I started my boy out by having him carry his bb gun unloaded when he was that age for a season. When he turned 8 I started him squirrel hunting. I'd even shoot a deer during bow season go pick him up and make him track it on his own. He's gonna be 13 in a month. I also have a 6 year old son and a 11month old daughter. All future hunters.I hear ya . I have a 7 yr old I try to take with me for early goose and dove . He isn't old enough to carry a gun but I like getting him involved .