From the mouths of babes

[Josh H]

Hello friends,

I had a moment today with my little boy who is 8. It made me think that maybe the lessons I'm trying to teach him are getting through, even as prone to mistakes as I am.

I've been shooting traditional exclusively for 5 years now- I got him a recurve and he and I shoot together a good bit.

Today, we were walking around a sporting goods store in our community. We came across the archery section and over to the side were crossbows. I walked over with him to look at them. I have to say I made a mistake here.

I asked him, "Son, I know you want to kill a deer really bad. But you are only 8, and it might be a few years before you are able to shoot a recurve strong enough to hunt legally.

Would you want to maybe shoot a crossbow? That way you can hunt sooner."

I told you it was a mistake! 

My son, without missing a beat said, "Dad, any bow I shoot will not have a trigger on it."

Ive never been prouder!

My son reminded me that part of the reason we have undertaken this traditional archery journey is because it is more difficult. That challenge is what feeds the fire and makes those successful moments so memorable. The reward is worth the wait.

Maybe those lessons are getting through, even when it feels like they are not. I look forward to the day when my son will carry a traditional bow into the woods and hunt with it in earnest.

But until then, I hope to spend these years with him learning, growing and developing his love for the sport we love so much.

If today is any indication, he is well on his way to becoming a traditional archer.

Thanks for reading,

Josh

[kopfjaeger]

Love it. 

[Maclean]

Josh, I'd say your son is in good hands and well on his way towards becoming a traditional bowhunter.
Lucky kid!

[A Lex]

Thanks for sharing that,

Sound like a good kid with a good Dad...

You both will enjoy the journey 

Best
Lex

[Bisch]

Very cool!!!

Bisch

[Roy from Pa]

Awesome....

[Skates 2]

Wow, that's great.  Need more stories like this!

Thanks for sharing.

[RJonesRCRV]

I say, good on you for giving him the choice to make on his own, and even better on him for choosing the correct answer.

[supernaut]

Outstanding!   

[Kirkll]

Outstanding story!  You are a lucky man....  Kirk

[Sam McMichael]

I would say he is off to a good start.