I started when I was 13, but that was a differnt time and a differnt place. I didn't have my father around to take me, so I would get off the school bus grab my shotgun and go hunting. I don't really know at what age I will turn my boy loose. It really depends on him, how mature he is as well as how responsable he becomes. I will say that while shooting his BB gun yesterday I "cocked it" for him and when I handed it back he informed me that I forgot to put the safety on[:-] OOPS! That shows me he is paying attention and is understanding the importance of safety. Not bad for being only 7.