When it comes to hunting and fishing, many of the skills involved—rigging a line, cleaning a gun—can seem specialized, with little application to other aspects of life.
But in fact, teaching your kids the basics of hunting, fishing and camping can not only pass along to them your love for the great outdoors, but also can help to develop character traits, habits and practices that can contribute to a more successful, happy life for your children as they grow.
In an effort to help families get involved in the outdoors and build upon valuable life-lessons, Bass Pro Shops invites families across North America to unplug from their digital devices and discover the fun of being in the outdoors. The retailer hosts several family friendly events throughout the year featuring activities and workshops where families can learn the skills they need to enjoy outdoor adventures together.
FISHING: Bass Pro Shops “Gone Fishing” campaign, is an unprecedented effort aimed at reconnecting people with fishing and the great outdoors. “Gone Fishing” is intended to introduce the activity to new audiences and encourage everyone to go fishing with someone they love.
FISHING: Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classic is a celebration of America’s national pastime—fishing. In addition to the Classic’s free fishing seminars the free event has pro angler appearances. The Spring Fishing Classic offers families the opportunity to enjoy many fishing activities.
CAMPING: Be sure to check out Bass Pro Shops month long Family Summer Camp at most stores with free kids crafts, workshops for camping basics, fishing, kayaking, archery, water safety
HUNTING: For years hunters and outdoor enthusiasts have attended Bass Pro Shops Fall Hunting Classic. This free event is for learning more about hunting, hunting gear and safety. Kids are invited to the Next Generation Weekend for free crafts, hunting workshops, and activities.
Here are nine hunting and fishing skills—as well as life lessons—every mom and dad should teach their sons and daughters.
1. How to Rise Early for Hunting & Fishing
Some of the best hunting and fishing happens early in the morning. Rising early with your kids for an expedition can help shape them into a morning person, a skill that studies show can help them earn more money, be more productive and become healthier over the course of their lives.
2. How to Rig a Fishing Line
Teaching your child to rig a line teaches them that to get to the results they want to in life, they’ll first have to engage in doing some seemingly dull and tedious tasks.
3. How to Cast a Fishing Line
Properly casting a line can be a tricky mechanical skill to master. Teaching your child this skill can help them develop patience and motor skills that will benefit them the rest of their life.
4. How to Catch and Release Fish
In life, we don’t always get to keep what we acquire. Teaching your child the practice of catch and release is one of the best ways to help them learn this difficult lesson. Additionally, it gives you an opportunity to talk to your child about how ecosystems work, and why catch and release improves native fish populations and lets other fishermen and fisherwomen enjoy the process, while talking about selflessness and sharing at the same time.
5. How to Aim a Gun
From filing taxes to driving, life often requires us to perform tasks with precision. Learning the art of aiming can help kids understand this, while developing concentration and focus in a world where those are becoming rare commodities, because of the prevalence of digital multitasking and distraction.
6. How to Clean a Gun
Taking care of and stewarding our possessions is something we all must learn. There’s no better way to do that than teaching your son or daughter this discipline.
7. How to Come Up Empty-Handed
Sometimes, despite our best planning and efforts in life, we fail. Coming home at the end of a fishing or hunting trip with your child gives you the opportunity to talk through this life reality.
8. How to Share Your Harvest
It’s always beneficial to think of and serve those in our community who have unmet needs. Before your next outing, help your child identify a local family or organization in need, and donate what you’ve harvested.
9. How to Follow Hunting and Fishing Rules and Regulations
Whether it’s obeying the rules of the road or a future employer, life is full of rules and regulations. Helping your child understand the fishing and hunting rules and regulations of your fish and game club, or even your state’s DNR, can help them practice this foundational skill.
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