Here in New Hampshire we encourage it, infact we have a weekend set aside just for youths which is this weekend coming up. Fish & Game set the weekend just before the muzzleloader & Regular season for parents who want to take their kids out but not when the woods are full of Ya'Hoos. They also can take them out anytime during the firearm season if they choose to as long as they are under 16 years of age, plus they can shoot as long as the guardian has a hunting licence and the youth is along side. The youth can't be more than an arms reach away holding a firearm.