i should add that i thihk it depends on the kids desire and attitude towards hunting. i couldnt wait to go and always cried when i was left behind at the youngers ages of 4/5/6 yrs old when dad would go away for a week. i field dressed my firstbuck @ age 5 under strong supervision of my father but i did do the entire job myself. i know some kids arent ready for that at that age but i grew up around it and couldnt wait. i think all kids develope a love or hate for huntong at their own pace. some are born full blown ready others arent and need to be eased into it. my little cousin is 11 and he had never really gutted his own deer till last year and i know for a fact his dad started as young as myself.....his boy just wasnt ready for it yet (although i blame that on his mother)