^{By Steve Hickoff}

Want that young hunter to develop your love of the tradition? Try the following Yamaha tips . . .

(1) Simplify, Simplify: Remember when you first hunted? Chances are you learned one detail at a time. Don’t rush the process. Encourage fun and safety.

(2) Safety Issues: Explain safety issues surely and simply. Don’t lecture, scold, or yell. Try to picture yourself as a young hunter. What kind of instruction helped you? Try to model that positive approach.

(3) It’s All Good: Don’t just focus on the kill. Talk about the outdoors in a way that a young hunter can appreciate the natural world around them. Discuss scouting. Talk about food sources. Represent your understanding of the natural world as well by noting songbirds, insect life, and wildflowers. Help them see the big picture.

(4) Avoid Competition: Sure, later on as the hunter develops toward adulthood, gentle ribbing or boasting at camp is harmless. Still, you want to be sure that you encourage the overall hunt, not the pursuit of ego-driven trophy statistics.

(5) Gear Up: Buy them their own Yamaha helmet, etc. Your developing hunter should have the same gear you do, so that they can use it, safely and surely, and enjoy it outdoors.

(6) Seasons, Scouting, Action: Small game hunting for squirrels, rabbits, and other available game can provide a way for your young hunter to use those skills you’re teaching.

(7) Let Go: As young hunters begin to demonstrate abilities in the field, let them take on more responsibility during the hunt. Have them scout a particular location while you do so nearby. After this effort, ask them what they found. Let them feel that pride you do when piecing the puzzle together.

(8) The Sporting Tradition: Instill a notion of hunter ethics and sportsmanship in your son or daughter. Take them to camp with you. Let them experience the hunt.