I think it definitely depends on the kid. My husband has been hunting by himself since he was 13. Got his first bear at 16. Yes, with his bow. I think 18 is a little excessive, personally. My 2 and 4 year old are being brought up in the woods with us. My daughter started going on actual hunts with us last year and my son will likely go next year or the year after. He went on his first tracking a few weeks ago. They will know the safety issues, the ethical issues, and the hunting aspects of it all by the time they are ready to go alone.It is really a question of knowlege and responsibility...NOT AGE!