I am 12 and my dad and his friends (my pastor and other people), let me hunt in my own little area last year. They really trust me with firearms and they know I will make the right decisions when I' m out in the field. For instance, a few weeks ago my dad, my pastor, and I went dove hunting in a huge field. They took one side and I went on the opposite side. Also, when I go deer hunting with my pastor, he lets me get about 50-60 yards ahead of him. I have asked my dad and he said that he will let me hunt completely by myself when I am 16 or 17, or maybe a little older, depending on how I demonstrate firearm and hunting safety.