I agree and disagree with some of the comments here. I have 3 boys. the oldest is going to be 6 this year. A couple weeks ago, my second boy (turned 3) had a birthday and got those helium balloons. So we had a pair and said each can shoot a balloon. The 3yr old was anxious to put his finger on the trigger (normal as the 5yr old was the same way). A little coaching and he wouldn't touch it till I told him. Had no ability to line up his shot, again understandable. But I had the 17 sighted and could look past his head and line it up for him. 5 shots and 4 hit. The 5yr old didn't want me to help him aim. He also took 5 shots @ the 75rd balloon. He took his time aimed, and didn't pull or even touch the trigger till I told him. He connected on the 5th shot. I believe at this point my oldest will be ready at 10, but the second may be longer.
My 5yr old has gone on a couple dove hunts, a pheasant hunt and even was in the ground blind when I shot a doe. He is absolutely hooked. I am hoping to take my 3yr old out this fall. We will see what happens.
In the end, it will be me telling them if they are ready, not a law. If the second boy needs an extra year, he is getting an extra year. I have been out with people that are irresponsible with guns as adults. MY BOYS WON'T BE OR THEY WON'T HUNT.
I have been pepper by shot gun, I have heard bullets wiz by, and yes I was young and dumb and took a shot or 2 that looking back, was just plain stupid and not worth taking. It is no longer about killing and that is what I am trying to instill in my boys.
My 5yr old has gone on a couple dove hunts, a pheasant hunt and even was in the ground blind when I shot a doe. He is absolutely hooked. I am hoping to take my 3yr old out this fall. We will see what happens.
In the end, it will be me telling them if they are ready, not a law. If the second boy needs an extra year, he is getting an extra year. I have been out with people that are irresponsible with guns as adults. MY BOYS WON'T BE OR THEY WON'T HUNT.
I have been pepper by shot gun, I have heard bullets wiz by, and yes I was young and dumb and took a shot or 2 that looking back, was just plain stupid and not worth taking. It is no longer about killing and that is what I am trying to instill in my boys.