I won't pass judgement on others' choices.

I have taken both of my sons hunting with me. Made camp with them, taught them how to find your way, how to survive, how to shoot, how to be responsible. Long before I would have let them carry, they watched how it was done. I taught them how to do it when they were ready for it.

As an outdoorsman parent, we each have the responsibility to pass on our knowledge and foster personal growth.

Each had had their choice to include themselves or not.

My eldest hasn't taken up a hunting implement yet but now at 24, seems interested. My 12 YO is very interested in taking one for himself but when he's ready, I will know. I will allow him to be as involved as his nature and character permit.

The differences among us serve to highlight what's best, and worst about us as a group. Take the best, learn from the worst and apply what you have learned.

That's all anyone can ask.

For myself, I trust my 12YO carrying his own firearm more than some other outdoorsmen I've had the displeasure of knowing.

My $.02