As a Cub Master,I frequently talked to my scouts about how the skills they learn in Scout can apply to real life situations and hunting was one of them.
Last week the topic was about being responsible so we talked about the responsibilities of a hunter such as: make sure you have a good shot to ensure a quick kill etc... and if you wounded an animal you must do everything with in your power to recover the animal. One of the boy piped in "My dad never did, he just shoot another one." Further questioning reveal that his dad did do just that.
What would you do? I would hate to see this boy grows up with that kind of mentality. :dunno:
P.S.
Moderator,
I know this subject is not exactly falls within this forum guidelines. So if you have to delete it, I understood. Thanks.
Wayne,
as an Eagle scout and ex Scout master, you will see and hear a lot of things you cannot change.
Best thing you can do is lead by example. Also when you do things explain why you do them therefore hopefully kids will understand some reasoning and ethics. IE I only take "good" shots at game because I dont like it when things suffer and I hate long tracking jobs.
Rome wasn't built in a day and you cant save everyone. My guess is that boy wont stick scouts out too long but who knows he may surprise you, especially if you spend more time with him than his dad.
I use skills I have learned while scouting not only with hunting and Camping, but also in everyday life. Problem solving, team work and leadership are just a few examples.
yeah,charlie is right, the problem with kids ain't kids, it's the parents, so do good anyway, lead by example anyway,do your best anyway,in the final analysis,that is all that will matter anyway.
I wouldn't take the chance of coming between a father and son. Just teach the best you can, and let the boys make their choices.
Also a former Scoutmaster, the two respondents before me said it well. Be the example of the RIGHT way, in as many settings as possible; the better side of the scouts will surprise you. Thank you for what you are doing for our youth.
God's Peace
I think you should explain the outcomes of both choices and let the boy decide. Kids are smarter than ya think. This way you do not make his Dad look bad but make the kid think for himself. Thanks for the time you share with these kids! Shawn
I agree with Shawn. Stand firm to your belief in a non-standoffish way. The kid will come around to your way.
Thank you for you advices and inputs. I'll try to do my best. Thanks again.
Excellent thoughts above.
One way of affecting or altering someone's thoughts, especially someone who is just growing those thoughts, is to enlighten them, or expand them.
Never say that the other person (dad),their thoughts or actions ares bad, but give them "other info" so they can think about it on expanded terms and come to their own conclusions.
When it is their own idea, it sits better and means more.
Besides, although it doesn't ALWAYS work, when you are out there and your kid says. " gee dad, why are you doing that. . it doesn't seem right", it might make dad think about it too.
In all areas of life, some things are passed down. "We always did this", with no thought at all. But when you add some thought, it might not be as palatable and might change.
ChuckC
I'd say the Serenity Prayer and follow His wisdom.
You may first consider patiently focusing on establishing the gifts and blessing of nature and its marvelous creatures as the foundation. Once a foundation has been instilled and recognition of the wonder of the animal's creation and right to existence is displayed, then the 2nd step should proceed much easier.
Your influence may illicit far greater impact than possibly imagined.
Thank you for guiding our youth.
I agree with basically everything said here.
If you denounce the fathers actions, and the father hears it the kid will be out of scouts and you've lost an opportunity to make change.
If you do nothing you've lost an opportunity to make change.
I think it's a good idea (whoever mentioned this above) to tell a story of two hunts and there outcomes for the hunters and for the game. Both hunts end with deer taken but one also ends with a deer which suffers and is never recovered. Or something like that.
Keep up the good work.
Every above post has VERY good points.
Don't bad mouth the Dad.
Enlighten the boy.
Share your bad experience and how it made you feel..if you have one...I know I do.
If you can teach respect for the animal..the boy will have a better chance of making ethical choices.
He may still get caught up in doing it "like Dad" but if you plant the seed of "this should make me feel sick" instead of his Dad's apparent "they're just deer who cares attitude" the young lad may just do it once.
I know that I started off without much if any respect for my game. The lesson was never taught. It took me quite a while to learn the game deserves it.
Ethics is a personal choice....a little guidance can go a long way though..