TPWD~9, 10 & 11 year olds Will Be Able to Hunt Alone

[Hot4huntin]

As many of you know, TPWD has proposed lowering the minimum age for Hunter's Ed certification to 9 years of age. Earlier it was reported that this change would not allow 9, 10 or 11 year olds to hunt unsupervised by an adult. However, that is NOT the case. At this time, by lowering the age for certification, the new regulation would allow 9, 10 and 11 year old children that have successfully passed the Hunter's Ed program to hunt by themselves without an adult, pursuant to the current statutory language that addresses this regulation. This information has been verified by David Sinclair, TPWD Law Enforcement, Austin HQ, and Steve Hall of TPWD. I have visted with Steve Hall, head of the Hunters Ed Department at TPWD, and he has indicated that there would currently be a Loophole in the system should this regulation pass, but that it would be addressed in the next Legislative Session. Are we willing to take that chance? My children have been involved in the hunting environment, gun safety, etc., since they were born. However, I do not think that I am willing to leave my child in a hunting blind with a gun at the age of 9, 10 or 11. I know that there are children out there that many parents would say are ready and maybe they are. I am not worried about my child shooting the wrong animal or another person, but what about their own safety in the blind. Personally, my children at this age have sat by themselves in a blind with a video camera, but a firearm or archery equipment is another matter. I am not willing to take that chance. Please let your voice be heard whether it is in favor of or opposed to this proposed regulation. Please contact Steve Hall at (512) 389-4568 for more information.