Dad takes two-year-old son hunting so ‘he can have fun as he learns about wild animals’

Dad takes two-year-old son hunting so ‘he can have fun as he learns about wild animals’



A dad has defended why he teaches his son to hunt – saying it teaches him about feral animals as well as having fun.

Zach Williams, father to two-year-old son and seven-year-old stepson, said he is also currently training his eldest son on how to use a bow and arrow, as his younger son watches on from a backpack.

The Australian father said he is keen to offer his sons the same experience he had growing up saying it will help to strengthen their father-and-son bond.

He said: “I started hunting before I had any memory of going out.

“My grandparents used to take me out camping and fishing and hunting quite young so it’s just all I’ve known growing up.”

The father told news.com.au’s podcast I’ve Got News For You that Zach’s two-year-old observes his older brother and father, laughing as the pair take shots at animals.

The Australian father said he is keen to offer his sons the same experience he had growing up saying it will help to strengthen their father-and-son bond ( Image: Aussie_Arrow/Instagram)
The Australian father said he is keen to offer his sons the same experience he had growing up saying it will help to strengthen their father-and-son bond ( Image: Aussie_Arrow/Instagram)

He added: “(My younger son) giggles, shoots the bow again, giggles and he’s like more please dad.”

Zach said he also takes his youngest son to explore the terrain and nature that surrounds him.

He added: ‘I want him to have fun out there, take notice of all the other things that’s going on.

“You see all the native animals, you see all the native bird life, you come across lizards, see plenty of kangaroos, emus and stuff like that.”

Zach said he also takes his youngest son to explore the terrain and nature that surrounds him ( Image: Aussie_Arrow/Instagram)
Zach said he also takes his youngest son to explore the terrain and nature that surrounds him ( Image: Aussie_Arrow/Instagram)
While Zach defended his decision to take the boys hunting, he said he does not yet allow the boys to hurt animals as they don't have the strength to kill their prey in a humane way ( Image: Aussie_Arrow/Instagram)
While Zach defended his decision to take the boys hunting, he said he does not yet allow the boys to hurt animals as they don’t have the strength to kill their prey in a humane way ( Image: Aussie_Arrow/Instagram)

He said he also takes time to teach them about conservation and the dangers feral animals impose on the environment.

However, some animal rights advocates say Zach’s decision to take his sons hunting is “dangerous” and possibly traumatic.

Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst said: “I mean, that puts that toddler in a very dangerous situation, and also risks them experiencing trauma from witnessing an animal dying and being torn to pieces. It’s really concerning.”

This article by Abigail O’Leary was first published by The Mirror on 27 July 2022. Lead Image: Zach and his eldest son proudly pose holding the carcass of a shot animal (Image: Aussie_Arrow/Instagram).


What you can do

Support ‘Fighting for Wildlife’ by donating as little as $1 – It only takes a minute. Thank you.


payment

Fighting for Wildlife supports approved wildlife conservation organizations, which spend at least 80 percent of the money they raise on actual fieldwork, rather than administration and fundraising. When making a donation you can designate for which type of initiative it should be used – wildlife, oceans, forests or climate.

Dive in!

Discover hidden wildlife with our FREE newsletters

We promise we’ll never spam! Read our Privacy Policy for more info

Supertrooper

Founder and Executive Editor

Share this post with your friends




Leave a Reply

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

8 Comments