Its a tough call, and its all down to you. I have a cousin that was in a similar situation. He was in the 5th grade and really wanted to go deer hunting, finally went.... shot a doe, and afterwords.... really wish he didn't. He's in 7th grade now, went hunting a bit this year for the first time since then... probably should have waited a bit longer.
Its great you and him want to get out there though and do it. My mom's side of the family are all big hunters (live in florida though). My mom despises any weapons. My dad somewhat likes them, but has no interest in hunting. Me, I got interested in it in high school.... but never had anyone to take me out and teach me anything. I've never bird hunted myself, although I enjoy skeet shooting. I've really learned to like small game hunting actually.... the lack of a truck makes deer hard to haul home (and no, I'm not draping one across the hood of the camaro).
