I started deer hunting in WV when I was 10 years old. I am now 34. I did not shoot my first deer until I was 14--you should have seen it--it was a scrubby fork horn that was gray as hell, and was missing one foot--my friend mentioned that he thought the deer had a membership in AARP but I was happy and to me, he was a trophy and I hope those are the same kind of feelings your friend has. Its all based on the amount of hunting experience an individual has and the reasons they are pursuing this lifelong lifestyle ( which is awesome). I hope the grief he was given over it by other "hunters?" was good natured--if not, then I would not consider those people as knowing anything about hunting. taking his first deer is an accomplishment and it should not be down graded. Hunting is not about the kill, its about experiences gained, animals respected, and the memories and most of all its about having fun in an ancient game.