By Gary Joiner
TFB Radio Network Manager

The Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) hit a major milestone this year by sponsoring more than 200 youth hunts across the state—the first time in its history.

TYHP is a joint effort of the Texas Wildlife Association and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The TYHP offers hunts that are safe, educational and affordable. It sponsors introductory, instructive youth hunts for a variety of species. Mentors, lodging and meals are provided.
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) is a supporter of the TYHP.

“We did over 200 hunts this year. And we hope to exceed that in the upcoming season. We’re really excited,” said TYHP Director Chris Mitchell in an interview with the TFB Radio Network. “Our landowners continued with us, and we add landowners every year. That’s the great story of those components.”

The popular TPWD Managed Lands Deer Permit program helped contribute to the increased use of the TYHP by landowners.

“Texas Parks and Wildlife Department helps us out. They sent an email to all of their permit holders, telling them that if they had not met their program quota this year on the deer they’re supposed to take, they might consider inviting Texas Youth Hunting Program to come help them meet their management objectives,” Mitchell said. “So they call us. We make a visit. Of course, then we’ve got to find more kids and more volunteers, but that’s a nice problem to have.”

Mitchell said turkey hunts remained popular this year.

“We completed about 15 turkey hunts this year. We’ll have a few exotic hunts. And then we’ll focus on hunter education and fishing for the summer,” he said.

Mitchell said summer TYHP hunter education events do not require hunter education since the intent is to complete hunter education before the next season.

To join the TYHP, a person must be 9 to 17 years old and complete and submit an application.

To hunt with the TYHP, members must:

  • Complete the Texas Hunter Education course and be able to provide a copy of your certificate or “Temporary Student Card.” You must have Hunter Education to hunt with TYHP, regardless of age.
  • Have a valid Texas hunting license and appropriate tags or stamps, when required.
  • Be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Complete a TYHP Hunting Application that lists choice of hunts by priority. TYHP hunting schedules will be sent periodically.
  • Complete the TYHP release forms sent after being selected for a youth hunt.
  • Submit a refundable deposit to secure position after selection for a youth hunt.

For more information, visit http://www.tyhp.org/.