The MSIN wants your kids.  If you have photos you would like to share email them to us and we will get them on this special page dedicated to the outdoor kids of Missouri.  If you have a story to tell we would love to publish that too.

Nick Muckerman from Chesterfield - A Missouri Magnum YHEC team member, Scott Bell (aka Scooter), and Will Hemeyer (Magnum Will)

Magnum Will and I have just returned from Pennsylvania with great news - the Missouri Magnums took FIRST place in the NRA Youth Hunter Education Internationals! The "Magnums" - five Missouri Teenagers - are now truly the Top Guns in this prestigious competition. "YHEC" is one of the great success stories aimed at preserving our hunting heritage. Over 15,000 kids compete each year to get to the "Internationals".  Kids compete in .22 rifle, wildlife i.d., sporting clays, orienteering, hunter safety written test, hunter safety practical test, muzzle-loading rifle, and 3-D archery over a four-day competition period. Not only did the Magnums take first senior team overall, but also hammered down 2nd and 3rd individual high scores, wildlife identification team, archery individual high, and several others. So...All of you who purchased the Magnums Anti-PETA shirts can now share in our pride for supporting a great group of five young men and helping to preserve our hunting heritage. You also join John Satterwhite, Beretta's exhibition shotgun shooter who purchased a Mo. Magnums "People Eating Tasty Animals" shirt this week to wear to his Florida Gun Club. SHERIF JHON

THANKS TO ALL MDC CAFE' MEMBERS WHO HELPED MAKE THEIR TRIP A SUCCESS!!

Ryan’s First Turkey                                                    by Mark Koehler
 

As I crawled over the fence to see what was on my neighbor’s mind the ole gobbler sounded off to the west. After a brief visit I again turned my attention back to the noisy bird. It was the second week of the 2001 Missouri spring turkey season and the birds had been tough so far. All of my clients had taken birds, but we had worked hard to get them.   I was on my evening run, trying to locate a gobbler as they settled on the roost. As I got closer to the bird I realized that he was headed toward my house. Then I heard it, the faint “who-who, who-are-you” and the gobbler responded as if on cue.  My son Ryan had heard the gobbler from the house and was doing what he had heard me do so many  times, he was hooting to make the bird gobble.

Kids bag 6,277 deer in first youth deer hunt The two-day was unmarred by hunting accidents. JEFFERSON CITY -- Young hunters opened Missouri's firearms deer season in fine style Oct. 27 and 28, bagging 6,277 deer without a single hunting mishap.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reported that hunters age 15 and younger killed more deer in northeast Missouri than anywhere else. Northeast Missouri check stations processed 984 deer. East-central Missouri was second with 855 deer. Other regional totals were: west-central, 805; northwest, 727; central, 723; southwest, 692; Ozark, 691; southeast, 579; St. Louis, 113; Kansas City, 108.

Osage County led county harvest figures with 174 deer taken during the youth season. Montgomery County was second with 144, followed by Oregon County with 131.

Conservation Department officials say they don't think the youth season will significantly affect the total statewide firearms deer harvest, which is expected to top 200,000. The November segment of Missouri's Firearms Deer Season runs from Nov. 10 through Nov. 20, followed by the muzzleloader segment Dec. 1 through Dec. 9 and the January Extension Jan. 5 through Jan. 8.

- Jim Low -

HERITAGE With all the hours of reading, managing wildlife, scouting, hunting, watching hunting on video’s and TV going to seminar’s, banquets, the hunting expo’s is a complete waste of time if we don’t pass along the heritage of hunting and fishing to our youth. All the negative things that happen in the world and of course what the news puts on effects every one of us and including your kids. It basically comes down if our kids don’t enjoy the outdoors then all is lost in the No. 1 heritage in America.

GETTING THEM STARTED

There are ways to keep your kids involved with your outdoor hunting. When you cannot take them with you because of age, because of weather or what ever the reason may be.

Talk with them before you go, get them involved with getting your stuff ready. It can make unsuccessful trip your most remember hunting trip of the season with one look from young eyes. Remember there is no age limit for keeping them involved in your hunting portion of your life.

While you are hunting pick up that turtle shells, turkey feathers, arrowheads, antlers or just that strange looking rock and bring it back. Every time you come back from a hunting trip they will want to know what you found.

Then when they do get to go with you help them find all these hunters collectibles. I bet you end up with enough tail feathers to fill a cup. Make every trip like a scavenger hunt. Even make a list before you go to help them know what to look for.

Even consider doing some doe calling with a fawn cry in the summer. Nothing like little eyes watching a big doe come running in.

Also take them to outdoors shows with you and events like the National Wild Turkey Federation Jakes day. Every little outdoor door event will make it that much more fun for you and your little one.

See if they want to watch hunting videos with you and give them grunt call, turkey call or what ever you have in your hunting box and let them keep it. Explain what goes on while watching the video.

Also before you’re hunting trips let them know you need one of those great drawings of you hunting for good luck to take with you.

FIRST STEP IN THE WOODS

I started taking my son Tyler squirrel hunting when he was 4 years old. I believe it to be one of the safest hunting seasons you can both take part in.

Start out early in the week getting them in clothes that will fit so he can look like you. Taking them to the store with you to pick out camouflage will make them fill involved and can be great way to start the fun. Also pick out a small fanny pack so they have a place to keep things they find or take. Be sure to find a squirrel call that they can call their own. That will be the reason you were able to even get to shoot at one or see one.

The night before you go be sure to go back to the store and let him pick out some snacks to eat and drink. Also don’t forget that waterproof disposable camera for them to use. It can be the best time out in the woods since we are just enjoying our time together.

Before you shoot any animal or bird you must explain that their will be blood, and sometimes movement and how both of you will take care of the animal make sure nothing goes to waste. Be sure they still want to do this. 

You also of course need to teach the gun safety. Be sure and cross your T’s and dot your i's. Take no short cuts. How they see you handle your ammo and weapon will be what they do in the future and for the rest of their lives. Also once you get to your hunting spot, be sure you shoot the gun one time to show him how loud it will be. Also this is a good time to show him how to shoot. So be sure to take a soda can with you to shoot at, this will show them how that little bullet will put a hole in aluminum, which is stronger than your skin.

Also tell them that they are in charge of when it is time to leave the woods. This puts the control of time in their small hands.

NEXT BEST SEASON

I also started taking my son Tyler; Dove hunting when he was 4 years old with the same suggestions above but he was in charge of helping find the dove flying and after they where shot.

Even if you see it on the ground let him be the one to find it. It will make them a better hunter than you. Also a great thing you can show them is what an empty shell looks like and they can pick them up and keep them if they want to.

This is also a great time to show them the power of shotgun, remember that empty soda can. This will make a big impression on their eyes.

Also taking ear protection may be required. Let them decide on if the gun is to loud or not.

HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG

Well here in Missouri they started a youth firearms turkey season in the spring of 2001. At age 6 I took my boy out and we practice shooting the shotgun at paper target to decide if he was old enough to handle the gun in a safe manner. Also to be able to kill the bird and not wound it.

When you get into the bigger game a hunting blind or box is a must. Don’t drag them up a tree or across the woods. Those small legs won’t keep up and the trip must be fun. I built a 4’-0” wide x 4’-0” deep x 4’-0” tall box that I could put together before the season out in the woods. But there are tons of hunting blinds that you can get on the market today. This allows for movement, talking, and even those bathroom breaks. We harvested nothing but memories. That first year we had over 12 gobblers that morning in the area and even one of them for over an hour at 30 yards. Just out of his affective range. Since then Tyler has had 18 gobblers going and taken a shot at two jakes, and this year we have 2 hours of video with gobbling the entire time. We have had some great season and would not trade it for the world. We took food, games, and even some small toys.

For you scouting before the season is a must. This put you on the game instead of moving to the game.  

I talked with a lot of different people and asked the question how young is too young. It finally comes down to you and your child. If he or she is old enough to understand the outcome of the events and the reason for safety and handling the gun or bow, then take them. If they don’t take your time and it will eventually come to both you.

In Missouri they have opened the firearms youth deer season weekend. In my case he is just not old enough yet to handle any gun that would take down a deer. So we will wait. But we did start shooting a small bow just for fun this year. Don’t rush.

PASS IT ON

Remember pass along everything you do with hunting keep them involved. It may take 30 years or so but if they stay in the sport of hunting. That may be what they remember most.

Be sure to keep it entirely the kid’s choice and not yours. Tyler is now 6 years old, we have yet to get a squirrel but he still wants to go. We have taken one dove and a limit of doves together but he thinks that both are great times and still decides for himself that he wants to go. I hope it will always be his choice to go.

One final thought if you have not heard you are missing out. This song it will explain everything above in few minutes. PASS IT ON from Tracy Byrd’s album WONDERS OF WILDLIFE. This song should be No.1 request for every hunter and will bring back a lot of memories.

Hope to see you in the woods this weekend with your kids. horntagger

P.S.

Parents if you are interested in getting you kids in the outdoors a great opportunity to learn outdoor skills from local experts and enjoy the chance to participate in some great “hands-on” activities with the National Wild Turkey Federation. We call it JAKES Day. Juniors Acquiring Knowledge Ethics and Sportsmanship.

Find out more about this event at www.nwtf.org.

YOUTH-ONLY PORTION OF THE FIREARMS DEER SEASON New this year is a Youth-Only Portion of the firearms deer hunting season for Missouri residents age 15 and younger. WHO MAY PARTICIPATE: To participate, the youth hunter must be: a Missouri resident  age 15 or younger (on season opening day) SEASON DATES: October 27-28 SHOOTING HOURS: One-half (1/2) hour before sunrise to one-half (1/2) hour after sunset. VALID PERMITS: Either: a Youth Deer and Turkey Hunting Permit (if age 11 or younger). NOTE: While hunting, the youth must be in the immediate presence of a properly licensed adult who is Hunter Ed certified (see box this page). Or: a firearms Deer, Any-Deer, or First or Second Bonus Deer Hunting Permit (if age 11-15 and Hunter Ed certified) NOTE: Resident youths age 15 or younger who are the immediate household members of resident landowners (see “Definitions”) may take a deer on the landowner’s property during the Youth- Only Portion without purchasing any permit, but they must abide by season dates, methods, limits, and tagging/checking requirements.   Youth Deer & Turkey Hunting Permit Hunters age 11 or younger may participate in deer and turkey hunting seasons by purchasing a Youth Deer and Turkey Hunting Permit. The permit costs $15 and is available to both resident and nonresident youth age 11 and under. With the permit resident youths may take either one antlered deer statewide or one antlerless deer in any deer management unit (even in Unit 57) during any portion of the firearms deer hunting season. Nonresident youths may take deer as above, except that nonresident youths are not eligible to participate in the two-day Youth-Only Portion of the firearms deer season. The permit also allows all youths to take one turkey of either sex during the current fall firearms turkey season. NOTE: A provision of the Youth Deer & Turkey Hunting Permit is that the youth must be in the immediate presence of a properly licensed adult who has a valid Hunter Education Certificate Card.  "Immediate presence" means close enough for normal conversation, without shouting.  "Properly licensed" means a valid firearms hunting permit for the appropriate season (i.e., either a filled or unfilled firearms deer or a firearms turkey hunting permit).  "Adult" means someone age seventeen (17) or older.  "Valid Hunter Education Certificate Card" means the adult must be Hunter Ed certified, regardless of the adult’s age. There is no minimum age requirement for the Youth Deer & Turkey Hunting Permit because the parents or guardians are the best judges of when their child can responsibly go afield under adult supervision. However, regardless of age, the youth must be capable of holding, aiming, and shooting the firearm by him or herself. In addition, in all instances the youth hunter must abide by the appropriate season portion dates, methods, and checking requirements.

Photo By Allen "horntagger" Morris SEASON LIMIT: One (1) deer in accordance with permit(s) held. Those hunting on a Youth Deer and Turkey Hunting Permit may take one (1) deer of either sex in any deer management unit (even in Unit 57).  Those hunting on a Deer, Any-Deer, or First or Second Bonus Deer Hunting Permit may take one (1) deer in accordance with any permit held, but only antlerless deer may be taken on a Bonus Deer permit. METHODS: same as during the November Portion of the firearms season; any legal method may be used (see p. 10). HUNTER ORANGE REQUIREMENT: Hunters must wear Hunter Orange. See General Regulations, “Hunter Orange Requirement.” TAGGING AND CHECKING: See General Regulations, “Tagging and Checking." Hunters must present their permit and their deer with transportation tag attached at an established checking station. Deer taken during the Youth-Only Portion must be checked: by the hunter (taker)  in the county where taken or in an adjoining open county  between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on the day taken. GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE MISSOURI YOUTH'S FOR THE FIRST EVER MISSOURI FIREARMS YOUTH SEASON OCTOBER 27TH AND 28TH. Deer hunting is just not for boys. You Go Girl! Duke and Casey on a doe calling outing. GET KIDS INVOLVED WITH THE OUTDOORS   Adam Boehle with his first 8 pointer youth season 2001.

THE BLIND - April 14th, 2002 Youth Season - Horntagger Jr. Both me and Tyler built this last year at home in preparation for 2001 youth turkey season keeps, us both dry and hidden from the animals. Makes for a good all day hunt.

SATURDAY We start the night before at my Uncle Tom's house south of the farm. Both me and Tyler get the turkey calls and clothes set out and alarms set for Saturday morning. After a good breakfast we drive over to the cabin and start getting bags out to carry to the blind, when after 10 minutes goes by a turkey flies out of the tree right above the truck. All you can say is "Wild turkeys are so thick they must be running out of trees and now roosting in the front yard." Well had 6 gobblers going Saturday at daybreak, but all off the farm. None ever came in to my or Tyler's calling.

Around 10:00 a.m. we decide to take a walk down to the lower food plot then back to the blind. We got back to the blind at 10:45 a.m. and a hen was standing with the decoys that we had set up in the food plot she walked slowly out since the rubber turkeys with no legs did not run. Very proud of horntagger Junior he wanted to hunt till 1:00 p.m. and did. Not bad for a 7 year old to get up at 5:00 a.m. get in the woods at 6:00 a.m. and then hunt till 1:00 p.m. He even found a shed antler as we where walking out. I still have never found on in all my years of hunting. Good Saturday morning but that ain't nothing. Saturday afternoon went to roost birds, horntagger junior got to see three turkeys, 2 gobblers and one hen at 30 yards. Also got to here some others fly up.

Tyler and Decoy's April 14th, 2002 Youth Turkey Season

SUNDAY

Sunday morning bumped two hens off the roost going to blind. Listen to gobblers all morning. Lost count at 12, I almost think we had 18 in the area. We both got up and went to the edge of the property and called on two gobblers but was fighting hens plus the creeks where all up from the hard rain the night before and would not cross.

10:00 a.m hit we had to leave to get back in time for soccer games and when we where headed to check the game camera, I yelped and had one very close gobble in return at 100 yards. Got two decoys set up and horntagger junior sitting in my lap. I started calling this time two gobblers responded but now on top of the ridge closer to the food plot.

They came in on a string and gobbling to every yelp. Went right by the camtrakker, the picture below is within 10 seconds of Tyler taking a shot at the second
one.
 

Picture taken within 10 seconds of Tyler shooting at the second bird April 14th, 2002 @ 10:45 a.m.

They saw the decoys and started spitting and drumming. Both 20lbs and jakes with 4" beards all at 20 steps. Tyler even raised his head then put it back down once and they gobble When they got closer I whispered to him to shoot when he was ready after they stop strutting. They stopped and first gobblers head was half up then just before Tyler shot the gobbler raised his head straight up and Tyler shot, and the gobbler almost flipped over backwards. Missed and I think it must had pattern wide by the range and breasted him, but they did not run off just alot of clucking as they roamed away. Then they gobbled again as they went into the second part of the food plot.

Dad's fault I stepped it off and way 18 steps I have the gun which is a .410 and Tyler set up for 13 steps. I thought they were closer than that or I would have waited. Either way he got his first gobbler experience, horntagger junior wants his own turkey call now, Thinks the birds where huge and thought the whole thing was COOL. By far the best hunt of my lifetime. - Hope to see you in the woods or on the water with your kids. Horntagger.

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