From middle TN, we actually don't have a hunting age but I don't think there are many 9yr old and younger kids who can pull a 35# bow. At 10 our kids have to have the Hunters Saftey Course certificate. I went through it with my son last year so we are good there,he doesn't need a license until he's 13. I'm not new to deer hunting, just bow hunting. I've been hunting with a rifle since I was 10