Something to commemorate passing hunters ed?

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

I know hunters ED is a tiny hurdle in the grand scheme but just spent the weekend with my soon to be 10yr old thru the class (6 & 8 yr old in subsequent years, doing them 1 by 1 as they approach 10). But I was proud he took it seriously and kept most of the antsyness a boy that age has at bay during the longer class duration. He was taking notes and worried about passing (which he easily did). Anyways just thinking it might be nice to get something that he'll remember down the line. Not ready to give him a knife yet, I've already got a lineup of kid friendly rifles I've been setting up in preparation. Any cool ideas out there?

 

[Milestone522]

I used to teach hunter safety and would give the students who scored perfect a pocket survival kit. Part of the class included demonstrating several types of survival kits or gear, then allowing the students to try out the components for using the fire starters, signal mirror, etc. Had both the AMK/SOL type kit and the USAF survival module....

 

[LitenFast]

Take ‘Em hunting!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DAOutfitters208]

My dad took me on an overnight grouse hunting trip. Didn't shoot anything, but being the shooter for the first time in my life was big deal at that age.
Id say get him his first hunting knife, or pass your knife on to him. That would be huge in his eyes

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

As I work on my coffee, although I said didn't need a rifle I had my big game brain on. Couple gaps/potential areas: I could get him his own 22lr (I have a couple) but one that he keeps. Also I only have a 12ga shotgun on hand, so a 20ga could be a consideration for him.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

My dad took me on an overnight grouse hunting trip. Didn't shoot anything, but being the shooter for the first time in my life was big deal at that age.
Id say get him his first hunting knife, or pass your knife on to him. That would be huge in his eyes

If small game wasn't winding down I'd do such a thing. Knives in my world are more utilitarian and not fancy, IE I carry stuff like a kershaw skyline in my pocket, not exactly a sentimental type knife. If someone gave me a fancy "hunting knife" old school it'd just sit on the shelf to be honest.

 

[BackcountryBloodline]

To be honest as I was reading it I was thinking "a nice knife" I'm the same way though, don't need a fancy moose antler knife when my havalon works just fine. My son loves his multitool though, I kinda figured it would just be something to keep in his pocket and make him feel a bit more grown up but he's always coming up with new ways to put it to work in the mountains, I've even had to borrow it a few times haha

 

[archp625]

Since hunting season is winding down or pretty much over, maybe a fishing trip. When you stop at a restaurant, bait shop or general store let everyone know about their accomplishment and how this trip is to celebrate that huge accomplishment. Let everyone know how proud you are of them.

Growing up I had a father that only told me when i was doing something wrong. I never heard him say he was proud of me or celebrated anything. Heck he didn't even attend my college graduation. I have since got married and we have one child. Nothing.

So I make it a goal to tell my son how proud i am of him all the time. Hes only 2 but one of these days he will get it.

 

[sndmn11]

Make him a knife with a purchased blank, and then get it engraved. I would be happy to spend an afternoon with you helping you accomplish that. I guarantee that it will be the most unique knife he will ever have.

*Whoops, I skipped ahead too much and saw you nixed a knife*

 

[87TT]

I just got a hunting license when I passed (50 some odd years ago)
Maybe frame it (then buy a duplicate for use)

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Make him a knife with a purchased blank, and then get it engraved. I would be happy to spend an afternoon with you helping you accomplish that. I guarantee that it will be the most unique knife he will ever have.

*Whoops, I skipped ahead too much and saw you nixed a knife*

Not completely against a knife, I just don't think a traditional "hunting knife" would get used. At least he won't really see me using one.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

Take him hunting. That's the reward!

I did get my son his first hunting knife after he harvested his first deer to commemorate the occasion. We put his initials and year on the blade. He helped design it. He loves that knife!

 

[Wacko]

First thing I thought was "knife" as well. The multitool BackCountry suggested is a pretty cool idea. If nothing else it's a "multitool" which will spur imagination and multiple uses for a young boy. Lots of "projects" and uses a boy can come up with. It's especially cool if Dad has to "borrow" it once in awhile too!

A .22 is cool too, of course.

 

[jt4]

What about a lifetime license? It may end up costing a small fortune, and won't mean as much as a shiny new gun, knife, etc. but down the line it'll mean a lot more each and every year.

 

[Azone]

Rem 870 Wingmaster in .410 or .20 gauge. Ruger 10/22 with a nice 3x9 on top of it.
It would probably become one of his most cherished possessions.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Rem 870 Wingmaster in .410 or .20 gauge. Ruger 10/22 with a nice 3x9 on top of it.
It would probably become one of his most cherished possessions.

Yeah I have a 10/22 but its a bull barrel I put together for cheap offhand shooting (for an adult). My spiraling brainstorm at the moment is as you mentioned a 10/22 and perhaps put it into that blackhawk axion stock so the LOP is easily adjustable for himself/me/siblings/etc. That platform will let him "accessorize" if desired over the years, etc.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

What about a lifetime license? It may end up costing a small fortune, and won't mean as much as a shiny new gun, knife, etc. but down the line it'll mean a lot more each and every year.

Only useful if he's in this state his whole life or hunts it.

 

[16Bore]

Um, yeah. They get to hunt. Now go do some chores so you can pay for your license.

 

[Dust Rider]

Swiss Army Knife is always a good bet. Not to expensive and if he looses it your only out a few $.

 

[Wapiti1]

Things that I still have and use from when I first started hunting 30 years ago:

leather ammo belt pouch

leather sling that my grandfather and I made for my rifle

bugle tube (granted it is a section of hose from my dad's shop vac, but 20 odd bulls and counting)

soft rifle case, AMS makes nice embroidered ones for a good price, have his name put on it.

Couple of Old Timer knives from when they were made in the USA, good knives

Just a few thought of things that stayed with me and I still use. Things that he can't grow out of.

Jeremy