You need whatever it takes to insure their safety and all others in the deer woods. My two sons passed the Georgia hunter safety course at 9 and 10, so that tell' s you how difficult it is. I told them when they passed, you' ve passed the state course, now you have to pass Dad' s course. I let them begin hunting nearby at age 12 with strict guidelines (don' t leave the place I put you) and they have done very well. Both have shot multiple deer and one is even a successful bowhunter at age 17 now. Dad is proud that they learned safety first, but I' m more proud when fellow hunters compliment me on their hunting skills and safety, and that has happened on many occasions.