I repectfully disagree. I am thankful that my dad started my hunting experience at the tender age of 8. I was not pulling the trigger or hunting alone but I was part of the hunting experience. Learning about the land, the game, the weather conditions, proper technique for carrying a gun. All of these things set the stage for a lifetime of enjoyment.

By 12 most kids are veggies glued to a tv or ps3 or wii game and lose any interest in the outdoors. Other bad influences can take a strong hold by this time as well, drinking, drugs, sex and hunting and outdoor pursuits can be a tool to help fight the influence of such things. I am not naive enough to think that hunting is the silver bullet to combat the bad things in life, but if my children are in a stand, blind or stomping briars with me they are away from the bad things in life. We need to expose the next generation to the beauty of our hunting heritage or we risk losing it when they become the leaders and voters.

I will readily agree to strict supervision of young hunters under the age of sixteen and a more relaxed supervision of those 16 to 18. Lets not be afraid to pass the torch.

I sometimes get ticked at some of the special seasons designated just for youth but I realize that we must get the kids hooked on our past time. It is just sad that some adults use youth as a front to hunt a season that they otherwise could not.

Just my opinion.

Tom