Well I myself started shooting a 22 at about 4 but my dad was always at my side at 7 he got me my first gun a single barrel 410 that I made my first kill with a grey squeal. At 8 he got me a 16ga pump Stevens at 10 I was packin a 357 model 19 and a savage 30-06 and killed my first deer and at 13 dad cut me loose to hunt by myself but I had to prove to him I was ready able and mature enough. I think it has alot to do with the kid I think that there's some 12 year olds that are better/safer hunters than alot of adults.