Spark a child's interest in the outdoors

by Mike Demick - Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and even the Tooth Fairy have all been good to me. However, the greatest gift I have ever received came courtesy of my parents, who before I can even remember, introduced me to the joys of the outdoors.

But times have changed. If you are a parent waiting until your kids are old enough to go hunting, fishing or exploring the outdoors before you get them involved, you may end up going afield by yourself in future years.

Outdoor sports, such as hunting and fishing and even birdwatching and backpacking, face way too much competition - from athletics, friends and electronic addictions like computers and video games. If adults including parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles want to see their young relatives develop into responsible outdoor conservationists, they should provide them with outdoor experiences that are both educational and enjoyable at an early age. It's never too early to begin making the outdoors a way of life.

The key is to start getting the youngster outdoors with you as much as possible. Outings can be as simple as walking through your favorite hunting area, taking the family dog for some exercise or casting and retrieving practice lures in the backyard.

Even toddlers can be introduced easily to outdoor field sports. Kids like nothing more than to make noises and imitate animals, right? Various wildlife calls including the types you blow into, such as an elk bugle and deer grunt tubes, and duck and turkey calls can be rewarding additions to any toy box (please remember diaphragm types can be dangerous to youngsters). The enjoyment you show when you bugle like a bull elk or putt like a hen turkey will be contagious, laying the groundwork for additional activities you can all share.

Even when young legs are still too short, get a child involved in your own outings. Before each trip, explain to your youngster what you'll be doing and where you'll be going. Offer a hands-on experience with any game or fish you bring home, while you describe the fun and excitement you enjoyed. Such times are perfect for sparking a child's hopes and dreams of enjoying the outdoors.

While you're at it, set some goals your children can look forward to accomplishing. For example, a first fishing trip on their next birthday, a trip to listen to wild turkeys gobble when spring arrives, or a first tag-along pheasant hunt the coming fall. Before you know it you'll be building an air-gun range in the garage, buying a first fishing rod and signing up your child for a hunter education course.

The process will be more difficult without the support of both parents. Should your spouse not share your love of the outdoors, let him or her know that it is important to you to share your outdoor heritage.

Adults who hunt and fish also need to teach their children that it is of utmost importance to be seen as conservation leaders by reaching out and gaining the respect and cooperation of other outdoor recreationists. Just as we teach our children they need to share their toys and cooperate with others, adults need to teach their children that many people enjoy the same natural resources as the hunter and angler. Parents fail if they teach it's us against them. When hunters, anglers, wildlife photographers, bird watchers, hikers and other outdoor lovers meet on common ground, the conservation of wildlife resources will be even more successful.

When speaking of the future survival of hunting and fishing, the privilege to participate in these sports are not the critical issues. Protection of habitat is the key. If large areas of habitat exist, there will be enough wildlife for hunters to pursue, watchers to observe and for the general public to enjoy.

First, we need to spark our children's interest and fascination with nature and the outdoors. With that, we then can help educate our children to ensure these outdoors sports continue. So get out there and show our next generation what the outdoors has to offer, make some wonderful memories with your loved ones, and share the beauty of nature.

Mike Demick is the Regional Conservation Educator in the Clearwater Region. He has been working for IDFG since 1994.

Photo: Jake Demick, age 4, is all smiles while enjoying a relaxing afternoon of ice fishing on William's Lake near Salmon. It is never too early to begin making the outdoors a way of life. With thought and careful planning, even a short ice fishing adventure can help spark your child's interest in the outdoors. (Photo by Mike Demick)