I hunted alone at 12 with a gun that I really didn't use that much. Safe? Not really. Looking back it provided my dad and older brothers a better chance at killing deer vs helping me lol. Fortunately I never fell out of various tree stands with no safety harnesses and 2x4 steps nailed to trees. Never shot something I shouldn't have.
Guess that is why it meant so much to me to get to hunt with my kids up through high school. Hell I got to sit with my 26 year old this year when he killed another bull elk and my 24 year old when she got her first bull elk this year. Hunting with and helping my kids with their various adventures is my favorite pastime.
If I live long enough, planning on hunting and helping any grandkids I can help get interested.
