Buckalley,

Do not let these other posts mislead you...they are not relevant to the facts.

Fact...By law you are NOT required to attend with your 11 year old son. (Of course a specific instructor might be unwilling to allow your son attend by himself, however that reflects extremely poorly on that particular group/instructor, as they are actually creating a more restrictive requirementabove and beyond what the state deems necesary.)

Fact...By law he can not use a firearm, however he can use an air rifle. Once again, any legitimate instructor should allow and have ready access to an air rifle if the deems it neccesary to test your childs gun handling/shooting skills in order to license them.

Fact...You do need to fill out the states "permission" form in order for your child to participate if they are under 16.
http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/sportsed/permparent.pdf


I agree...your particular Hunter safety instructor is simply not being child friendly. That is their right however.
My recommendation, find another course that abides by the states minimum outlined requirements..