From what you describe, it seems the boy was having some mixed emotions about shooting the animal. At 8 years old I would have given my right leg to shoot a deer, but for many kids 8 years may be too young for big game. It really depends on the individual. I wonder if the kid had started off with small game or if he was just taken out there to shoot a deer for the show? I hope the experience didn' t leave him with a negative attitude towards hunting.......how did he react after shooting the animal and seeing it dead? I agree it should be completely the choice of the young hunter whether or not to shoot, not the parent' s decision.