Anyone that would give an 8 year old a 30-06 isn't much of a mentor.I imagine most mentors that would be passionate enough to take a young kid out hunting would know better.

No one has the statistics but I don't forsee many 18 year olds taking out a 9 year old kid.Possible?yes.Likely?No.

Up until this point,I've been more interested taking my daughter with me to observe and learn.She isn'tmature enough to handle a rifle and she isn't a good enough shot yet.When it all comes together,I'll let her attemp to take game, be it this year when she's nine or when she's fourteen.Somehow,I doubt she'll be ready this year but I'm glad the choice is mine.The same goes for my son.One thing is for sure.Before they ever fire a shot at an animal,they'll know what kind of effort it takes and they'll understand it isn't easy.They'll also understand the important role they play as hunters if they choose to hunt.