home empty-handed.

The harvest is a bonus. The real goal is fun, positive memories, and laying the groundwork for a lifetime of shared experiences. Harper’s joined me at moose camp the last few years — always after we’d already filled our tag.

We spend a few days grouse hunting and fishing, and she loves every second. But this fall feels different. I think she’s ready for the next step. Our group might just have a new member on opening day — and neither of us can wait.

Sharing something I’m passionate about with my kids has added a whole new layer to my time in the outdoors. It’s changed the way I hunt, sure — but in all the best ways. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

Their own gear

Both girls have their own orange hoodies, vests, binoculars — even a turkey vest. It doesn’t have to be fancy. But giving them gear of their own makes it feel special. It helps them feel like real members of the hunt.

Learn more about getting your kids started in hunting here

Originally published in the Ontario Out of Doors 2025-2026 Hunting Annual

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