Well the proclamation states that you can hunt by yourself when you are 16. I started hunting by myself and with friends when I turned sixteen, but of course I was paying for my own gas, truck, insurance, and shotgun shells by that time too. So for me that would be the biggest concern. If you are going to go hunting by yourself then you should pay for it yourself too. I know that may seem tough, but it sure taught me to be a responsible adult.
How old?
At what age would you guys let your kids hunt by themselves? Waterfowl hunt specifically. I am 16 and nervous about approaching my dad to ask...
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I started with stuff close to home at 14(in idaho) then gradually moved farther away. Just be careful we got into a couple sticky situations.
I was hunting rabbits alone at 12 but I was brought up around guns and was shooting when I could shoulder one. We had to be 16 to hunt game without an adult. My dad was very strict about gun safety and I was and still am fully aware of all situations.
id say it depends on how good of a hunter you dad sees you as. at 13/14 id drive our old farm truck out to some other family members land to deer hunt alone, and at 16 went whereever i needed. but id hunted since i was five. it really depends on how you think your dad sees you and if you're confident in your own abilities
Yeah it all depends on the hunter. I'm sure there are 14 year olds that can be trusted more than some 16 year olds out there.
Don't be afraid to ask.
If he says yes, then great. You'll be able to head off and have some growing experiences by yourself.
If he says no, don't let it bother you. It may just be that he's worried about your safety and would like to have some more control over your situation for a few more years. It may also be that he thinks you've still got some growing left to do before you're ready for that kind of independence (and there's no shame in that - there's no one way or time frame for growth and progress).
My parents didn't let me go alone until I was 17 - probably a good call on their part.
If I had a 16 year-old as experienced with hunting as you are, I would probably let him hunt waterfowl in a reasonably safe environment fairly close to home. I probably wouldn't want him hunting deer by himself, or driving several hours in the dark, etc., but everyone's different.
If he says yes, then great. You'll be able to head off and have some growing experiences by yourself.
If he says no, don't let it bother you. It may just be that he's worried about your safety and would like to have some more control over your situation for a few more years. It may also be that he thinks you've still got some growing left to do before you're ready for that kind of independence (and there's no shame in that - there's no one way or time frame for growth and progress).
My parents didn't let me go alone until I was 17 - probably a good call on their part.
If I had a 16 year-old as experienced with hunting as you are, I would probably let him hunt waterfowl in a reasonably safe environment fairly close to home. I probably wouldn't want him hunting deer by himself, or driving several hours in the dark, etc., but everyone's different.
That is a decision for your father to make. It's not up to you when he feels your ready your ready. But don't be afraid to ask. Asking him show that your growing up and show him alittle manhoodAt what age would you guys let your kids hunt by themselves? Waterfowl hunt specifically. I am 16 and nervous about approaching my dad to ask...
Im going to take the Dad role here.
If we are talking upland hunts, I'd be more comfortable with you hunting alone. If we are talking waterfowl, I would not be ok with it for now.
Reason being, there are some pretty precarious situations that you could end up in when in the marsh.
I'd never forgive myself if my son hit a deep spot and filled his waders and he never made it home.
For safety of youth and adults, I am leery of guys hunting marshes alone.
Now if you are jump shooting along a river, I'd feel more comfortable.
I'm not saying your dad is right or wrong with whatever decision he makes, but if you do end up going out alone, please be safe young man.
If we are talking upland hunts, I'd be more comfortable with you hunting alone. If we are talking waterfowl, I would not be ok with it for now.
Reason being, there are some pretty precarious situations that you could end up in when in the marsh.
I'd never forgive myself if my son hit a deep spot and filled his waders and he never made it home.
For safety of youth and adults, I am leery of guys hunting marshes alone.
Now if you are jump shooting along a river, I'd feel more comfortable.
I'm not saying your dad is right or wrong with whatever decision he makes, but if you do end up going out alone, please be safe young man.
Thank you all for your responses. Bax, that is something to think about and I think I'll just sit down and talk about it with him. No disrespect to you sir, but I think I know FB pretty well and would be okay going out alone. (Might just be my teenage brain thinking that though).
Looking at what I did, what my kids did, and now what my grandkids are doing I'm going with 13 years old for a youngster to go off duck hunting by their self.
No offense taken. As you know Farmington has some pretty scary spots that an uninformed hunter could really get into a lot of trouble quickly in and I would be sick to my stomach knowing that my boy disappeared without a trace in one of these places.Thank you all for your responses. Bax, that is something to think about and I think I'll just sit down and talk about it with him. No disrespect to you sir, but I think I know FB pretty well and would be okay going out alone. (Might just be my teenage brain thinking that though).
Im glad you know the area, and Im sure that helps your dad feel better. The one thing that really comes to mind here, is be even more cautious than ever if you do end up going on your own. If the situations seem even slightly questionable, just avoid them and live to hunt another day.
Good luck and have some safe and memorable hunts!
No federal regulations stating a minor can't be in possesion of a firearm without someone at least 18 accompanying?
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