A Partnership for Good
How the Texas Youth Hunting Program and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are joining forces to create hunting opportunities for youths. Article by BRIANA NICKLOW, BOB BARNETTE and SHELBY BESSETTE Photos courtesy of TYHP
Youth hunters practiced with their bows at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge.
G
iven that at least 94 percent of Texas is privately owned, it’s no surprise that most Texas Youth Hunting Program hunts occur due to the generosity of private landowners. But did you know that TYHP also partners with public land agencies to create additional hunting opportunities? TYHP has formed a unique partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in
14 T E X A S W I L D L I F E
three areas around the state. Hosting hunts on National Wildlife Refuges exposes youth hunters to public land hunting, which is usually a bit more primitive hunting style than those found on our private lands. It also introduces youth hunters to opportunities open to them as they continue in their hunting journey. The Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge (HNWR) in North Texas is
MARCH 2021
well known for its archery draw hunts. Hunters vie for these coveted spots on this productive property. In 2015, TYHP North Texas Field Coordinator and avid bowhunter Bob Barnette, who often hunted the HNWR, began discussions with its staff, about the possibility of hosting a TYHP hunt there. Soon after, Hagerman staff agreed to a TYHP hog hunt in the spring of 2016.
