I was carried along when I was 7 days old.

Was carrying a gun (a chipmunk .22 with no ammo) when I was 5.

Killed my first deer while sitting in my daddy's lap at 6.

At 8, having proven myself a 'big boy', I was turned loose (turkey and small game hunting), be it at a reasonable distance and having to check back in with dad every 2 hours at the truck... if I was ever late... I'd be in big trouble. The fall I was 8... I shot my first limit of doves sitting across the field from my dad.

I hunted for ten springs before I killed my first gobbler... on my 18th birthday no less. It had nothing to do with being responisble or ready... it had more to do with knowing what or what not to do... which I had to learn the hard way. I wouldn't let anyone help me.

As you put it, its all up to the kid and to the mentoring adult/parent. I was an only child until I was 6 when my lil sister was born so I had plenty of one-on-one time with my dad to learn to pay attention and be responsible.