All kids are individuals, and should be treated as such. If they show the brains and ability to pass the test at the age of 8, then by all means, take them hunting in the method I described, one on one, where the "guardian" does not hunt. As they progress, you can give them more freedom.

I have two boys who hopefully will be ready to hunt when they are 8, they are now 3 and 6. I will put them in for youth only tags, and keep them under a very watchful eye, one on one. I have had the great opportunity to practice with two great young men, so hopefully I won't screw it up.

Dekuma, Great job on getting your daughter into the frey! We need more young women who fish and hunt. They can convey our message to their peers much more effectively than any man can.

Seaweed,

First off, welcome to the board! We don't have to agree all the time, but we all appreciate candid discussion. Thanks for your thoughts, and for bringing up this VERY important subject. We need to get the next generation out there.

Oh, and by the way. Kids who have passed the hunter ed test and are age 15 or under on the date of their hunt are eligible to put in for special youth permit hunts. My Nephew drew a doe tag last year and got his first deer one one of these hunts. I was there, and it was awesome! There are also a few hunts in Eastern WA open to kids under 16 for does. Great opportunity for kids to get out and hunt and not have to compete with adults for game.
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Andy