Hey Vance,
Here in the people's republic, it's 10 years old with seperate hunter safety courses required for each type of "weapon". Bow, shotgun, rifle (inc. muzzle-loaders), and I think there's a new one for crossbows too. Not sure bout that one though.
Kids under 16 must be under direct supervision of a licenced adult hunter while deer, turkey, or (on those rare occasions that we've been allowed to), bear hunting.
No hogs up north here but, I think I heard they're startin to see them in the southern part of NJ.
Ron