I’m glad to say my oldest sons first deer was a result of him doing the aiming and shooting. He had to miss a couple first but it was all him. Seeing him get all tore up and buck feverish let me know that he was enjoying it and was ready.

He also went dove and squirrel hunting with me several times before that, and sat with me watching deer for 4 years before he was able to shoot one. All kids are different. Some are ready earlier than others, but they sure do get a lot out of walking around in the woods plinking and learning gun safety with a good mentor, prior to killing to a deer.