My son has been hunting with a .50 muzzle loader for two years now, since he was nine. He will be shooting a 20ga slug gun some this year. Most people are shocked that my son has hunted with and killed his first deer with a ML, but it is a really good starter gun for deer hunting for just the reason you stated. We were able to customize a load for him that didn't kick hard but would get the job done out to 75 yards. I would also recommend a ML as a starter deer gun for any youngster. Only draw back to it is they are usually pretty heavy to lug around for them, but it will build alot of character.