What Are Your Kids Doing This Summer? Let’s Get Them Hunt-Ready!
By Kim Hodges, Program Coordinator, TYHP
Summer is finally here—and if your household is anything like most, the kids are bouncing between snack time and screen time, with a few outdoor adventures sprinkled in between. But here’s the thing: fall hunting season is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to help your young hunters get ready.
At TYHP, we see it every year—families scrambling in September to get hunter education courses done at the last minute. This summer, let’s flip the script. Beat the rush and use these long days to get your kids confident, certified, and ready for the best season of the year.
Step One: Get Hunter Ed Certified
If your child is 9 or older, they’ll need to complete the Texas Hunter Education course before they can hunt with TYHP. The good news? It’s super easy to find an in-person class or online + field course version at tpwd.texas.gov. Knock it out now, and that’s one less thing to worry about when school kicks back in.
Step Two: Practice Makes Safe
Learning how to handle a firearm safely and confidently takes practice—and summer is a great time to start. There are tons of shooting ranges across Texas, many of which offer youth-friendly days, beginner safety courses, and even archery practice. Not sure where to start? Keep reading—we’ve got you covered.
Step Three: Track Progress with Our Marksmanship Certificate
TYHP has a Marksmanship Practice Certificate your kids can work on at home or at the range. It’s a fun way to build those shooting fundamentals—plus, it shows us that your hunter is committed to safety and skill development. You can download it here under Hunt Documents.
🗺️ Where to Practice Shooting in Texas
Here are a few great options to get your young hunter some range time:
- Texas Parks & Wildlife Public Shooting Ranges
TPWD operates several public shooting ranges across Texas, including rifle, pistol, and shotgun facilities. Some even offer youth-friendly training.
👉 Find a TPWD Range - 4-H Shooting Sports Programs
Texas 4-H offers youth shooting programs that include rifle, archery, and shotgun. Great for year-round skill-building and community.
👉 Learn More
So before the summer slips away in a blur of heat and boredom, take a little time to prep for fall. A confident, safe, and ready young hunter means more fun when it’s time to hit the blinds.
As always, if you’ve got questions or need help finding a class, a range, or a spot to practice—TYHP is here for you.
See y’all in the fall,
Kim Hodges
Program Coordinator
Texas Youth Hunting Program