What age do y'all start your pups in woods ??

8-10 months they go to the big woods. 1-1.5 yrs they had better be hitting it hard. Anything older that hasn't impressed is a question mark that needs a period !

The old dog question. Depends on their range or motion and if they are able to get out of the way of a bad hog.
An old dog that has proven themselves countless years is worth more in the brood pen and on my front porch than still trying to keep up in the woods.

That is the job of your younger dogs. If your dependent on the older dog to do it all.......... might want to gut check your youngster and do a lil thinning.