Hunting Heritage

TYHP Hunter Ed Hunts Getting Hunter Ed certified during a TYHP hunt weekend

Article and photos provided by COL(R) CHRIS MITCHELL and WILLIAM KREBS

TYHP Huntmaster and Hunter Education Instructor (center) Andy Sobotka leads a skills trail.

Game Warden involvement in Hunter Education greatly enhances the experience. Although there’s been an uptick in online hunter education participants (ages 17 and up) this year, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Hunter Education Coordinator, the number of traditional hunter education and field course classes (ages 9-16) were reduced because of pandemic-related issues. So while the younger students could complete a 6-hour online course, they had limited opportunities/locations to “finish” the field course portion necessary for them to become certified. As a result, there are fewer hunter ed certified youths who are ready for this TYHP season.

attend a TYHP Hunter Ed Hunt weekend where the field course for 9-16-year-olds will be offered. Hunter Education Hunts will provide one stop shopping for new TYHP hunters. training prior to their scheduled hunt. Then, part of the TYHP hunt weekend

Since participants in a Hunter Education Hunt will not have hunted with TYHP previously, they will have priority for selection. See TYHP.ORG to sign up

Young hunters can sign up before completing hunter education, but it is important to note that TYHP Hunter Education Hunt acceptance hinges on the youth completing the online Hunter Education portion prior to attending the hunt. Remember, not every TYHP hunt will be a Hunter Education Hunt, so TYHP applicants should be sure to sign up for the correct type of hunt.

TYHP and hunter education are inextricably linked. This new way to reach new participants achieves both programs’ goals of ensuring safe and educated hunters in the field. Hunter Ed Hunts has the added bonus of making the process even faster.

Note: To find the free TPWD online

Completing Hunter Education opens the door to unique TYHP hunts. course go to TPWD.Texas.GOV. The Texas Youth Hunting Program is addressing the shortfall by providing an alternative way for these youths to for hunts. Youth hunters will also need to create a free TYHP youth account, sign up for a Hunter Education Hunt and the Then on: “Hunter Education.” Then on: “Courses.” Then on: “Option 2.” become Hunter Ed certified. They can corresponding field course. TYHP participants will complete the online Hunter Education portion of the Long Term Hunters Wanted! will be dedicated to completing the Hunter Education Field Course. Once the • Rancho Rio Grande - Del Rio, TX course is complete, the rest of the weekend All: MLD 3, $15/ac, Hwy 277 Frontage, water & electric will be dedicated to safe, educational hunting as always. Many TYHP Huntmasters are also - 20,700 ac, Axis, Duck & Quail, some improvements. Live water: Rio Grande River, Sycamore Hunter Education Instructors, so and San Felipe Creeks. they can easily offer this option. Additionally, all of the TYHP field - 6,000 ac, Axis, Duck & Quail. Live Water: Rio Grande staff are Hunter Education Area Chiefs River, Tesquesquite Creek & a canal. who can certify Hunter Education Instructors. If a Huntmaster wants to run a Hunter Education Hunt, we - 1,850 ac, SW of intersection 693 & 277, runs south along 277. will find them an instructor or certify them so they can certify new Hunter • Galvan - Webb County, South TX Hunting, MLD Level 3: Education students. - 3,800 ac, $15.75/ac, High-fenced.

Click on: “Hunting.”

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Texas Wildlife Association Foundation, Inc. is increasing natural resource literacy and promoting conservation and educational programs that connect Texans to the land. Together with those who donate, we are making a di erence and ensuring a legacy of conservation and the heritage of hunting through education. This year has highlighted the critical importance of healthy land, water, wildlife and agriculture, and our mission of connecting Texans to the land is needed now more than ever before. www.twafoundation.org