Yes I am 17. and last year was the first yearI could big game hunt. i've been interested in it sinceI was 11, and was only allowed to pheasant hunt at 12. I was confused as to whyI could sling a shotgun with bird shot, but not a rifle. P.S. i've only seen 9 deer since archery ender. I saw a few nice bucks in archery season but all out of range.