I started when I was ten. I was allowed to hunt by myself when I was 14, state law. Now the age here in NJ is sixteen and that is fine with me. My son is ten now, is hunting for the first time after passing a hunter safety course. He passed a test for bow, shotgun, and muzzleloader. He is very safety conscious and I am proud of some of the deciosions he has made so far. He will hunt by my side for the first couple of years. The only exception might be next year, if I want to push a small patch of cover to him, I might stand him at the other side and move to him. I' ll have to see how he does this year first though. I have other options like letting my dad stand with him while I push a small piece. Safety is paramount anything that could jeopardize that is out of the question. He will gain his independence after he proves himself. He is thrilled right now to be with me and that is great. I get to see what it looks like to get all shakey and jumpy when a buck comes in. I' ve only felt it, never seen it until now.

Greg