You are doing a great job Chris and he is lucky to have a parent that will teach him to appreciate hunting. I don't think 8 is too young but you have to be careful you don't over do it. Youngsters often don't have the patience to stay out all day and parents who keep them past their productive time often burn them out. What I would recommend is a few small trips for a few hours each and promote your sig as a way for him to realize all isn't lost if you don't connect. I would make it just another one of your nature learning trips with a gun this time. You will sacrifice your own hunt but will be instilling a heritage for Ian to cherish forever.