Texas Youth Hunting Program

TYHP Learn and Apply Advanced Hunting Skills

Adventure Hunts

New Program Element for TYHP: Adventure Hunts!

"Adventure is worthwhile in itself"

- Amelia Earhart

 

Adventure Hunts are exciting, higher-level hunting opportunities designed for older hunters (age 13-17) with previous hunting experience – youth that are ready to take on new challenges afield! Adventure Hunts feature chances to hunt interesting game in unusual places using different skills and methods than found on typical TYHP hunts – join us to learn and apply advanced hunting methods such as stalking and calling.  Maybe you’re ready to add challenge by learning to hunt with limited-range sporting arms such as bows, crossbows, muzzleloaders, or air rifles.  Conversely, some Adventure Hunts will require the skill of shooting a rifle effectively at long range.  During Adventure Hunts the focus will be on hunting actively  rather than passively, making things happen rather than waiting for opportunity. More challenge will yield greater skills, rewards, and lifelong memories!

Some Adventure Hunts will involve pursuit of game such as pronghorn, elk, aoudad, mule deer, nilgai, or exotics – critters for which hunting opportunities are often rare.  While most Adventure Hunts will be conducted in Texas, we plan to offer opportunities in other states too – in those situations, the hunts may extend for longer periods of time than normal weekend TYHP hunts.

Education is a priority for all TYHP events, and Adventure Hunts will present opportunities to prepare youth for high-adventure hunting experiences on their own.  Skills such as backpacking, primitive camping, backcountry logistics (e.g. purifying water), packing game out on-foot, navigation, and other elements of “active” hunting are examples of educational features found in Adventure Hunts.

2024 Schedule for  Adventure Hunt Skills 101 Workshops:

These fun and exciting workshops will prepare youth for successful experiences on Adventure Hunts by providing foundational knowledge of game animals that may be pursued, gear that may be required or recommended, and proper preparation for such hunts, including development of advanced shooting skills.  For the convenience of our participants, seven identical AHS 101 Workshops will be offered around the state:  New Braunfels (March 23), Dallas (May 4), Cotulla (May 18), Richmond (June 1), Odessa (June 8), Pharr (June 8), and Athens (June 15).  Note that attendance at an AHS 101 Workshop is mandatory for youth to be considered for TYHP elk hunts, and for all other Adventure Hunts, such as those for pronghorn, mule deer, aoudad, and nilgai, youth who complete this workshop will have selection priority.  Please note:  minimum age for a Workshop is 13, and space is limited.  The Workshops are free, but Pre-Registration is required.  Note that the Pre-Registration is for youth only - Adults who would be likely to accompany their youth on an Adventure Hunt are encouraged to attend, but do not need to register.  Here are links to register:

 

Qualifications for Adventure Hunts

  • Ages 13 – 17
  • Current Hunting License and Hunter Education Certification
  • Previous participation in TYHP hunt(s) or equivalent personal experience
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Requirements for Adventure Hunt Participation

  • Youth should attend an Adventure Hunt Skills 101 Workshop – this is mandatory to be eligible for TYHP elk hunts, and provides selection priority for all other Adventure Hunts.  Note:  Unless otherwise noted, these workshops are intended to be a one-time course, so there is no need to attend again in subsequent years.
  • Youth and Parent must be physically capable of safely hunting by applicable method (e.g. if the Hunt is a spot-and-stalk hunt in rough terrain, the youth & parent must be able to hike for extended times & distances)
  • Normal TYHP fee of $200; however, there may be additional costs involved such as non-resident license fees if hunting outside of Texas. Such cost would be the responsibility of the youth/parent.
  • Normal TYHP Rules and Policies will be in effect

Application Process for Adventure Hunts

  • If there are more applicants than spots on an Adventure Hunt, a random drawing will be conducted by TYHP staff to select hunters
  • TYHP will use a new Adventure Point system to provide a way for youths to improve their chance of selection – each Point equals an extra chance in the drawing
  • Youths can earn Adventure Points by:
    • Completing Huntmaster training
    • Serving as a volunteer on a TYHP hunt within previous year
    • Certification as an Assistant Hunter Education Instructor
    • Award of an Adventure Point by the TYHP staff based on other meritorious service to TYHP or Hunter Education

If you have any questions please contact us at [email protected].