The sport of hunting has a wide range of positive aspects in teaching youngsters about the natural world, and the activity of small game hunting in particular can be especially valuable in educating youth. To begin with, any endeavor requiring the use of firearms necessitates a certain level of maturity on behalf of those participating, and small game hunting can promote individual responsibility in young people by instilling the knowledge that certain actions in life can have tremendous ramifications, both good and bad. Small game hunting if approached correctly is a most erstwhile activity, while those with an apathetic attitude can experience tragic outcomes when using firearms. The issue of when the proper time in a youngster's life to participate in small game hunting is unique in every circumstance, and is best decided not by the wishes of the youngster involved, but by a parent with a keen sense of duty and an objective opinion of their child's readiness.In the purest view of small game hunting, youngsters can learn firearm safety practices quickly - and if they do not the activity should be halted immediately until a later time. Likewise, lessons concerning compassion, sportsmanship and respect for every living creature should be incorporated into every small game hunting trip. The opportunity presents itself for a young person to not only learn about hunting, but to grasp how to balance a survival mentality with respect for animals. The shared responsibility of all humanity to conserve resources and willingly serve as stewards of our environment should be harped upon excessively by a parent. The young person is not only being taught to small game hunt, but a caring and responsible citizen in the present and the mentor of another youngster in future generations. While in the woods, a parent that is mentoring their child in small game hunting can find ample time to discuss any topic of conversation that is of interest to the young person. The opportunity to bond and address a plethora of concerns in the life of a young person can be aided on every single hunting trip, in the most private of settings and without disruption or distraction. Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of small game hunting with youth is the ability for both parent and child to view each other in a new light outside of the normal daily circumstance. Private conversations that enable a better understanding of the parent/child relationship can only serve enlightenment - and are made possible by the simple action of a hunting trip.