Outdoor Hunting Tent

- How come hunting & fishing are separated from other outdoor sports?
I always found it strange how they are separated. You have the outdoor channel and it is almost all about hunting or fishing but rock climbing, mountain biking, rafting, skiing. kayaking, boating, and off roading is also outdoors Then you have cabelas and bass pro shops that cater mostly to hunting and fishing. Then there is REI and sports athority that cater to the other sports but not much hunting and limited fishing You have magazines like outdoor life that's all about hunting and fishing but what about all the other outdoor activities.. To me they all belong together, things to enjoy in the great outdoors. I wonder if it is politics. Like the eco challenge hippy guy looking for a tent and kayak don't want to intermingle with the conservative deer hunting republican looking at the latest 30-06.

A Because REI and such stores try 2 cater 2 all outdoor sports people even the 1s that think hunting and fishing are unethical.

- What is a good age to introduce your kids to the outdoors???
The real basis is safety. I will wait a while for hunting, but at what age did you guys take your sons on their first outdoor camping, hunting, or fishing trip? When did you feel comfortable tenting with them so that they wouldnt get sick or where less likely to get hurt or lost or something? I am dying to get my kid out in the woods but he is a bit small at the moment and our trips are limited to short 1 or 2 hour jaunts for now. Any ideas or input are appreciated. Thanks This is truly more quality input than I ever expected. I spend a majority of my free time out of doors in some form or other (yesterday it was a 12 mile hike "hunting" for squirrels!). I see some lonely places and my fear was bringing my son into these places pre-maturely. Armed with the input I have here, I am pretty certain I can take the steps needed to do it right. We definitely need more examples of good role models. I am really tired of hearing the same old crap the inevitably makes us think that no matter what we do we are horrible parents. I, for one, hope that more questions like this raise themselves in this forum and we take it as an opportunity to ignore the drama and focus on the things that are really important in our lives. I am goning to leave the question open for a while, I really appreciate the input. You people are awesome!

A I do not think there is a “one age fits all” determination. And glad there is not! Children progress at different ages. Some crawl then walk sooner than others. And at a young age trust is most important to them. If/when they fall they know loving parents are there for their safety. And when tired-sleepy they are use to the comfort and security of their home. Instill that trust by starting them with “campouts” in their familiar surroundings. Backyards. Tenting. Staying out all night. Just you and the little one. Gives them the needed since of security. And also let’s them become acclimated to another environment Then progress to doing the same farther from home. The overnight campouts in the backyard now are extended to a weekend campout. And always make it enjoyable. Keep them involved. Sitting up camp. Gathering firewood. Preparing meals. Enjoying a campfire together. Just my thoughts as an outdoorsman and a loving father-grandfather.