I'm in favor of the youth program -WHEN DONE PROPERLY. I had the great pleasureof being able to take my then 7 year old daughter out last spring for the youth turkey hunt. WE practiced with the shotgun and practiced her sitting still right in my lap between my knees, so I could help her shoulder the gun and give her every instruction. As outlined in the regs, I carried the weapon to and from the field.WE had an aweosme time and she still talks about it. I had located a flock of five jakes and had them patrened before the season, even roosting them the night before. She had a very long, steep, uphill climb in the dark to get up there to them, and I was so proud she didn't complain at all. WE had them going and all gobbling together and headed our way when they just turned off. We disvovered later that another hunter just above us with his son had inadvertently spooked them, but we really didn't care. We had action and she had an unforgettable experience listening to those five birds gobbling every time I hit the call. She cannot wait to go with me again this year, and my little buddy (5) is already better on a diaphragm call than some adult men I know. I will take him possibly next year...if I feel he is ready. That is the key and why the PGC left this reg so open ended with regards to what you can and cannot do. Each of us with kids is charged with making a responsible decision as to if our kids are ready. Done right, this has the potential to steer our kids in the right direction and give them a taste of things to come before the competitive sports and other activities win them away. I personally think that it is one of the few positives to come from the PGC in the last few years. Let US decide when they are ready. Each child is different. Dobn't force it on them, and don't expect them to have to be successful to please you. The best times are had when the childrenknow that regardless of the outcome of the hunt, the most important thing to you as a parent is being with them, and enjoying the outdoors together.