Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 12:38 pm Post subject: How to explain pheasant shooting to a child?
I need some help here! I have no kids of my own and my 11 year old niece is coming to stay over New Year for the first time. I am really excited about having her as she is animal crazy and we will have so much fun. However my sister, Hannah’s Mother, is a vegetarian and, although she allows the kids to eat meat, naturally some of her anti killing animals for food vibes have rubbed off a bit on them.
Whilst Hannah is with me we have a shooting day and I am picking up with my dogs. I would like to take Hannah with me. But how do I explain to her that fluffy little birdies are shot and killed for people’s dinners? And, worse still, sometimes they aren’t quite dead and I have to hit them on the head and then they flutter about? If I explain it right we could have a convert to shooting, If I explain it wrong we could have an anti. She is a sensible child but adores all animals and hasn’t come across killing.
At 11 years old I think i'd just explain each bit as you go on the day and answer her questions as they crop up.
When it comes to 'hitting a bird over the head' well , hopefully that won't be in the first half hour so she'll already be in the swing of the day....plus you can take the opportunity to explain why you have to hit it (more humane etc)
If she knows she's going out on the shoot with you in advance then i'm sure she'll ask lots of questions first anyway - just answer them honestly and openly
You could also show her a couple of retireve clips beforehand?
Forgot to say - lucky girl getting to go on the shoot.
I'm a veggie ( and I wouldn't go shooting) - presumably your sister knows you are planning to take her daughter on the shoot?
Could you not just ask your sister how she would like you to explain the day to her daughter? If I had kids, this would be my preference I think.
p.s. I suspect she will make up her own mind as to whether she's a convert or an "anti" anyway. I was brought up by a meat eating family but decided to go veggie.
Thanks Angela, yes I asked Frances first how she felt about me taking Hannah. We both feel Hannah is old enough to make her own decisions now. She knows I pick up on the shoot, and has seen granddad preparing the in feather birds I take him for supper. I just don't want to upset Hannah but also I would really like her to spend a lot of time with me in the future and picking up is a major part of my life. Tricky one!
"Start by pouring yourself a large Gin & Tonic and something will come to you ............. "
Thanks John - but with my head for alcohol all that would come is a stinking headache!!!!
Spoke to my sister again at lunchtime - it seems Hannah has only seen the in feather birds hanging, but not actually being prepared for table. Hmmmn. But she does eat meat, so that is a start. I need to make the day really fun, with no blood, according to my sister. Oh dear. I don't want to take her if she won't enjoy it, but I SO want her to enjoy it!!! Not having come across townie kids much, I am at a loss as to how to do it!
Kids like to 'do' things, could she come and train with you first and maybe have a go at releasing one of the dogs on an easy retrieve?
Just trying ot think of things that will make her feel involved and as if she has a job on the day......but I haven't been on a shoot so i haven't really got a clue
I'm sure she'll have great fun - but how long are you out for? - Fun can quickly turn to boredom or tiredness with kids, perhaps have a back up for her to be collected at some point? Or something else to occupy her more townie like a handheld computer she can play in the car?
Thanks Sarah. It is a short day, only 100 birds, so we should be finished soon after lunchtime. I had planned to give her Ash to "look after" for the day. He would work for her, and as it is a smaller day it will be more relaxed so she could go and help the dogs look for the birds at the end of the drives. It is really explaining the killing element and the blood element that is worrying me. I need to do it right.
Oh the responsiblities of being an auntie!
But I am so looking forward to her visit. I have planned lots of things, and am taking her riding too as a surprise. Hannah loves riding but hasn't been able to go for about a year due to my sisters circumstances. So I have a lesson lined up for her. Plus helping with Oak's puppy training. Lots of walks. Games in the evenings. Time on the farm seeing the calves. It's gonna be great!
Katy I admire your balls taking a vegetarians daughter on a shoot - one who wants her daughter shown the ropes but with no blood involved
I think I would be inclined to hand any runners to a gun to dispatch. I must admit even adults can find birds hard to 'off' a little disturbing if they are not of our upbringing, and I think you hit the nail on the head that it will be dispatching that she finds the lesser paleteable part.
I am pretty sure even a veggie upbringing will not quell her adrenaline when she gets out there and a drive starts. I would probably tell her that a local restaurant has booked X number of birds for folks dinners tonight and thats the reason they are being shot today, it may be the truth!
I don't think a lot else will need explaining once you get going or before you go - its all pretty self explanatory once you move off isn't it...
Then if you can, hand runners to the gun who shot them. Dispatching might be a step too far but if you can't I would be inclined to just take the bird from your dog, look at it, say in a calm voice 'Oh dear this one is injured badly but still alive better help him/her on their way...' nothing more and dispatch. I wouldn't say anything more complicated nor explain anything else if she seems Ok with it or doesn't comment. Then IF she makes a fuss now or later just say 'well you wouldn't want me to leave it there injured would you Sweetie?' And let her respond....
Good luck Have you discussed the 'runners' thing with her mother? Is her mother JUST Veggie or anti field sports too?
Di
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The boys!
Read: Wylanbriar Dog Blog on the website: Updated! 1st February 12´!
Thanks Di. I have had a good chat with my sister Frances and told her very graphically the "worst" things Hannah would see. Frances thought Hannah may be upset so I asked her to sound her out. I said Hannah could work Ash, and help with the birds on the game cart - counting and recording numbers. Frances was very skeptical. However a while later I received a text from Frances saying - "I said they might be blood - H said MUM there was blood when I cracked my head open! When I said count dead birds she said Cant I pick them up? . . . I'm quite stunned"
Way to Go! What a niece!!! Yes Frances is anti blood sports, but it sounds like if I play the day right I may have a convert with Hannah! I'm so relieved!!
But I would still welcome advise as to any other suggestions of how to deal with tricky situations. Not being used to kids one can put one's foot in things very easily!!
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