Been lurking on here for a while and had to post this.

I've been waiting to take my son hunting since the day I found out we were having a boy. He is now 4 years old. All weekend long he has been begging to go hunting. So tonight I left the shotgun at home and took him out to the fields to join up with some buddies. I told him the two most important rules were to stay close and LISTEN to me. I made a big deal about taking him to Academy to buy a camo shirt and hat. He was so excited.

He wouldnt nap today because he was so excited. He kept poking his head out of the door asking if it was time yet. On the way out tonight he fell asleep, but woke up quickly when we arrived. He stayed right by me holding my hand as we crossed the field. We set down a chair right behind a buddy and I told him not to go in front of him. He never did. He was quiet, for the most part, and stayed close to me. When the gunshots started, he didn't shy away. He wasn't scared of the dead birds and kept a vigilant eye on the sky.

When we left he asked if he could go hunting again. I asked him if he knew what he earned for being such a good boy. He didn't so I told him he earned another hunting trip. He got excited and asked, "and a trip to Toys R Us?" I'm so proud right now I would buy him the whole store if I could.

I can't wait to take him again. Next time I will take my shotgun and start teaching him more. The fact that he liked it so much brings a tear to my eye. I've waited for this hunting buddy my whole life. The only thing that would have made it better is if my dad had been there.

Making memories that is what it is all about.

took my son at 4 years old, he had an oversize cap and an oversize vest, he bird dogged for me, had a blast that day, 21 years later are still hunting together, that first day stays with you forever, good job making memories.

Welcome to the Forum! Great to hear stories like this. Hope y'all enjoy MANY more seasons. I really enjoyed reading about your first hunting trip together.

Howdy do and welcome to the forum. Way to go dad

to the forum. Enjoy every moment. They grow up way to fast.

Good post - that's what it's all about.

And welcome to THF!

Thanks for sharing the story. Brings back the memory of my first time with my son.

Yes they do... one day they are getting the birds for you, the next they have shot their first dove, and then they are high man on a dove hunt...and then they start high school.

to the forum.

Thanks for sharing that first hunting trip with your son. Reminded me of my first trip with my daughter. Memories that will last your lifetime and best of all...his.

Good job!! He'll be wanting to go every day now!!

I can't wait for that day. That must have been an awesome feeling!!!

Great story! Thanks fir sharing!

awesome

Great story and I know how you feel, my hunting buddy is growing up way to fast! I had him in the dove field at 3 and he started going on coyote hunts with me that year as well! Needless to say the only time my kiddo can stay quiet is while hunting. He shot his first deer at age 4 all on his own, I never touched the gun other than to hand it to him. He is fixing to turn 8, I know I have lots of years left to hunt with him but man time flies when they are young!!

Great job to you dad, nothing more exciting than watching them in the field, I almost cried like a baby after his first kill!

congrats. There is nothing better than for a kid to go hunting with dad. Some of the best memories I have had.

Walter

Way to go, dad!

Memories like that last forever. You are a good dad.

GREAT FIRST POST!
thanks for the story

Awesome my son is 2 now and I cant wait to take him hunting for the first time

I take my boy squirrel hunting with me, and he absolutely loves it! In addition, I remembered how much fun squirrel hunting can be!
The below picture was when he was three. He turns 5 this month.

Good job. I'll never forget when me & Dad stopped in a Gun Shop in downtown Rockwall in 1978, I was 5, he bought me a bolt action .410 & spent more than he spent on the gun having the stock cut down & a new pad. When we took it home he was telling me the whole way from Rockwall to Garland, don't tell your mom, when we get home just go in the house & don't say anything, I'll put the gun in the safe. I walked in, went straight to Mom & said guess what, Daddy bought me a new shotgun! He still doesn't let me live that one down.