Oklahoma Hunters Support Gov. Paul Ryan's Decision to Take His 10-Year Old Daughter Deer Hunting

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK-- Despite critical response to Governor Paul Ryan's decision to take his 10-year old daughter hunting, local hunters say the vice presidential candidate has done nothing wrong.

 "I don't think it's too young," said Rick Gore, a hunter, "I don't think five years old is too young."

Gore says he took his son hunting for the first time when he was about five years old, he took his 21-year old daughter hunting for the first time last year.

"Just being outdoors, it's exciting for her," Gore said, "and it's even more exciting for me to have her next to me."

Keith Owen teaches hunter safety courses at Bass Pro Shops in Bricktown, he says when children learn the safe, legal, and ethical way of hunting, it can be a pastime the whole family can enjoy and a teaching tool for parents.

"In a country where we buy everything pre-packaged, pre-made, ready to eat, we do need to learn where that protein comes from," Owen explained, "and how it's processed, and what it takes to provide that to us."

Owen says hunting can also teach youngsters about responsibility and sustainability.  He says ethical hunting gives children a better understanding of conservation and helps build a sense of character. 

"Ethical hunting again is about not being selfish," said Owen, "understanding that these natural resources in the great state of Oklahoma are here for everyone, and we do have to share."

Gore says if he could do it over again, he would have had his daughter accompany him on his hunting trips when she was younger.

"I think it brings her and I even closer together," he said.  Oklahoma Hunters Support Gov. Paul Ryan's Decision to Take His 10-Year Old Daughter Deer Hunting

Posted: Thursday, September 27 2012, 09:53 PM CDT