crew261_hunting_2009

Venture Crew 261 2009 Winter Break Hunt

Texas Parks and Wildlife runs the Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP). Click on the highlighted text to go their web site for more information.

Three Crew members participated in one of these hunts in Oct 2009. We had a fantastic time. We were very impressed by this well run program and had a great experience. None of our crew members had any experience with hunting and were paired with some very experienced hunting guides.This program is 100% focused on the youth. Adults participate in all aspects of the hunt, but only the youth are allowed to take down the animals.

Humans have nearly eliminated all apex predators in the food chain except for humans themselves. Many areas of Central and West Texas have experienced severe and prolonged drought over the last 2 - 3 years. The deer population greatly exceeds the carrying capacity of the land and the large herds need to be reduced to avoid starvation, hunger, and disease.

Nothing will go to waste, we can recommend some great wild game processors that can produce some amazing "Jalapeno Smoked Sausages" and "Venison Tamales" among many tasty choices. If you are not fond of venison, we can recommend some game processors that will accept your deer and process it for our local food banks. The hides can be tanned and are a great souvenir for your first hunt.

Requirements for the Youth:

  • They must be a resident of Texas, 17 years old or younger
  • Have completed a Hunter Education class prior to the registration deadline for the hunt
  • Have a valid youth hunting license ($25)
  • Be able to demonstrate proficiency and marksmanship with a rifle at 100 yards
  • Be accompanied by a responsible adult (they do not have to be your parent)

That's about it !

Now for the crew plans.

Note: You don't have to hunt with the Crew. You can sign up on your own and go on any hunt that you wish. You can see the list of hunts at: Texas Youth Hunt Schedule. New hunts are added periodically, so check back often.

TYHP has a lottery for each hunt. There are no guarantees that the crew will win the lottery, or that we will be able to hunt together at the same event. All we can do is try.

What you need to do:

  • Meet the requirements above, especially the youth hunter education (it's not hard, can do most of it online)
  • Fill out the TYHP online hunting application: Texas Youth Hunt Application
    • Sign up for the lotteries for hunts 848 and 828
    • Hunt 848 is Jan 1 - 3 in Barnhart, Tx (Deer, Hog, Javelina). Application deadline is Dec 11th.
    • Hunt 828 is Jan 8 - 10 in Jarrell, Tx (Deer, Hog, Varmit), Application deadline is Dec 18th.
    • In the comments, mention that you are in Venture Crew 261, you would like to hunt together, and that hunt 848 is preferred as it is within our winter school break.
  • After you have submitted the application, make sure you fax a copy of the youth hunter education card and hunting license to the fax number listed at the bottom of the online application page.

If you meet the requirements and apply, let Steven Bartling or Michael Johnson know. Also, if you have completed the hunter education class, please send us your hunter education number.