For all you Dad's that got your young kids a custom bow built to get them started...how young is too young? My son just turned two and has an incredible interest in "Daddy's bow" and loves to be around me shooting. And...no lie, he got a toy bow with the suction darts and can shoot them! So for you guys that have young kids (<5yrs old) that are shooting...when did you get them a bow? I can't wait to shoot with my lil'man!!!! I'm thinking next year would be acceptable?
Thanks!
Cook
when he's interested he's ready... remember to keep the shooting sessions fun and short and veried. My kids loved balloon popping...
I started my daughter off at the age of 5 shooting balloons. Im thinking about buying her some type of custom bow because she really gets excited seeing those balloons bust.
My son started shooting when he was 4. He is 7 now and I got him a maddog pup from mike for christmas.
My daughter who is 5 now was also shooting when she was 4.
James
Mine is almost 3 and I'm thinking I'll be buying him one at Denton Hill next year.
Both of my kids started at 3, but it sounds like he's ready now! "acceptable" to who?
Do it, you'll love every minute of it!
ttt
My son is three and he has one of the green fiberglass bows that was given to him by my uncle. Just as you said with your son he has an incredible interest in shooting a bow for a kid of his age. I have just been a little hesitant to spend that kind money until I can be sure that it will be a sound investment. But, the way he has taken to shooting I think it may be getting close to time to get him a little better bow.
Here is a pic of him after he got his medal and trophy from the OSTA shoot.
(http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww106/gacardwell/100_1555.jpg)
He was so proud that when he got his trophy all he did was hold it above his head and say I won daddy I won. I can't tell you how good it made me feel.
My little guy will be 3 in March. Dan Toelke built him a custom bow for Christmas last year. He took an interest to it right away, though his interest changes to the swingset, sandbox, baseball bat, golf club, etc... at the drop of a hat. I let him shoot as much as he wants, even if it is only one arrow.
All of his shooting thus far has been with his daddy pulling the string and him holding the bow. I'm thinking this spring he'll be pulling and releasing by himself. Can't wait to get some pics of him shooting on TG...Mike
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee104/mooseman76/whip001-1.jpg)
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee104/mooseman76/whip002-1.jpg)
PERFECT.......
From joe ashton
"when he's interested he's ready..."
My son is 2 now but he showed the same interest this past summer. We got him a small PVC bow with wooden dowel arrows with foam tips that can be found at any craft show. These bows are great for little kids to shoot and you really dont have to worry about hurting anything or anybody if he gets a little carried away. It is great fun but dont push it.
My son is 4 and just started shooting. He loves going to the woods with me. Last week we went out back of the house and stalked to within 20 yards of a small buck and doe, he kept whispering for me to shoot but I really didn't want to cut a deer up that night. I would have been in trouble with momma. He is a little loud in the woods but I love it when he asks if he can go with me. Start them when they show intrest.
My two boys shoot all the time. They started at age two. I know on other posts I mentioned the "under 3 longbow" class that the local bow club started for them in tournments. They now both have a "real" bow. My oldest (5yo) shoots a Protogy and my youngest (3yo) is getting a Maddog bow built right now.
You gotta get them kids doing something besides getting into trouble!! The things they start now will stick with them. I am not saying they will always shoot a bow, but they will learn hard work, persistance, endurance, and the satisifaction of them all. My oldest can shoot a soda can most every shot at 10-12 yards. When he first shot one, you would have thought it was a 200" B&C monster!! They get a real since of accomplishment.
Great for their self esteem, not to mention the quality time with Dad.
Now if the Dr. is cleaning them up after birth that's way to young...Give the child at least a day to get thier sea legs :D My first little girl was shooting a borrowed bow that belongs to a buddy of mine boy's when they were very young...She was about two and a half years old...I stop shooting around her and let her have all my attention so she won't get hurt and teach her to walk with the points away from her or put them in the quiver right away...If they have a quiver defintly make them use it so they understand at an early age arrows are dangerous...If they like it and can pull the bow then let them start early with adult supervision...God Bless, Keefer's <")))><
I bought my daughter a "Black Rhino" bow when she was five. They make a nice little straight limb longbow at reasonable price.
Your little guy sounds like he is ready, and I think the lightest of their offerings might work for him.
Both of my boys started shooting since they were old enough to stand. I started them both out with a little kit bow I made and then as they grew they graduated to a Bear cub recurve and a Martin prodigy recurve. Now my 11 year old is shooting a Dryad hunter.
One thing I did for the <6yo stage was to install the No-Glove finger protectors on their string. It allowed them to shoot more comfortably without the need for a glove or tab.
One game we love to play is "Hunter's challenge" where we take turns choosing a position to shoot the target from and everyone takes one shot fron that position. More entertaining than simply lining up at a target and shooting groups.
Plenty of bowyers making some nice "less expensive" kids bows nowadays. You can also find a good buy in a used kids bow.
For the real little guys, don't spend a lot of money on something they will dig worms with when you are not looking!
Have fun!
When my wife gets pregnant I will be tatooing a bow on her belly :archer:
Started my son with a bow about 2 1/2, and he just loved it. Before that he would stand at the back door watching me shoot. I am getting one from Crimson Mist in the next few days, so I will post pictures of it. With the first bow my son had to call me and tell me that his bow was here. Now I am pretty sure I did not tell him or the wife about it before hand so I am not sure how he figured it out. the new one is for his 3rd birthday.
My son started the same way when he was 2, shooting a bow with the suction cup darts. He just turned 3 this past October and I have bought him a Black Rhino bow for Christmas. I purchased the lightest they have which is marked 9#@18". The chart on their website says this same bow would be 5#@15". They rate this bow for 2-3 years up.
All three of my kids started around 4 YO and I still have the red little bow they used.My 14 yo last year found girls and he's done for a little while ( He'll be Back),My 8 yo just won a mad dog bow from vermonster13 and he is HOOKED! I am making my little girl6yo a bow as we type and she to is HOOKED!If you are going to buy a custom get it from Maddog IMHO his bows for kids are light and just awesome!and it won't break your wallet. :thumbsup: :campfire: :coffee: Show the little one where they belong.
If he's showing an interest I would think he's at least ready to give it a try. Both of my sons started shooting around the age of 2. I had them start out with one of those all glass kids bows. We've been having a blast since! Here's a pic of them when my youngest was about 3.
(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o108/tgdeadsmple/greatday2.jpg)
Now he's 5 and has shown enough improvement that I'm currently working on this project I found here. http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=035877#000000
My eldest is now 7 and is actually a pretty good shot out to 10-12 yds. He is now shooting an older Bear Bearcub. This is him at age 6.
(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o108/tgdeadsmple/09-007-2.jpg)
Personally I wouldn't get them a custom bow until they've earned it. ie. chores done in a timely manner, good grades in school, consistent good manners, and a real personal interest in shooting, not just because pop does it.
Mine started shooting at 4 and got his first custom at age 7. It was a 21st Century that Milton built for him. Now he is shooting my bows!
I made a bow for my sons when they were very young, the older one really shot his alot. Lizards grasshoppers were in real danger. My other son shot but was more interested in sports.
Just recently made one for my grandson, seems to have a little bit of interest. I think you will enjoy the experience no matter how much interest they have at first. Boys and bows just seem to go together.
My sun got his first when he was five. Found a little fiberglass bear and he loves it. He goes with me to some 3D shoots and gets really excited. I would wait a few more years before I would get him a custom because he's always banging it around on stuff and throwing it down to run and get his arrows. I'm so proud of him on loving the outdoors and getting excited about shooting his bow.
Well my baby boy is 7 months old, and i am a very proud father, me and my wife are right handed and we are both left eye dominant so we have always shot lh bow, i want to know what eye dominance he will be and only time will tell, but i am anxious to know and hopefully in three more years get a bow for him,
I think your kid is is ready and please post a pic
Well my baby boy is 7 months old, and i am a very proud father, me and my wife are right handed and we are both left eye dominant so we have always shot lh bow, i want to know what eye dominance he will be and only time will tell, but i am anxious to know and hopefully in three more years get a bow for him,
I think your kid is is ready and please post a pic
I have a 5 year old and a 3 year old that shoot (the 1 1/2 year old, not quite yet). Both started when they were about 2 1/2 with a black rhino bow. They both share the same bow. We keep the shooting sessions short and stop as soon as it's no longer fun. they're usually asking to shoot any time I'm shooting. We sometimes even get mom outside for a little shooting - doesn't get much better than a trad family outing.
My dad started me when I was 5. I started my son at 3, and just started my grandson this past October. He'll be 2 in February! Yeah, that seems young, I had to help him draw his bow at first but now he is able to shoot it by himself. He's shooting a little hickory selfbow made by Jim Taylor, probably about 10#. He shoots about 8-10 arrows then runs off to explore the finer points of his other toys. But he is interested, and wants to shoot every time I do, but.... he does have the attention span of a 2 year old!
:archer:
Close shots with a big target, I found that my kids enjoyed just having the arrow stick in the target instead of just bouncing off it. I had a bow similar to the black rhino, I have seen those and they look like a good starter.
If they can walk they can shoot with supervision of course .I dont think they should hunt until atleast 10 there attention spand is not long enough in most cases
Good stuff guys! I appreciate the feedback and love the pics! I think he's ready to step up to something beyond the plastic toy bow...he definately loves it. If I'm out shooting and he's not with me and carrying my arrows and walking every step with me -- he's one unhappy camper!
QuoteOriginally posted by J. Cook:
Good stuff guys! I appreciate the feedback and love the pics! I think he's ready to step up to something beyond the plastic toy bow...he definately loves it. If I'm out shooting and he's not with me and carrying my arrows and walking every step with me -- he's one unhappy camper!
I agree, he is and you are ready :bigsmyl: for the upgrade :thumbsup:
I also started my children out with the fiberglass bows at around 3.
Then upgraded to a great tree by 3 rivers, and just last spring had Mike at Maddog archery make him a custom. My boy is now almost 10.
Quick plug for Mike, his bows, and he himself are terrific.
Have fun with the your son :archer:
i just bought my little girl a samick angel. she will be 3 in march, my boys started shooting when they were 3 and they are 6 now and they still shoot 3-5 times a week when it warms up.
Heres mine at 5 and 4
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g38/trapperDave/archery/kids%20archery/DSCF6111-1.jpg)
Here they are at there first 3D shoot, ages 5 and 6....hittin what they aimed at :D
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g38/trapperDave/archery/3-D/DSCF0010-1.jpg)
I had a bow in my sons hand before he was 3, daughter too. They each have their own recurve, his a custom I got from a friend on *******, hers is a Damon Howatt from one Vermonster13's giveaways (thanks again)
We bought our son a black rhino bow this year. He is now 4. He loves to shoot. He will shoot about a dozen arrows or so, then he moves on with the next thing to play with. He loves going in the woods with me. I shot a turkey in October with him by my side. It was the best moment ever. He was so happy.
My girlfriend's son will be 3 in Feb. He's a tough little guy who has had some medical issues and the docs are constantly amazed at how well he is doing and overcoming these issues.
Anyway, he hardly ever sits still and really doesn't even watch those shows they pass off as cartoons. I had an old red fiberglass bow and took him out this fall. Mom wasn't too sure how it would go with his attention span or lack there of. We all had a blast shooting and he even slowed down enough to shoot at the targets. Mom was amazed. Now all he talks about is shooting bows, fishing and hunting now.
With her permission, I've gotten him a Maddog Pup recurve with the no fingers installed.
Bottom line its never too early to get them started in my opinion.
Id say hes ready now. Hes show an intrest and if he had a bow of his own to shoot he would be even more into it. Cant wait to see pics of him shooting.
My oldest daughter was shooting on her own at 2, don`t wait get him started!! They actually listen when they are that young...GOOD LUCK!!!!!
I think it has all been covered! Like has been said, if you know your son you will know when he is ready. :saywhat:
My son shot some and loved it. He is 5 now and legos, lincoln logs and mud holes have his attention. He still likes helping me get my arrows just doesn't have the drive for shooting right now.
Its been touched on and I think you (I) need to be careful about pushing him to hard. Don't want to turn him off completely. I am happy to know he is not veggin' out in front of the tube or computer... he loves being outside and playing or inside building things. :bigsmyl: )
Remember to share some pictures with us.. love seeing the kids flinging the arrows! ;)
started my grandson at 2 also went turkey huntin at 2 and this year he was 3 and he hooted and made a bird gobble
I started my daughter out with a little oak board bow backed with willow bark when she was four. She is outgrowing that bow and I'm planning to make her a laminated glass bow more like Dad's sometime this year. She spotted a pink bow she liked at Denton Hill last summer, so I'll have to use some "girly colors". The board bow has now been handed down to my son who is three.
My daughter gets bored pretty quick shooting in the back yard, but will hang in there all day at a 3D. Heck, she shot just as much as I did at Denton Hill this past summer. Little brother will shoot quite a bit in the backyard with me, but I have to keep a close eye on where it is pointing. He hasn't quite grasped the concept of trying to hit the target and just likes to see an arrow fly. Giggles after each shot.
The pictures go back about 15 years...and more.
The first pic was my older daughter with a maple board bow I'd made for the occasion. The second was my youngest with an Osage bow I made, consisting of barely a couple of growth rings and some exotic wood I salvaged from a palette. The osage was taken from a pile of firewood; the remains of a tree that bordered one of my childhood fishing holes...and a really rare tree to find in New England. The third pic is the youngest again, a few more years down the road (...all of a sudden they grow legs) with a once-weathered bow I found on a farm, in pieces, and brought back to life. Actually, there were two identical bows I'd found a few months apart and got to repeat the process. I wish I had taken a picture of both girls with their bows...but there's just no going back. I also made the quiver and arrows.
(http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy136/ricksnetpics/first%20pics/01ann.jpg) (http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy136/ricksnetpics/first%20pics/02dadkate.jpg) (http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy136/ricksnetpics/first%20pics/03kate.jpg)
I was debating the last picture...but that happy faced lad in front of the B/W TV turned out to be the dad who wanted to find a way to share one of the best gifts he'd ever received. Recently, I purchased an identical archery set to the one in the picture, new in the box. The TV is not the only thing that will have changed when I sit for the next picture.
(http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy136/ricksnetpics/first%20pics/04xmas.jpg)
Anyhow..."What's too young?"...is moot, when what could be derived is priceless. Rick.
Jason started shooting when he was 2 and was a regular at 3D shoots at 3. Heck he had his picture in more papers for his shooting back in the day then anyone I know. LOL
Just remember that it's fun too shoot, not work.
They will pick up form by watching you but won't coach very well when that young.
MIke
It might have already been said but I'll say it again. I don't think they are ever too young to start shooting "Targets". I think ethics come to play when we as parents try to get our kids hunting before they are "mentally" ready. Alot of kids can shoot a target proficiently. But put an animal in front of them and some are too young to mentally understand shot angles,shot placement, etc.
So to answer your question, get em shootin whenever they want to. As others have said, you'll remember it forever.
GREAT pics guys!!! I'm really excited about the whole process. Just having him along side when I'm shooting is great, but I'll be "giddy" once he's releasing a string along with me!!!!
Hey Cook,
Take lots of pictures and enjoy, they grow up so fast. I've got photos of my son shooting the bow around age 4 on up until now at age 17. The memories we have of summer archery festivals is incredible...camping, shooting and campfires are what this is all about.
Here's my experience. My son has been so exposed to this stuff for so long I've found his interests come and go. I've never pushed him to hunt or shoot a bow since some kids just aren't wired for it.
One of the problems that we ran into starting them too young is trying to teach them the proper way to shoot. I do understand and agree...when their young you want to let them shoot and have fun. What my son ran into is that as he got old enough to hunt it became very important to develop good form and accuracy. It's when we began to teach him the proper way to shoot that he developed target panic and almost walked away completely. I still remember him having a breakdown on the 3d course at Denton Hill....he was so upset that he couldn't control his shot process.
It's than that we switched him over to left handed at age 14 and completely re-taught him everything. Today he is a fantastic shot, confident and most importantly enjoys himself.
My daughter on the other hand did not learn to shoot until she was 11 at which time she was old enough to teach the form aspect of archery. She shots very methodically and it also a great archer in her own realm.
Good luck.....and have fun!
Tim
my son was 4 when he got his first bow , then at 5 I got Mike at Maddog to make him one for his birthday