Since the 2012 release of The Hunger Games, the popularity of youth archery has grown. However, there are still some kids that aren’t extremely interested in archery. If you are wanting to get your kids started in bow hunting due to the numerous benefits associated with the sport, here are a few tips that you will definitely want to keep in mind as you get them involved:
- Focus on Safety First
When it comes to kids and archery, safety should always come first and it is important that you teach your children this. You need to make sure that you cover all of the basics, such as only pointing the bow and arrow at the target that your child intends to shoot and to never, ever fire the bow unless an adult is present. You also need to show your child how to properly hold their bow. If you feel that your child will listen better to an authority figure other than yourself, which is often the case, don’t hesitate to enroll your child in a local archery program.
- Make Sure to Shoot Frequently
When it comes to archery, one of the best things for your child is going to be shooting the bow. So, you need to take your child to the range as frequently as you can or out to your practice area as much as possible. It’s okay if they can’t always hit the target, as accuracy will come with practice. For now, you simply need to allow your child to get the hang of things and to experience the fun of shooting. The more fun they have, the more they’ll want to continue with the sport. It will also make it easier for you to teach them. The less you go to the range, the quicker your child will lose interest.
- Start with Small Game
While it is important to practice frequently and to shoot at targets, your child is eventually going to want to shoot at something real and moving – and most kids aren’t going to want to sit in a blind as quiet and still as a mouse for hours on end waiting for a deer to come into their sight. So, instead, you should go on the hunt for some small game, such as turkeys, squirrels, etc. This will allow your child to remain on their feet and on the move and provide them with much more excitement than a deer blind for their first hunt.
Bonus: Select the Right Accessories
To make sure that your child is able to hunt efficiently and safely and to help improve their overall hunting quality, you need to ensure that they have the right bow, arrows and accessories. You need to select a bow with the right draw length and weight for your child, and you may want to consider some accessories like a finger glove, arm protector and single pin sight to help aid their shooting. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Full Draw Archery for help.