Unique program promotes hunting to state’s youth

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Earlier this year, these first-time hunters harvested their first game animal during a TYHP hunt at the Robinson Ranch in Edna. On Aug. 27, they will be recognized at the Texas Big Game Awards Banquet in El Campo. Pictured are (from left) Jack Strelec, Anthony Navarrete, Amber Anderson, all of Edna, and Jacob Meador of Lolita. -- Courtesy photo

August 18, 2005 - With 97 percent of the property being privately owned in Texas, there is a seldom-publicized program that may benefit property owners and the youth of our state. It’s called the Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP), a non-profit organization established in 1995.

While the TYHP brochure explains the mission as being “… established to increase the number of youths participating in wildlife and hunting activities and to promote the hunting heritage of Texas,” it also gives family and friends a chance to do some special “bonding,” while learning a new sport, together.

The program is co-sponsored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Wildlife Association (TWA), and is open to youth 9- to 17-years-old. In order to join the program, youth must complete the Texas Hunter Education course and be able to provide copies of your certificate or card/student registration form that shows your test score.

Other requirements include having a valid Texas hunting license and appropriate hunting tags or stamps, as required; be accompanied by a parent or guardian; complete a TYHP hunting application, with your choice of prioritized hunts; complete the TYHP release forms sent to you, once you are accepted for a youth hunt, and submit a refundable deposit to secure your position on the youth hunt.

Goals of the TYHP, according to the brochure, are to promote the “highest ethical standards in hunting; to give our youth an initial, positive, safe, educational, mentored hunting experience; and to teach the basic skills, values, techniques and responsibilities of hunting.” Also, “… to instill in youth a basic understanding of practical conservation measures and to encourage wildlife habitat access, enhancement and management.”

TYHP members learn how to hunt safely, legally and ethically, experience a firing range; learn how to track game and process harvested animals, along with making new friends and spending “quality time” with family and friends. Youth hunts include those for deer, turkey, hogs, javelina, exotics, dove, small game, waterfowl, varmints and other species. Mentors, lodging and meals are furnished, and most of the hunts are between September and March.

Shirley Odell of Edna is a Hunt Master, and got involved when her son was younger, and is a big supporter … still … even though her children are now in college. While it isn’t very hard to sign up the youth, volunteers with the program are constantly looking for private landowners who would like to be a part of the program. Odell noted the TYHP provides each landowner with a $2 million liability insurance policy, and each hunt is “professionally structured.”

The trained adult Hunt Masters take care of the young members and see to it that the property is left in good condition at the end of the hunt. Landowners, while “encouraged” to be a part of the hunt, the only real requirement is to open their gate and have a list of “do’s and don’ts.” Col. (R) Jerry Warden is the director of the program, and each hunt requires a $75 payment, which includes all food, lodging and hunting for the weekend. In case a youth cannot come up with the money, the TYHP finds a sponsor who will help out.

As Odell expressed several times, each hunter will have an adult sponsor with him/her during the entire hunt, and no one is left alone in a stand, etc. While the Hunt Masters are in charge of all activities, program members are required to help out with chores, such as bathroom or kitchen duties … a small price to pay for the experience!

(For more information, contact Jerry Warden, TYHP executive director, 401 Isom Road, Ste. 237, San Antonio, Texas 78216; or 800-460-5494; or www.texas-wildlife.org/tyhp.htm)