Introducing Youth to Shooting Sports
Introducing Youth to Shooting Sports
I can still remember the day my mom told me we had to watch the next episode of “Buckmasters TV.” Being an oblivious five-year-old, you can only imagine how excited I was to see my picture pop up as their weekly winner of a FREE Buckmasters Daisy Model 840 BB gun. Bubba and Shotgun Red announced my name, and I was the proud new owner of my very first firearm.
I ran to meet the mail carrier every day to check for that long cardboard box. Watching “Buckmasters” with my parents fed my enthusiasm for the outdoors, but I was already obsessed with all things related to shooting at an early age. That BB gun gave me so much more than a tool to shoot targets with. It gave my parents an opportunity to teach me about gun safety. It gave me my first memories of being in the woods, tagging along with my dad and his .22 chasing squirrels and rabbits. It gave me another way to spend time with my younger sisters when they began to learn about gun safety. Most importantly, it sparked a lifelong love for hunting and target shooting.
It Starts Today
Looking back, that simple BB gun was the spark that ignited a lifelong passion for shooting sports. So how can we help today’s youth have the same opportunity?
One way is to bring them along on a hunting adventure! Starting with squirrel or rabbit hunting can be ideal. These seasons begin early enough in the fall to allow for mild weather, making the experience more comfortable for kids. Small game hunting keeps kids engaged, unlike sitting in a blind where they may become disinterested quickly. Using a lower caliber firearm helps ease their minds, making them more comfortable with minimal recoil. Lastly, small game hunting increases the chances of success, which keeps young hunters excited.
Target Practice
Not all kids are comfortable harvesting wildlife, and that is perfectly fine! Taking a child target shooting can be equally rewarding. Interactive targets like balloons or expired cans of soda make the experience more fun for a first-time shooter. The range is also the best place to instruct a child the first steps of gun safety. Starting with a BB gun or a low-caliber firearm helps children gradually become comfortable. Bringing suitable ear and eye protection, adequate targets, and refreshments can contribute to an efficient and productive visit to the shooting range.
Hunter’s Safety
Once children become comfortable handling firearms, they may want to expand their horizons. At age 11, kids in Iowa may take a Hunter’s Safety Course, with their certificate becoming valid when they turn 12 years old. Several 4-H clubs offer shooting sports, and many high schools have teams for trap shooting. These programs provide structured learning and opportunities for young shooters to stay engaged.
No matter what age a child is or what firearm they show interest in, safety is the top priority. The most important rules of gun safety are: Always have eye and ear protection. Keep the barrel of the firearm pointed in a safe direction. Make sure the safety is always on until you are ready to shoot. Never aim at something you do not intend to shoot. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. Always know what is behind your target. Last, but not least, always handle every firearm as if it were loaded.
There are various methods to engage children in shooting sports, such as accompanying them on a hunting expedition or visiting a shooting range. Always prioritize safety and follow all state laws regarding hunting and firearm transportation. By doing so, you will be passing along a cherished tradition to the next generation.
By Lane Rumelhart
July 2025
