• Texas offers multiple hunting classes aimed at youth.hunting image by Katrina Miller from Fotolia.com
  
  Although hunting is traditionally considered a sport for adults, many children also enjoy the sport and game of hunting. In an attempt to build interest in hunting among younger crowds, a variety of Texas hunting ranches began offering youth hunting classes and camps. These camps provide an opportunity for Texas youth to not only learn about hunting, but also make new friends and memories.
  
  

1A Hunting in Texas

• With more than 10,000 acres of land, 1A Hunting in Texas manages a group of ranches in Zavala County and Dimmit County. The ranch offers a “Youth Hunting Seminar,” which is available to children age 12 through 17. According to their website, the six-day seminar provides “intensive hands-on training in the art and science of hunting and fishing.” Although the itinerary may change slightly from one seminar to the other, participants will likely receive instruction on shooting multiple types of guns, such as a shotgun, centerfire rifle and .22 rimfire. Children also learn about trapping techniques, identifying plants and animal tracks, scoring animals and using animal calls. For their safety, children also learn about cooking over a campfire, survival strategies and basic first aid. Class participants participate in daily hunts for rabbits, varmints, hogs and exotics.
  
  1A Hunting in Texas
  
  212 Judith Ann
  
  Schertz, TX 78154
  
  210-872-2771
  
  hunting-in-texas.com
  
  

Christian Outdoor Alliance

• Participants of your Christian Outdoor Alliance youth camp not only learn about hunting, but also religion. According to the website, the organization’s mission is to “guide youth and outdoorsmen to a relationship with Jesus Christ through experiences in God’s great outdoors.” Open to children ages nine through 17, the Christian Outdoor Alliance offers multiple camps every year. To allow for better supervision and training, each camp accepts a maximum of 15 children. The week-long outdoors camp features classes and activities in swimming, fishing and hunting. Since the camps are hosted on different ranches, the wildlife availability changes slightly from one camp to another.
  
  Christian Outdoor Alliance
  
  PO Box 310496
  
  New Braunfels, TX 78131
  
  210-827-9802
  
  coacamps.org
  
  

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

• In an attempt to encourage youth hunting in the state of Texas, the Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) joined efforts to offer youth hunting classes. Children ages nine through 17 are eligible for the youth hunts, which involve extensive education and training in proper hunting techniques. Along with learning how to safely and successfully track and hunt game, participants also learn to process their catches. According to the website, a variety of wildlife is available at the ranch, including “deer, turkey, hogs, javelina, exotics, dove, small game, waterfowl, varmints and other species.”
  
  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
  
  4200 Smith School Road.
  
  Austin, TX 78744
  
  512-389-4800
  
  tpwd.state.tx.us