In Missouri, Im pretty sure the age is 6 (no limit for private property)for hunting with a liscensed adult, 11 to take the hunter education test and hunt alone. I started turkey hunting at the age of 6 with a .410, but didnt get my first till I was 10. Its quite a bit too big for him, but he shoots it, he really has to stretch to reach, and it thumps him a little. He shot my Encore with a .243 barrel and shortened stock last fall, but it was too much for him, he didnt like it much, but he HAD to try, he wouldnt take no for an answer, he shot it 4 or 5 times before he decided it kicked too much. I dont think he will be turkey hunting this year, unless he practices a lot more.