MOMania

By ron

November 12, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Both my daughter and son were introduced to guns and hunting when they were ten.We were all bird hunters.Shotguns were altered to fit small frames and loads were tailored for young shoulders.

By docsingletary

November 12, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

Thirty years ago I was a kid in Atlanta. My Dad took us hunting and fishing when his schedule allowed. Luckily my family returned to South Georgia while I was still young and I had the opportunity to be raised where I could hunt and fish all the time. And I chased squirrels & rabbits before getting into the deer woods. When the weather warmed I headed to the water fishing pole in hand. I learned lots of valuable lessons in those times afield. I have purchased lifetime licenses for both my sons and I take them out as often as possible. Hopefully even those in the city will be reminded of the value of time spent in the outdoors and make it a point to take their kids hunting & fishing.

By Lee

November 12, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

My Dad and Grandfather always took me hunting and fishing beginning when I was four years old. Now I share the same values with my sons. I firmly believe that if you take your kids hunting, you won’t be hunting for your kids…

By shadow 7071

November 12, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Yes, I take my children hunting and fishing. It’s fun, it’s time together and it teaches them knowledge, skills and information that they don’t get from school, TV or their friends.

Hunting and fishing is fundamental stuff. Long before Kroger, Publix and Trader Joes people had to provide for themselves and their families. Hunting and fishing combined with growing food were vital skills. Today, for most of us, hunting, fishing and gardening is not vital but a pleasurable pastime.

One thing, if we do have this social/economic fallout that many are predicting the people who know how to hunt, fish and raise food will not be part of the madding crowd running hysterically through the streets looking for the government handout.

By John Lunsford

November 12, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

I am in my late twenties now and I am the one taking my dad hunting and fishing. I believe that there is not a better way to spend time with family and friends than in the field. I starting hunting doves and deer with my dad when I was 9 and starting hunting on my own in my early teens. While in college I developed a passion for duck hunting which I have now got my dad in to. My dad’s health is no so great anymore so my tactics have changed when taking him, but I remember every moment and love it. I do not have children of my own yet but I am sure that my wife and I will take our kids hunting and teach them firearm safety at a fairly young age. My dad, brother in-law and I will be quail hunting the day after Thanksgiving.

By chainshaw

November 12, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

Both of my daughters like to fish. Only one of them like to hunt. Both have learned to shoot pellet guns and .22s. They will learn to shoot larger guns when they are a little older.

We enjoy spending the time outdoors as a family.

By Tom

November 12, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

I spend as much time as possible in the woods with my son, it gives us a chance to talk, laugh, amd actually learn about nature and each other. I think he is learning that there is a world outside of a TV and internet that need to be explored. He is seven, it is not too early or too late.

By momwhohunts

November 12, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

We had our son at deer camp when he was 11 DAYS old. He’s been hunting since then & he’s now 12. Our 10 year old daughter also hunts. They’re lucky to live on a “farm” where they can hunt and fish without having to worry about other hunters. They’ve also hunted in other states and went on an African safari last summer. To be with my children in those moments is priceless and I wouldn’t take anything for them. They learn about nature and conservation and how to be a responsible hunter. Most deer that we take is donated to Hunters for the Hungry so they’re not just out there shooting anything with antlers. I’m a firm believer in the motto “Take your kids hunting and you won’t have to hunt your kids.”

By O W

November 12, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

What great questions. Yes, we are a hunting family. I have taken all of my kids hunting. In fact my 11 year old son and I just got back from a trip with my Grandfather (he is 81). I have been talking to my kids about firearms safety as soon as they were old enough to learn. All of our guns are under lock and key but I wanted to make sure they understand how dangerous they can be. We hunt deer mostly but also go after ducks, turkeys and squirrels. I would recommend starting with squires (they are difficult game to go after but certainly more plentiful and off more opportunity. My kids haven’t every expressed sadness but we respect the animals and make every effort to harvest them cleanly. No I have never given a lifetime license.

Hunting is a great sport, but you need to remember its more about spending time in the field than killing animals. To watch the sunrise and see the woods come to life is a great experience that your kids will remember for a lifetime.

By armorup

November 12, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

I have already purchased lifetime hunting/fishing licenses for my two young boys. If you buy them for your children before they are two years old they only cost $200. Hopefully I/they will see great return on that investment in the future.

By O W

November 12, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

What great questions. Yes, we are a hunting family. I have taken all of my kids hunting. In fact my 11 year old son and I just got back from a trip with my Grandfather (he is 81). I have been talking to my kids about firearms safety as soon as they were old enough to learn. All of our guns are under lock and key but I wanted to make sure they understand how dangerous they can be. We hunt deer mostly but also go after ducks, turkeys and squirrels. I would recommend starting with squires (they are difficult game to go after but certainly more plentiful and off more opportunity. My kids haven’t every expressed sadness but we respect the animals and make every effort to harvest them cleanly. No I have never given a lifetime license.

Hunting is a great sport, but you need to remember its more about spending time in the field than killing animals. To watch the sunrise and see the woods come to life is a great experience that your kids will remember for a lifetime.

By RLF

November 12, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

I went hunting and fishing (mostly fishing) with my dad as a kid. We had a great time and there are several lessons to be learned that can only be taught in the outdoors. I didn’t begin hunting heavily until I was an adult, but I fully intend to take my 3 y.o. when he’s a bit older.

I have a very vivid memory of the “post Thanksgiving” tradition of target shooting. My dad and my uncles would take the kids out behind the house and shoot .22’s at targets. It was a great time and a great opportunity to teach gun safety and respect for firearms.

By What's up...

November 12, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

..with all the men chiming in today? What part of MOMANIA do you wusses not understand?

By Valerie

November 12, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

My father has all girls we never went hunting but we were always involved when he came home. Helping him with the deer before he took it to be process and helping him with cleaning of the rabbits. We have all left home he still hunts he really enjoys it.

By Theresa

November 12, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Valerie — do you think he didn’t think girls should hunt? or were you guys just not interested in the actualy hunting portion? Would you teach your girls to hunt?

By trappert

November 12, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

My son begin running a trap line with me when he was 2 months old. I live in Gwinnett county and have hunted all of my life and I want my son to enjoy the same pleasures I have in the outdoors. This past weekend we went on our first deer hunt and took a very large buck and he was very excited that we had such good luck. He is only 5 now but I believe he is hooked for life. I bought him a lifetime license when he was 2.He has had a pellet rifle since he was two and we shoot a couple of times a week.

By Theresa

November 12, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

Valerie — do you think he didn’t think girls should hunt? or were you guys just not interested in the actualy hunting portion? Would you teach your girls to hunt?

By H P

November 12, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

We are a family of hunters. My son and I went hunting yesterday (my husband was out of town on business) and we saw a coyote (it was fun watching it without it knowing we were there). When we are fortunate enough to harvest an animal, we have the meat processed and we put it in our freezer for meals in the coming year (we look at it the same as when we put vegetables up from our garden). We also enjoy wing sports. My husband and I are ethical hunters who have taught our son gun safety since he was a little guy (treat all guns, even the play ones, like they are loaded and never point them at anyone). We enjoy the outdoors and are passing this lifestyle on to him.

By momwhohunts

November 12, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

My father never took me hunting. I married into it and loved it. But it was either that or be a hunting widow. Then we started taking the kids. I loved seeing the faces of my children when the deer walked out. For a long time we would just take them to sit in the stand without a gun or bow and let them see that it’s about nature and patience and beauty. But hunting also involves responsibility - they learned you can’t hunt for free. There’s “chores” to be done - bush hogging, planting food plots, picking up sticks, cleaning out stands or being the camp cook (that was my job).

When we took them to Africa, I wanted them to experience something besides the hunting. It was an opportunity for them to experience a new culture.It made them realize how lucky we have it here in the states. We had a videographer the whole time and I wrote in my journal everyday so that no detail would be missed. That will be a trip that they will always remember.

By Sugar

November 12, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

I grew up fishing with my parents and siblings. I never cared for the fish, but I enjoyed the sport. Mostly I enjoyed being outdoors with my parents. The memories I have!!!

We grew up out west and trout fished. Usually in lakes, once or twice in the streams. I loved sitting on the shores and waiting for my bobber to go under and knew I hooked something!!!!!

One day I want to go deep sea fishing.

By Becky

November 12, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

My Dad never hunted while we were grwoing up..We did fish, but I didn’t like it..I have 2 sisters & 2 brothers that fish all the time though..My husband hunts some, so I’m sure that he’ll take our “grandson” with him, when he gets older..

Sugar, I answered your question on yesterdays blog, so hope that explains things..As for deep sea fishing, you will LOVE it..That is fishing that I like..I’ve been twice & would go again if given the chance..

By Proud Vegetarian

November 12, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Uh, how redneck! Am I the only one here who’s raised her children to love & respect animals??

By elfiii

November 12, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

I was started on hunting and fishing when I was 8 years old. I did the same with my children. Both of them enjoy fishing and my son hunts with me when time permits.

It is an excellent way to spend quality time together and learn about the real world we live in. TV, books and magazines are one thing. Seeing is believing.

By Brad Whitecotton

November 12, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

When I was growing up in North West Georgia, hunting and fishing were very much a part of my young experience. There weren’t many deer at that time so rabbit and squirel hunting was our main hunting activity. I loved everything outdoors, so my dad did everything he could to support that. Now that I have my own family, I have also introduced the outdoors to my kids. My sons favorite is deer hunting. I started him out at 9 years old. he is now 14 and has a passion for the sport. I enjoy being with him and watching him learn about the outdoors. We have made many lasting memories that he will remember long after I am gone.

By WeLoveAnimalsToo

November 12, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Proud Vegetarian, Just because we hunt in our family doesn’t mean we do not love animals….especially on the grill or in the skillet!

By Bob Jackson

November 12, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Absolutley. Some of the best times we have had together have been hunting and spending time at our hunting camp. Wonderful experience and a life time of great memories.

By cindy Lu

November 12, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Yes, I’m female and I hunt. I have taken one of my daughters and she loved it. Of course, we never kill what we won’t eat. That is the purpose of taking my daughter hunting, to show her that she can provide food for herself and/or her family incase there comes a time when she would need this knowledge. With the way the world is and the direction it may head… this is something they should know. Both my girls fish as well. I guess these animal lovers don’t really know where there food comes from.

By Pedro

November 12, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Vegetarian - old Indian word for Bad Hunter.

I guess if you spurn all meat you have a case to plead, but any human omnivore should be aware of the reality of the animal before it becomes dinner. Uh, do you wear leather?

By Jim

November 12, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

I don’t even take myself hunting. What a stupid waste of time and energy! Hunting makes golf look like fun.

By Pedro

November 12, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

I have three kids. My oldest son cares little for hunting, shooting, or fishing but likes camping and the outdoors. My second son loves to shoot and hunt - first hunted at 11 and shot his first deer at 14 years old. My daughter enjoys shooting but doesn’t hunt - she leaves hunting to her cats.

By Stan

November 12, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

My dad took me dove hunting when I was a kid up to about the age of 12-13 but never took me deer hunting and I really wish he had. He did take my 2 older brothers deer hunting and gave them rifles and shot guns, but I had to use his extra for dove…not sure what to think about that.

He has taken me fishing a few times but never deep sea, which he also did with my brothers…dam now I’m getting a little ticked at my dad…

I do think hunting and fishing is a very positive thing and should be taught at an early age.

By Proud Vegetarian

November 12, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

As a matter of fact, Pedro, neither of my teen sons or I eat any meat nor do we wear animal products.

By sean

November 12, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

No i don’t take my step-daughters. They wouldn’t quite understand why I’m blasting Bambi.

Mind you… they like the taste of Bambi when I don’t tell them it’s Bambi, but they’re not ready for it yet.

By Bubba Grump

November 12, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

I grew up hunting and fishing. My fondest memories of my late grand dad are of us fishing together and him razzing my dad because he caught more fish than dad did. I taught my two daughters to fish at an early age and spend as much time as I can outdoors with them. They havent been hunting but I have taken them to the shooting range and taught them gun safety (VERY important!) and how to put holes in a bullseye.

By jg

November 12, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

I proudly have raised my kids to go hunting - using coupons and discount cards - our favorite time to hunt is in the wee hours of the morning the day after Thanksgiving - I prefer the smaller places to hunt like the Northlake or DeKalb malls - shying away from the hunting at Lenox or Gwinnett County Hunting grounds….

By Atlanta Layla

November 12, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

It saddens me to read “pleasurable”, “great fun”, “children”, and killing all in the same sentence. Ask your children if it would be “great fun” for them to hunt and kill a dog for pleasure, and see what they say. Same thing.

By Russ

November 12, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

I’ve been hunting since I was 6 and have enjoyed every minute of it. I was taught early gun safety and ethical practices for taking game; if you’re not going to eat it, don’t shoot it. We mainly hunt deer, quail, & dove, and more recently I’ve really been into Duck hunting. I’m married now and have a 17 month old daughter and she’s already into the outdoors and hopefully it will stay that way. Hunting has a great history and I attribute all of those good times (and more to come) with my dad, family and friends to keeping me out of trouble and having a closer relationship with all of them. It doesn’t get said too much, but we hunters are some of the greatest conservationists out there today.

By Becky

November 12, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

What’s up..I think it’s nice to hear what the men have to say on this..So please stop trying to start a he vs. she war.

I have a sister that didn’t come to my wedding because she was hunting..IF this is something that you enjoy with your family, that’s great..I’m with Sean, I don’t want to hunt, but I do enjoy eating deer meat..

By ArcheryParent

November 12, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

My kids love the National Archery in the Schools Program. It’s taught them a life skill in school that they can continue to use in hunting or 3-D competitions for many years to come. The program is also something new for many kids who have never tried archery. The self-esteem built after a child hits the bullseye for the first time is awesome.

By Sugar

November 12, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Atlanta Layla When is Dog season? I’m more partial to cats though.

JG That was funny!!!

By Russ

November 12, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

I hate to do this but…Proud Veggie, Jim, and Layla…you are all certainly entitled to your opinions and your lifestyles as are we. Ya’ll leave us alone and we’ll leave you alone…that’s waht make America great. Hunting is a centuries old way of life and believe it or not, some folks have to hunt so they can eat. I am certainly blessed not to be one, but give me a break, these are wild animals not domesticated animals.

By Lex Luthor

November 12, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Where do you stand when hunting?

Behind the biggest dummy in the group.

In response to: “Uh, how redneck! Am I the only one here who’s raised her children to love & respect animals??”

Do you have rats running around your house? Other than being 4 ft tall they have a lot in common. They scavange for food. They spread disease. But the rat does have one thing. The only main difference is only deer run out in front of cars.

By kimmer

November 12, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

To proud vegetarian who does not eat meat or wear animal products. Do you believe in calling the exterminator to take care of rodent or insect problems? Those animals die and dead is dead no matter the way they got that way.

By RangeOfficer

November 12, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Not a big hunter but my son is definitely into the guns and rifles. Have taught him how to properly use, store, and clean the weapons. What to do if at a friends house and they find a gun (leave and call me). We shoot at ranges or setup the BB range in the driveway frequently.

By Lee

November 12, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

My niece is 14, and is very much dead set against hunting. So, I bought her a disposable camera, and invited her on a “hunting” expedition with me. To shoot the animals, she needed to get a center shot, in focus, of the animal. She found it was more difficult than she thought, and several times we went hunting and got no photos at all, something she never dreamed would happen in the real world, based on her watching plenty of Disney and wildlife documentaries. She got a real taste for the outdoors, and love of nature, even if she still is against hunting, she now supports hunters in their conservation efforts. And I consider that a victory.

By Scott

November 12, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

I believe in passing down a tradition that was shared with me by my father. Both my daughters have been taught how to safely handle, shoot, clean and store firearms in our home. I have taken them hunting many times, and this year my 12 year old looks forward to taking her 1st Deer. We go to the shooting range about once a month as a family to shoot. My wife and I are both CCW holders so guns are a part of our everyday life. We also enjoy camping, fishing, hiking and many other outdoor activities. Hunt with your kids instead of hunt for them later in life.

By David S

November 12, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Boy or girl, every kid should be familiar with the safe handling of a firearm. That being said there ia absolutely no reason to expose them to the senseless violence and death of hunting.

One need only look at the rampant violence on this planet to see that meat consumption is not benefitting our species one bit.

By HB

November 12, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Ok, this may sound weird, but as a vegetarian, I’m going to stick up for the hunters. I don’t eat meat and could not kill an animal — period. However, if other people are going to eat meat, then I firmly believe hunting is the ethical way to go. Meat industry practices are cruel, horrific, and often health and safety standards are not what I think most consumers would hope. Deer, quail, etc are not force-fed, drugged to grow bigger, and confined to tiny cages. Wild game live natural lives before being killed. Hunting tends to include good conservation practices. Wild animals naturally should have predators to prevent overpopulation and starvation. Hunting rules help to maintain a balanced population and promotes knowledge of the natural world. People should know where their food comes from and how its acquisition affects the environment — responsible hunters know these things. Your average non-hunter picking up a big bag a frozen chicken at the grocery store likely does not know much about the resources used to raise the animals or the conditions they were subjected to.

By Stew

November 12, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

David, You equate the ‘senseless violence and death of hunting’ to this planet’s ‘rampant violence.’ How many murders and crooks do you think hunt? The answer: Not many. As the old saying goes, “Kids who learn to hunt, fish and trap don’t grow up to rob little old ladies.” Kids taught at a young age learn conservation, fair chase and ethical hunting laws and carry those life lessons with them until they pass them on to their children.

By Joyce

November 12, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

You did it again, Theresa! I was just talking to my mom in Michigan, and this Saturday is “the high holy day” AKA the first day of fire-arm season for deer hunters. Bow and arrow season’s been on for a while there now. We never hunted in my family, but many of our neighbors and classmates made nice memories with their friends and family members. I remember when I worked up there, it was nearly impossible to get anyone in the shipping or receiving depts. of some companies for the 2 weeks of firearm season! Also, the bambi widows often kept the male strippers in busness! LOL

By Tim

November 12, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Hunting and fishing with my mom, dad and six siblings have provided me with some of my greatest childhood memories in Gwinnett County. The value of what was learned during these activities, the family time together, and the enjoyment it brought to our family, is immeasurable. I began creating the same memories with my son at four and he is now fourteen. It provides a great way to teach safety, respect, discipline, and patience, by experience. Shooting an animal or dragging a fish through water by a hook doesn’t seem to bother him. Hunting deer is his favorite. However, at times it is just as enjoyable for him to watch the wildlife while hidden away from their view, right in our neighborhood in Gwinnett County. I am so glad he enjoys fishing, hunting and the outdoors. The downside is we must travel out a ways to hunt but that in itself provides valuable time together.

By UNBELIEVABLE

November 12, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe my AJC subscription money goes to pay for someone to ask idiotic questions like this. I just may have to cancel now.

By Sugar

November 12, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

HB VERY well said!!!

I was going to come on here and post almost the same thing but you bet me to it. Thanks!

By momwhohunts

November 12, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

All of my son’s friends hunt. They often go to my ex’s property to hunt with my son and daughter. It is a way for them to forge lasting friendships - they’re not out getting into trouble but hanging out in the woods and enjoying nature. I encourage it and even bring the children back to their dad’s early so they can hunt with him. Most of my ex’s friends are the one’s he has hunted with most of his life and I admire that. These men are the one’s that either one of us could call in a pinch, even now that we’re divorced.

By FCM

November 12, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Have had my hunter’s safety certification and all since I was 15. Never felt a need to do it though.

I do know how to safely load/unload a firearm and am a decent shot. Again, never felt a need to do more than learn.

By kristin

November 12, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

To proud vegetarian: Are you aware that it is Hunters who are responsible for 90% of wildlife conservation because of their licenses and other registration fees? A “Redneck” can be categorized as someone who is ignorant and has lack of education on the subject that they decide to make sweeping comments on, does that sound like anyone who has posted comments on this message board?

While I personally do not hunt, I did grow up in an area that has a lot of hunting and true hunters have a far better understanding and respect for wildlife than many “vegetarians” that I have met.

By Frank

November 12, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

I have a 16 year old son that loves the farm and the woods.We ride looking for deer and he has a squirrel dog and he love the outdoor. We live in Stewart County which is in Southwest Georgia.

By Frank

November 12, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

I have a 16 year old son that loves the farm and the woods.We ride looking for deer and he has a squirrel dog and he love the outdoor. We live in Stewart County which is in Southwest Georgia.

By It only costs 50 cents...

November 12, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

UNBELIEVABLE -

Get a grip - you are not really paying much for your subscription so your cancellation will not do much damage!

By motherjanegoose

November 12, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

I just have a minute…

UNBELIEVABLE you are making stupid comments and not getting paid. Theresa can write whatever she wants in this column and SHE IS GETTING PAID…DUH…cancel if you wish…no one cares! We have already covered the fact that Theresa is the only one cashing the checks and none of the rest of us are…go fish in another pond LOL!

In high school, I lived on the farm and we had our own cattle but we were not hunters. If any of us HAD to find our own food…we might.

HELLO…what do you think the Pilgrims and Native Americans did when they were hungry…no Whole Foods to you Atlanta Babes. Might want to check in with Sarah Palin…I hear she is entertaining reporters and media….moose stew anyone?

When in North Dakota 3 weeks ago, I was demonstrating a classifying game for children…

example: what does not belong: shoes, socks and hats… ( hats…you wear them on your head)

Several gave examples but this one made me laugh: deer, pheasant and robin I said, “a deer because it is not a bird…” WRONG The correct answer was, ” a robin…because we do not hunt robins…” YEP, I was thinking Atlanta style when I was in North Dakota….back to work!

By nurse&mother

November 12, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

I will admit that the concept of taking the kids hunting seems very odd to me. I can’t imagine the kiddies all huddled up waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting deer. I have images of blood everywhere and those two eyes looking right at me.

I am not accusing anyone being cruel or anything like that. I am simply being honest about how I feel.

HB and others have some very good points. BTW I am not a vegetarian, but I used to be. I do not eat a lot of meat though. If I think about it much, I will go for a week without meat. I one purse that I carry almost everywhere (and have for 10 years). I am not a big shoe person either, so I don’t use too many leather goods either.

By John

November 12, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Hunting is a great part of life, not just in the south. It teaches you how to value life and creation. I grew up in Atlanta and was indoctrined into the hunting culture through seasonal trips down to my cousins house in South Georgia. I learned the basics of hunting as an early teenager and have taken up the passion myself as I have become an adult. As an adult that grew up in Atlanta, I know how hard it is to be a “city folk” and not have access to hunting spots or even know where to start. Because of that a few friends of mine started [www.northstaradventures.org] as a way for families to have an outlet to start hunting if they want to. I encourage you to visit the site if you are interested in coming on one of our trips around middle georgia.

By Wile E.

November 12, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

When we wuz yung’uns we use to kill us sum deers. It wuz fun.

By Shannon

November 12, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

About a year and a half ago I started dating a guy who hunts. As I am a transplanted city girl Californian, hunting was always a “gross” and “redneck” thing to me. However, now I sort of see it as a way to spend time outside and my boyfriend seems to satisfy his “man” urges to hunt, etc., with it. And I have learned a lot about the deer overpopulation problem that some areas of GA face, and I have to say that I think being shot and then used for food is a better way to go than being hit by a car or starving to death. (Anyone know about Hunters for the Hungry?) BUT, I don’t know how I am going to feel someday when my then husband wants to take my small children hunting. I don’t know if I want them to be exposed and desensitized to death and violence at a young age… those of you who grew up hunting, any thoughts on that?

By smiley

November 12, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

If it’s brown it’s down, and bambi makes a real good sandwich.

By Rob

November 12, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

To those who may disagree about Parents taking thier kids hunting I have just a couple comments. My daughters are 6 and 8 years of age and have been “hunting” with me since they turned 5. They have a deep appreciation of where the food comes from and prefer the taste of venison and other wild game over farm raised store bought meats. They are a full part of providing for our family in this activity. They also understand that it’s not about the kill but rather the enjoyment of what is out there in the wild and if we harvest something that it must be dispatched in a way to prevent any suffering and as much as possible of the animal must be used.

By Phil

November 12, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Anybody can have an opinion. Takes a little effort to have an INFORMED opinion. HB, good for you! You are exactly correct.
To answer the author’s question. Yes, I hunt and fish and will take my child. Whether or not I kill something is completely irrelevant to me. I don’t hunt to kill and a hunt is not successful or not based on whether or not something is killed or caught. Hunting doesn’t DEsensitize kids to death, it does the EXACT opposite! TV DEsensitizes kids/people to death and killing. I assure you, as a hunter I have done more to protect to save injured wild animals and protect their habitat than any self professed animal rights person I have ever met.
My son is 6. He’s getting a BB gun for Christmas. One from his grandfather, my father, who died 10 years ago and he never got to meet. He will ‘know’ him though and hunting and fishing will be a strong common bond. If he chooses not to participate, that will be our common loss and likely our future generations.

By Phil

November 12, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

And to further answer your question, we live in the burbs (Lawrenceville) and bought a recreational place in Banks county SPECIFICALLY to hunt and fish.

By Becky

November 13, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Thanks to all the men that answered a lot of questions that I had about taking kids hunting..

By Flyboy

November 14, 2008 7:14 AM | Link to this

Great comments from everyone! I hunted in Alaska growing up and didn’t start back until I was 40 and my wife got me a little bird dog..am retired now and I hunt all over the country. My children all have shotguns. My wife has one, too. It’s a great way to share life and learn so much-e.g., meat really doesn’t come from Kroger. I can say with certainty that I have never had a bad or unsuccessful day in the field…

By M. TAYLOR

November 14, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

IF YOU HUNT WITH YOUR KIDS, YOU WON’T HAVE TO HUNT YOUR KIDS, SIMPLE AS THAT.

By M. TAYLOR

November 14, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

IF YOU HUNT WITH YOUR KIDS, YOU WON’T HAVE TO HUNT YOUR KIDS, SIMPLE AS THAT.

By rob the animal lover

November 14, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

This is unbelievable. If you’re an Inuit and have no other choices then hunting is, unfortunately, the answer. But for city folk..no way. Why can’t you enjoy the forest with your family without killing something? In what way does taking a life enhance the family experience? I don’t get it.

Why not play with paint guns or geocache or shoot with a camera? Sure, there’s no blood involved but many people do enjoy those activities, nevertheless. I also don’t understand the argument that you’re just doing what the meat producers do - kill an animal for food. Okay, that part’s true but do you teach your kids to perform other services for themselves that others normally have done for them? Do you teach them to cut and mill their own wood? To fix their own cars? Grow their own vegetables? What about knitting and clothes alterations? Do they learn about these services too to be more self sufficient? Or do you primarily teach activities that involve killing things? There are many sports that you and your families can enjoy together. Some can be even be done while running around in one of our beautiful forests. Only the mentally deranged derive pleasure from taking a life. Fight the urge!

By AIN'T IT Fun to KILL!

November 14, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

I agree it’s GREAT value to teach children to have NO empathy for other species and to kill them while they are minding their own business in their natural habitat. Gosh “ain’t” it fun to catch them off guard and when blow a hole into them. What’s really nice is when a hunter accidently blows away another hunter so that way he gets to experience the true fun of dying when you least expect it, just like all of those creatures that he killed. Oh and how about that 8 year old who was taught to blow off the heads of prarie dogs, he took out his dad and another man, guess his dad taught very well to enjoy the kill. And the Calumbine boys, they were hunters and countless other teans who have killed their parents, so yes I agree hunting teaches good family values, the value of killing nature, rather than observing and appreciating it. But after all rednecks are rednecks for a reason, because the lack the intellectual ability to comprehend that we don’t need to kill to survive, that other species shouldn’t be our victoms must because we can dominate them. Oh and by the way, they sell Have a Heart traps for rodents, so there is no reason kill them either. No creature asked to be born a rat, or cow, or dear , or dog, or bear or man. Why should they be suffer at our hands ? They feel the SAME PAIN and FEAR that we feel so why is it so hard for human beings to show them respect and kindness,instead fo finding it FUN to wound or kill or orphan them for recreation. I am disgusted, most of you on here are sickening and it’s so sad that you all don’t meet up and hunt down each other, because you all need to experience the suffering that you inflict on the innocent. Hope someday someone fails to show you hunters and your blood loving children the same lack of compassion and respect for your life which we all know you think is so valuable. Bet that deer wanted to live too……..

By Phil

November 17, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

There are those that would give the same ‘rights’ to food as to human beings. The last poster is a typical example. As sadly ironic and absurd as it is, they often would also rather see harm and death fall on human beings than on food as the poster so plainly states. What a sad, disconnected world we have devolved into…

By Branchminnow

November 17, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

I enjoy the thrill of the hunt as well as the moment when God allows me to harvest a white tailed deer, squirrel, rabbit, or to catch a fish. I will not say that I need the venison to survive but I do enjoy eating it (I will eat 2 to 3 deer per year) as well as other game that I may or may not decide to take home, prepare, sit down and enjoy.

Deer meat is already being donated by the tons to feed the hungry neighbors in our state the Hunters for the Hungry program has donated 140,000 pounds of meat since 1993 to feed the less fortunate ones who cannot feed themselves, I ask you how many folks did the ones who say that hunting is bad feed this year? Do a google search on this program almost every state in the union has one.
I was taught empathy for animals as a kid but also the fact that they are just that, animals they do not have human feelings and emotions and when someone gets upset more over an animal being killed or dying than another human being then I think the problem of empathy is more confusing than ever.