On The Range 6:00pm
By: Sam Nicholds
Updated: November 11, 2008
The 2008 deer hunting season is in full swing across the area, and, thanks to the Texas Hunter Eduction Program, it should be a safe season. Texas Hunter Education began as a voluntary program in 1972, then in 1988, mandatory Hunter Education became law.
State-wide, there are about 30,000 certified volunteer instructors, teachers, and game wardens who have been trained to teach Hunter Eduction in Texas.
Every season, though, many hunters in Texas are careless and forget to get certified before heading to the field, and if caught, they are given a citation. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Roy Johnson, most hunters that are ticketed aren't malicious, they just aren't aware of their need for certification.
Since that first year when less than 2,000 Texans took the course, over 750,000 Texans have been certified, and around 30,000 Texans will be certified during 2008.
If you haven't taken the course, or want to make sure you're o.k. before starting your hunt, contact the local Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at 281 N. Willis, or give them a call at 325-673-3333
