Shooting Safety With Kids: What Actually Works

"Can we go shooting?"

It's usually asked while I'm unloading groceries or halfway through something else, because that's how it works with kids! The best ideas at the most unlikely of times!

It used to set off a cascade of thoughts through a mental inventory that brought up a lot of hesitation for me-and the overwhelmed mind always says, "no"-and no, in this instance, is boring....

Where is your eye protection? Where are the targets? Where is my first aid-kit for shooting? Who used all the earplugs?

I solved this all with a dedicated "shooting backpack" for a while-genius!

These days, we've upgraded to the Vertx Range Bag, and saying "yes" is an easy win.

Use code AMBERELLE for a discount at checkout on all things Vertx!

The Safety Umbrella

We have a ritual. Whether we're heading out for 4-H trap shooting, plinking with the .22s, or teaching a new skill, we run through the four rules on the drive or walk there. Every. single. time.

"Treat every firearm as if it's loaded." "Never point at anything you're not willing to destroy." "Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot." "Be sure of your target and what's beyond it."

It's our safety umbrella—the thing we establish before we ever touch a gun. I've done this with them since they were little, and I hope they reflect back on it with endearment one day! But knowing the guidelines and actually applying them are two different things! That's where systems come in.

Built-In Readiness

Safety doesn't happen by accident. It happens when you've removed the friction that leads to cutting corners.

My range bag stays packed. Always. Peek inside?

• Eye and ear protection for everyone (including extras, because someone always forgets)

• A well-stocked individual first aid kit (trauma supplies, not just Band-Aids)

• Snacks (hungry kids are distracted kids)

• Cleaning supplies (jams happen at the most inconvenient times, but we ready)

• Bore flags and chamber indicators (we use these for 4-H)

  
  

The Vertx Light Range Bag has become my "always ready" hub because it actually fits all of this with specific pouches made for this style of sportsmanship. The organization matters—there are dedicated pockets for mags, for medical, for eye and ear pro. When everything has a place, you're not digging around while kids are waiting (and wandering).

Simple Safety Systems That Stick

Beyond having the right gear, we follow a handful of non-negotiable practices that have become muscle memory:

Everyone stays behind the shooter. No exceptions. No one walks forward of the firing line until guns are down, actions open, and I've given the all-clear. It's basic safety if you've grown up around shooting, but always worth remembering.

We load one round at a time when we're teaching. This isn't about distrust—it's about giving new shooters space to think and reset between shots.

We inspect before we pack up. Guns get cleared, checked, and cleared again. We look in the chamber. We don't rush this part.

We talk about what went well. Afterward, on the drive or walk back, we debrief. What did you learn? What felt hard? What do you want to work on next time? This reinforces that shooting is a skill we're building, not just a fun activity. And leaves room for growth instead of shame or frustration.

Making "Yes" Easy

The truth is, I'm more likely to say yes to spontaneous shooting trips now because I've eliminated the prep work. The bag is ready. The systems are in place. I'm not scrambling or second-guessing whether we have what we need.

Preparedness exists—not just for convenience, but for safety.

When you're not improvising, you're not cutting corners!

When you're not stressed about logistics, you can focus on what matters: teaching, supervising, and actually enjoying this time with your kids, because it really can be loads of fun!

Recreational shooting and even hunting with children doesn't have to feel high-stakes or overly rigid. But it does require intentionality. The right bag, the right systems, and the right habits make it possible. That's when your kids learn that shooting isn't just about hitting targets—it's about discipline, respect, and doing things the right way every single time.

What's in your range bag? What safety systems have become non-negotiable for your family? I'd love to hear what works for you!