Start Kids Young: Tips from John Schaffer on Introducing Children to Archery
Getting kids involved in archery at a young age can create lifelong hunters, shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts. John Schaffer of Schaffer Performance Archery in Minnesota has taught dozens of kids to shoot over the years, both through his archery company and his pro shop. With so much experience, he knows exactly what helps keep kids interested—and what can push them away. For accessories that help young archers enjoy their gear even more, visit Pine Ridge Archery.
Why Starting Young Matters
Schaffer believes that timing is everything. Many parents wait until their child is older, but by then, kids may already be involved in several sports or activities. Introducing archery early gives children time to develop interest and confidence. “If you wait until a kid is twelve,” Schaffer explains, “they’ll be in five other sports and won’t have time for archery.”
Starting early also gives kids more time to develop proper form, build strength gradually, and enjoy time outdoors. For youth-friendly accessories, check out Pine Ridge Archery.
Turkey Hunting: The Best First Step
According to Schaffer, many parents make the mistake of introducing kids to deer hunting first. Deer hunting often requires long periods of sitting still, waiting quietly, and dealing with cold conditions—things most kids struggle with.
Turkey hunting, on the other hand, is fast-paced and interactive. Kids can call, move around more, and stay engaged. The constant action makes the experience fun, which is critical in today’s busy, distraction-filled world.
For gear that pairs well with youth setups, visit Pine Ridge Archery.
Choosing the Right Bow for a Child
Bow fit is one of the most important factors in getting kids started. Schaffer recommends the Mission Menace or Mission Craze because they offer wide adjustability, lightweight designs, and budget-friendly pricing. They grow with the child and remain comfortable to shoot.
For very young kids, the Mathews Genesis or Mini Genesis is a great starting point. These bows are easy to pull, easy to aim, and perfect for building confidence.
No matter which bow you choose, you can customize it with fun, colorful accessories from Pine Ridge Archery.
Keep Archery Fun, Not Forced
One of Schaffer’s biggest lessons is simple: let kids enjoy shooting. Don’t force them to practice or treat archery like a chore. If you’re shooting a few arrows in the backyard, invite them to join. If they want to shoot, great. If not, let them try again next time. Making archery enjoyable is the key to keeping them interested long-term.
And when kids get to personalize their gear—like adding a colorful Pine Ridge Archery string loop, stabilizer, or peep sight—they get even more excited about shooting. Explore these options at Pine Ridge Archery.
Final Thoughts
If you want your child to love archery and bowhunting as much as you do, start them young, choose the right equipment, and keep the experience fun. With expert guidance from people like John Schaffer and high-quality youth accessories from companies like Pine Ridge Archery, your child can build confidence, skill, and a lifelong passion for the outdoors.
About the Author: Tracy Breen makes his living as a Wild Game Dinner Speaker and outdoor writer. Each year Tracy travels the country speaking at Beast Feasts, men retreats and fundraisers telling his unique life story and sharing hunting techniques and the gospel. In the past several years, he has been blessed to hunt, fish and speak all over North America. www.tracybreen.com
