Due to the laws at the time in Michigan I couldn't bow hunt till I was 12 and couldn't gun hunt till I was 14. I think it's great that states (including MI) are allowing young kids to get out in the woods. As mentioned above each kid will be different, but I think kids should get out in the woods as soon as possible. If they are too young to shoot there is nothing wrong with letting a youngster sit with ya and have them take it all in.