09-04-2008, 06:29 AM
No worries, no offense taken by either of you.
I still disagree though. The whole point is, I agree, you can't count on a 12 year old to make an ethical decision. That is why we have the requirement for them to be accompanied by a responsible adult that can help guide them and show them how to make that decision.
The adult should be at their side (I believe the law states within site and hearing range so they can give instruction, but I think it should be at their side). I started hunting small game when I was 12 with a single shot 20 gauge shotgun, with my dad at my side. I started deer hunting at 14 with a 30'06, again with my dad at my side.
I'm a small guy, and I was ok holding the guns at those ages. If a kid is physically able to fire a 30'06 at twelve (few are, I imagine), then they should be able to hunt, again with an adult at their side.
The problem with the boy who shot the lady was that he was unsupervised. That is where the stupidity and danger came into play.
Some kids are not ready at 12. Some are not ready at 16, but some are at 10. That's why it's better to leave it up to the parents, accompanying them, and making sure they pass a hunter safety course. Those parents who are irresponsible themselves (what? there are irresponsible adults out there?) will give their kid a gun and tell them to have at it regardless of the law. But responsible parents with able kids should not be restricted because of that.
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I still disagree though. The whole point is, I agree, you can't count on a 12 year old to make an ethical decision. That is why we have the requirement for them to be accompanied by a responsible adult that can help guide them and show them how to make that decision.
The adult should be at their side (I believe the law states within site and hearing range so they can give instruction, but I think it should be at their side). I started hunting small game when I was 12 with a single shot 20 gauge shotgun, with my dad at my side. I started deer hunting at 14 with a 30'06, again with my dad at my side.
I'm a small guy, and I was ok holding the guns at those ages. If a kid is physically able to fire a 30'06 at twelve (few are, I imagine), then they should be able to hunt, again with an adult at their side.
The problem with the boy who shot the lady was that he was unsupervised. That is where the stupidity and danger came into play.
Some kids are not ready at 12. Some are not ready at 16, but some are at 10. That's why it's better to leave it up to the parents, accompanying them, and making sure they pass a hunter safety course. Those parents who are irresponsible themselves (what? there are irresponsible adults out there?) will give their kid a gun and tell them to have at it regardless of the law. But responsible parents with able kids should not be restricted because of that.
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