I am in between also, my daughter shot her first spike in 07',, I did all the work but she helped, I made her hold the deer's legs and all of that. She was right there helping the entire time, I guess I will work her into it,I will haveher do a little more with the animal each time and at some point when she can handle a knife without cutting herself I will hand it to her. My dad was kinda like huntingus's to the point he would let you learn from your mistakes....I can tell you this I will help my daughter in every way I can.....If I had a boy it would probably be a tad bitdifferent, but I have two girls and will work them into it.....