“What do you mean you can’t find your glove!?! It was there last night!” Rod exclaims.
Two sleepy eyed boys stumble around looking for the missing item. Eventually it is found and the trio moves on to the candy drawer for supplies.
“Better take a couple, we might be there for a while” Rod suggests. Ethan and Carter stock up on candy bars and Cokes and now they are ready to hunt.
This scenario is played out multiple times during the spring. Rod’s goal is to get his grandsons a turkey, but spending time with them in the woods is good enough.
This spring consider taking a youth turkey hunting. Spring turkey season is a great time to introduce kids to hunting. First, it is exciting! The woods come alive during the spring. There is typically a lot of action as toms come to calls looking for a mate, so it easier to keep a kid engaged. Second, the weather is mild (at least in Nebraska). No cold hands and feet like deer hunting in the fall, so the child will sit longer. Third, wild turkeys are plentiful in a lot of states so the chances of success are high.
There are also benefits for the adult. Many states open the youth shotgun season a week early so it will allow you an extra weekend to hunt. Plus you get the satisfaction of teaching the next generation lifelong skills and creating memories.
Here are four tips for taking a youth turkey hunting:
Use a blind. A blind helps conceal movement, blocks the elements, and provides a more comfortable atmosphere for the child.
Take a shooting stick. If you have a small hunter consider taking a shooting stick. This rest will help the kid steady his/her aim and increase their accuracy. If you are using a blind it is relatively easy to get the shooting stick into position and move it if necessary.
Embrace technology. There are mixed opinions on whether to leave the technology at home or take it into the blind. My opinion is let the child take their phone or tablet. I know the idea is to enjoy nature, however if it is their first time it will give them something to do during the slow times. Also, I don’t want hunting to be seen as a negative (often not being able to use technology is a form of punishment, I don’t want hunting to be related to punishment). You will be surprised of how quick they put down their device if you engage them in the process and point out different wildlife, sounds, etc.
Make it fun. Use face paint. Play games. Ask their opinion on what you should do and use positive reinforcement.
Bottom line is enjoy your time. The kids will appreciate the opportunity and you will have fun too…I promise.
How Does This Apply to Business?
The children now love luxury, they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise.
Does that sound like today’s youth? Do you know who said that? The answer is Socrates.
Younger generations have been getting a bad rap for centuries. The reality is a lot of young people are eager to learn, work hard, and want to make the world a better place. Consider hiring an intern at your business.
Just like turkey hunting, the next generation needs to be taught about business. The easiest way to learn is by real life experience. An intern will also help your business and they will bring a new perspective. Ask their opinion. Give them jobs and let them figure out the best way to complete them. You will also learn from them, and at the very least they can help you set up your Wi-Fi.
The future of the world lie in the hands of younger generations. Let’s make sure we set them up for success.
Until next time remember…you’re going to have to earn it.