I had my boy out last year with a rifle he is 8. Now he could not carry it but he could shoot a buck if we saw one! He was so excited. He could also hold the weapon when we were stationary. He felt like he was king chit out there hunting with dad. Then we saw a deer and he went nuts but it was a doe. I think 12 is a good age, but I do like how we here in Pa. can take them out now at the age of 8 without a license to get them exposed to hunting.