Our small clique of hunters has one old guy whose doc won't won't let him go out any more, a couple of moderately old guys with grown kids who used to hunt but are now consumed with career and family, and a couple of middle-age guys with sons in the 4-9 age range. The 4-year old has not been out yet, but is itching to go. The 9-year olds go with us whenever they are not in school (and some times when they should be in school) and they have a ball shooting dirt clods with their .410. We treat them like princes when they are with us, and try to make sure that they are always having fun or learning the ropes, preferably both simultaneously. They function as bird boys and pluckers and are now strong eough to breast out doves without making a big mess. They know we will be eating whatever we kill, and they seem to enjoy the game, especially if served with french fries. It won't be long before they are hunting with us, and before you know it we will be the ones who tire after a couple of hours.
