youth help

Im taking a youth out this year what would best, .410, 20 gauge, or smoke pole with low powder charge “50gr”. She isnt the biggest girl and would hate to see her get banged up.

I’ve taken a few youngsters out, so I’ve answered this questions myself over the last few years.
Of those choices, I think that .410 is too small right of the bat. It could certainly be effective, but I’ve learned that “room for error” is nice when it comes to beginners.
I’m a big fan of the 20 gauge for deer hunting, for any size, gender, and age. With the loads that are available nowadays, there is plenty of options and plenty of killing power.
Muzzleloader would be nice for being able to control powder content, but of course there is no follow up. Would certainly teach the youngster the importance of the first shot.
Best option in my opinion? Scoped .243 rifle. This depends on the area you hunt, but it is really hard to beat a small, light, .243 caliber rifle for deer.
When I turned 12 I remember my father buying me a 12 gauge, as my first and only shotgun I ever shot back then. I had to rest it on logs to shoot deer, but it worked. I also think this is a quick way to encourage poor shooting form and wounded animals due to flinch.
20 gauge wins the vote for shotgun zones, .243 for rifle.
Hope that helps.

Just my opinion, but any kid that can handle a 20g slug can handle a 270 and less. If its a bolt, bi-pods work wonders for kids! I started Olivia with a .270 on 18″ bi pods. A reasonable amount of practice and she was good up to 400 yrds with no problem. Obviously, its more of a matter of letting them shoot and see where their comfort level is at.

20 gauge have her wear a thick coat or use some kind of a pad

I think he is in a shotgun zone….. rifles are probably out. I agree with a 20 gauge over a .410. I started with a .410 and quite honestly, I had ZERO faith in that caliber and it spilled over into my confidence level, I never did get a deer with that one

I didn’t realize about the shotgun only zone but using a bipod on a semi auto shotgun works really well I use that for clients with kids for turkey hunting

My youngest boy has been using my TC Omega muzzle loader to deer hunt scince he was 6 years old. I had an extra stock and cut about an inch off the end and reaplyed the recoil pad and it works perfect for him.