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I'd think it would be fair to make sure the kid has passed his hunter education course before taking him on a hunt. The other thing is, I don't know that starting a kid out the first time should be a group thing..........In Iowa at least, youth season starts in a couple of weeks.....Kids under 16 get 2-3 weeks even before Bow season opens.
I think 12 is a good age to start a kid....but the maturity level is more imporant than the physical age. They need to fully comprehend the seriousness of weapons, safety, and be able to deal with a harvested animal....You don't want a kid too young who will freak out if they see Bambi dead.
On the other hand....my preschool aged nephew has watched us skin deer for a couple of years and doesn't think anything of it.
I think the first hunt should be a "father/son" thing if possible............
Maybe this year, take him out a weekend early to "scout deer"....show him tracks, bedding areas, hair on fences, trails..........and the sense of the woods. That might be enough to keep him happy this year.
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