Trying to get my 13 yrd old Son on his First Buck

My son hunted his first year in California last year and it was tough, he didn't even get a chance at a legal buck and when talks about hunting this fall came up he seemed not too interested. He's always been my hunting partner from when he was old enough to get outdoors so I'm looking to Idaho for an OTC DIY hunt to try to get him on a buck. Looking at southwest Idaho but could venture a little further. I've been doing a ton of online research and all, but would like to see if there's any locals who could help with some intel. Not looking for honey holes or trophy hunting just where populations are decent to get him on a first buck and get hooked. Thanks in advance.

Deer numbers are pretty solid all over SW Idaho. Just pick an open unit and then go from there. Don't get caught up in the grass is greener in the next unit syndrome, just pick one that has the type of hunt your looking for, then learn it.

Even for a rookie in a brand new unit you should be able to find some legal bucks easily, if you have 2+ days to hunt.

Ohhh...I know exactly how it is. My oldest son almost lost all interest in hunting by the time he was 15 years old, having not harvested any big game animals. Moved back out west and had lots of empty woods in my old stomping grounds, which led to a frustrating couple of first years hunting. In the end, I practically had to force him to go.

He finally connected on two antelope and his first buck at 15 years old. It worked, totally re-ignited his interest. A couple years later he connected on a nice buck and shot a cow elk with his bow. Now he loves hunting. Glad you are doing something about it early.

When my daughter went on her first hunt at 12 years old, I made sure to get her into an area that held bucks. She shot a decent 3-point with her muzzy and is totally hooked now. Success is key early on, at least with the way kids are nowadays.

LAST EDITED ON Mar-22-16 AT 04:24PM (MST)[p]Pick a General Unit that will be open until Oct 31 so you can enjoy the benefit of the migration.

OR

Take the week of Thanksgiving and go Whitetail hunting up North. Lot's of timber company lands and public, but stay close to private, and as soon as it's cold the deer and especially the bucks become much much more visible. Good eatin to boot.

My .02cents....

Thanks for the replies. He has a week off in mid Oct so will just pick a unit and hit it.

If you aren't trophy hunting and just looking to get him on a legal deer for the experience pick a unit with an antlerless youth option.