by Paul Schattenberg
A Youth Hunter Education Camp open to 4-H members from 9 to 15 years of age will be held Jan. 19-21 at the Texas 4-H Conference Center, 5600 Farm-to-Market Road 3021 near Brownwood.
“In this camp, participants will learn about hunting safety and responsibility as well as hunting laws and ethics,” said Cari Snider, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 4-H youth development program coordinator for the center. “Participants will learn about hunting and the hunter’s role in wildlife conservation.”
The camp is interactive with live-fire sessions, Snider said. All equipment is provided, and the camp is designed to follow the Texas Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education Certification curriculum. It will be led by Larry Hysmith, Texas 4-H natural resources program leader, and Denise Harmel-Garza, Texas 4-H program coordinator, both from College Station.
“All participants will be able to receive their basic hunter education certification by attending the camp and completing the course requirements, which include a final written exam,” Snider said. “Each registrant for the camp will receive additional information concerning the camp and the hunter education certification registration process.”
Registration for the course is online at http://texas4hcenter.tamu.edu. The cost is $290 per person for youth and adults for registration through Jan. 5. An additional 10 percent late fee will be added for registration from Jan. 6-15, with Jan. 15 being the final registration deadline.
“This is a family style program, meaning a parent will attend along with their kids and learn the same information and skills,” Snider said. “Lodging is also family style, with all family members staying in the same room. One adult family member may accompany multiple youth from the same family.”
She said hotel-style lodging at the center’s Leadership Lodge is also available on a first-come first-served basis.
“All adult volunteers must enroll as a 4-H volunteer, have a verified background check and complete the child protection training in 4-H Connect before camp begins,” Snider said.
