My dad didn't hunt so he wouldn't let me take the course, even though growing up in WI all my uncles did and would have taken me out....although they did sneak me to the range a few times. 
Point is by 6th- 7th grade, I would say at least 65% of my fellow male students were all gun safety certified and legally able to hunt with someone 16, and up. That was not even a rule I believe was ever strictly adhered to by cops, especially when out at cabins on rural land. So 6th-7th grade is like 11-13 for most, and that was back in the early early - mid 80's still
I grew up on a farm in southeast Texas.
Was shooting guns (rifle/shotgun) at 5-6 years old. Had a .22 rifle and 410 shotgun my uncle gave me. Still have them today.
Harvested my first buck at 8 years old. Shot it with a .243 at ~130 yards.
Gutted, skinned and quartered it with help from my grandfather.
Times have changed.
Most kids these days are scared to go outside, much less learn about guns.
