My father was a partner in a commercial hunting lodge when I was a kid so I grew up around hunting and hunters, I would say that it was almost as big a part in my life as school.

I am still an active hunter today and have introduced my wife and children to the activity. My wife and second daughter enjoy the camp atmosphere but prefer not to actively participate, but my two other children are very involved.

In the Province of Ontario, at age 12 a youth with parental consent can take the Provincial Hunter Course and Federal Firearms Safety Course, including passing two strict exams. The Apprentice is then allowed to share one firearm under the close supervision of a licenced adult Mentor until the apprentice is 15 years at which time the youth can carry their own firearm but still under the direction of a licenced adult. At 18 years the young adult is of age to apply for their own Federal Firearms Licence.

My son has recently completed the 3 year apprenticeship program and is much better trained in safety and hunting ethics than I was at his age.

We are traditional meat hunters and butcher/utilize the game harvested right at our home. If a member of our group is successful in collecting a trophy type animal then that is celebrated (photographs and a toast at dinner) but the trophy is truly secondary to the fellowship, outdoor adventure and quality food harvested.

I find that outdoor activities and especially hunting draws our family together (including a large extended family), it is an activity I hope I can continue to enjoy throughout my life.

Mike

P.S. My son shot his first deer at age 12 with a "youth rifle", a short stocked/short barreled, scoped, bolt action Ruger Mark II compact, stainless/laminate in .260 Rem. A very effective firearm that is scaled to a smaller person and without heavy recoil.