Teaching Children About Outdoors

When I was a little boy I remember making my wish list for Santa. Usually I would find a Sears catalog and start circling all the neat hunting and fishing gear. If I was lucky, I would find some of it under the tree on Christmas morning. I was lucky to be brought up in a home where hunting and fishing were more than just something to do on weekends. Hunting and fishing were a way of life.

Passing along love of the outdoors was easy for my father. He had a boy that was (and still is) totally consumed with the outdoor life. As a father, now I have the responsibility of passing along my passion for outdoor sports to my children. But it doesn’t stop there.

Looking over my children’s Christmas lists this year brought back memories and made me smile. Matti (now 9 years old) wants a deer rifle and a pocket knife while Kolton (now 13 years old) wants ammo, a range finder and a flashlight. My wife just smiles too while we read the lists and says, “they are just like their Daddy.” I am proud. But the thing that is missing from their lists is something they don’t have to ask Santa for. It is something they know they will get. It is something for their friends. Our kids know it is something that we will give as long as we can give.

My wife and I take time to take our kids fishing and hunting as often as possible. We also try our best to include our children’s friends by having them join us. We are blessed with many opportunities to introduce the outdoors to children. Children may otherwise never see the outdoors the way we do.

I can recall watching Matti’s friend Hanna land a big catfish and can still see the smile in her eyes and hear the joy in her voice. Watching Kolton’s friend John or Brandon take their first deer was also unforgettable. Those young boys were turning into young men right before my eyes and I was proud of them.

Over the years we have had the privilege to introduce many youngsters to the outdoors. Each journey has been filled with excitement and life changing memories.

After reading our kids Christmas list I began to think about what I want Santa to bring me. It is not all that hard to write things down. I get to see the sunset everyday. But I hope Santa brings a child into my life that I can share that sunset with. Alone in the deer stand can be a lonely place. But with a youngster at your side, it feels complete. The drive to the coast goes by much faster when you spend the time answering a child’s questions and telling stories.

All too often the serious outdoorsman doesn’t take the time to pass on their love of the outdoors. It is not that hard to do. I hear that kids are different today and I don’t believe it. Kids today still want the same things as kids did years ago. Kids want adventure, excitement and someone to look up to. Kids today are hungry for knowledge of simple things. How long does a deer live? How do fish breath? Why do fawns have spots? The questions (although simple) should be answered by someone who knows.

This holiday season is a great time to reflect upon what is really important. It is the ultimate time for thanks and giving. I decided to make my own list for Santa. It was short. I hope Santa brings us all a better understanding about the importance all outdoors people have in regards to the future of fishing and hunting.

If you have a child, take time to take them outdoors. If you don’t have a child, borrow one. It will be one of the best Christmas presents you can give or receive.