pigeon mad Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Hi guys and gals My little lad is now turning eight he's a tall boy for his age I would really like to get him into shooting early he knows what I do pigeon and pest controll and is really keen to come alone I already have him a 410. Just wanted to no what you guys think is he still to young or is it a good age to take him out there with me and get him started any help would be fantastic. Thanks atb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
semiautolee Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 (edited) take him out with you get him sitting in the hide, collecting shot birds, help you set your pattern, carry some light equipment make him feel part of it, also learn him all about shooting safely and fieldcraft Edited September 9, 2011 by semiautolee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allthegearandnoidea Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 I first went out shooting with my dad with his .410 when I was 3 or 4 so I would say he is plently old enough for you to take him out. There is a picture of me out shooting with my dad at that age on my parents kitchen wall. I have now 'borrowed' the .410 that I learnt to shoot with (and my dad learnt to shoot with when he was a kid) so that I can teach my daughter to shoot, though at 7 months old I may need to wait a couple of years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deny essex Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Took my son out when he was six, not carrying a gun but teaching him fieldcraft etc and let him have supervised target and plinking sessions with a cut down air rifle. Shot his 1st rabbit around 8 with an air rifle as that was what I was into at the time. Started with shotguns around 12 when I gained a permission for shotgun as well as air rifle. Did him nothing but good , he learnt disipline and markmanship , fieldcraft and above all respect for his quarry and the countryside. He read so much was telling me a few things I didnt know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhawk Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 If u think he is safe to go shooting then hes ready. My dad started me shooting at the age of 8 before that i used to tag along from the age of 4.As long as hes next to you while shooting as kids are still kids. My boys 4years old and loves coming out shooting with me but i always make sure my partner is with me or another adult.But if i feel hes ready to have a gun at the age of 8 then he will have one.A 410 will do your boy fine for bunnys might struggle with pigeons though maby a small 20bore?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pigeon street Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 I started my lad on a 410 when he was 9. to start off with i took out some empty milk containers. which we set at 15,20 and 25yards and spent half an hour shooting them so i could show him what to do and GUN SAFTY before we went near any live quarry. but the one thing i hammered home every time was safty safty safty and away check if the gun is loaded even if someone hands you a gun and sayes its empty i aways check it for myself every time. im not teaching you to suck eggs but its how i did it with my lad until it became second nature. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pigeon street Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 I,d stick with a 410 to start great for rabbits. a 20b can still be a bit heavy and can give a big kick for a smaller gauge might put him off at 8years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eccles Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 As the others started when i was about 9 .But remember to get him some good ear protection or he'll be as deaf as me. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silver pigeon 3 Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 My eldest is just coming up 10 and he started with a .410 when he was 8. He now shoots a Fabarm skeet 12 gauge with 21g carts and has bagged a few pigeons with it . I also have twin boys who are 6 and they love coming out with me, as already said get them putting out the decoys, retrieving shot birds and just generally helping out, remember try to keep them as active as possible or the boredom sets in at that age and then they can be a pain Taking my eldest out Fowling tomorrow morning for the first time as he has been pestering me to take him for at least a year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeds chimp Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 so you dont need a dog then. Just take a small child in that case. I started fishing wit my old man at 7/8 and soon learnt quickly so would say good age to start Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 I agree with all the above, my grandson had 4 pigeons with a .410 at the age of 8, his picture is in this months BASC magazine. They have to learn the basics and safety first, as has been said keep him occupied-keep him interested. Get out there and do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pigeon mad Posted September 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Thanks alot for all your replies guys. With all the possitivity frorm the post I think I will take with me from now on and yes safety safety safety all the way like you all say I'll let him pick up dead birds and set up with me I'm so looking forward to showing him how much there is out here in the field instead of computers lol I have two other boys of 4 and 2 so a family full of shooters in the making !!!!!!! THANKS AGAIN !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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