Okay, I wanted to ask opinions from you guys (or gals) out there. I grew up as an east coast/woods hunter, who is very comfortable sitting in a tree, letting the deer come to me. I took my then 6 year old our last year one time, and we just sat for a little bit by a deer trail, because that's easiest with a little guy. However, even though I have been hunting out here 15ish years, I still haven't gotten the hang of the wide open, spot and stalk method. Plus, not sure how well I can do that with a now 7 year old with me.
So where I need the opinions is with where should I go with the kiddo. I'd like to hear from anyone who has brought out kids of similar age. Obviously the experience is the key, not just getting a deer. And, I understand it's hunting, and kids need to understand that they don't just go get a deer, like it's grocery shopping. However, I would really like to get one, buck or doe, since he really has that itch.
I have 2 choices, totally different places. Without getting too specific, they are Palomar and the Eagle Peak/Boulder Peak areas. No secret, since tons of people are always there. My Palomar area is heavily tree'd, with established deer trails, always have sign, but can never pattern which days they are there. We could go, sit there for a couple hours, and take our chances one walks by. I did see one opening day, it just took the wrong path. EP/BC area on the other hand, is more wide open. Lots of fields, thinner trees, etc. I could go there, and go for a couple hour stroll, hitting the hillsides with binos hoping to see even a solitary deer out and around. I know that would sort of keep me in the "general public" areas, not getting away from the masses and therefore dropping my chances even lower.
So what say you? He's an antsy kid, so sitting for a couple hours may not be good anyway. However, I just want to give him the best chance to see stuff. Thanks guys.....
So where I need the opinions is with where should I go with the kiddo. I'd like to hear from anyone who has brought out kids of similar age. Obviously the experience is the key, not just getting a deer. And, I understand it's hunting, and kids need to understand that they don't just go get a deer, like it's grocery shopping. However, I would really like to get one, buck or doe, since he really has that itch.
I have 2 choices, totally different places. Without getting too specific, they are Palomar and the Eagle Peak/Boulder Peak areas. No secret, since tons of people are always there. My Palomar area is heavily tree'd, with established deer trails, always have sign, but can never pattern which days they are there. We could go, sit there for a couple hours, and take our chances one walks by. I did see one opening day, it just took the wrong path. EP/BC area on the other hand, is more wide open. Lots of fields, thinner trees, etc. I could go there, and go for a couple hour stroll, hitting the hillsides with binos hoping to see even a solitary deer out and around. I know that would sort of keep me in the "general public" areas, not getting away from the masses and therefore dropping my chances even lower.
So what say you? He's an antsy kid, so sitting for a couple hours may not be good anyway. However, I just want to give him the best chance to see stuff. Thanks guys.....
