With the Soccer World Cup decided, it is time to think about other sports. Dove hunting, for instance, opens in September, and Hunter Education courses are being offered throughout the state.

Hunting is an ideal sport for the entire family, “It is common to have parents and children taking the same class,” said María Araujo, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department instructor. She added that over 30,000 Texans take the course annually and learn hunter ethics and firearm safety.

In Texas, hunters born on or after September 2, 1971 are required to pass Hunter Education. Before age 17, youth are exempt if they are accompanied by a licensed hunter age 17 years of age or older. Minimum age for hunter education certification is nine years old. When a hunter turns 17 years, a one-time deferral is available from license dealers to postpone the Hunter Education requirement for one license period, but it requires hunting under the supervision of a certified adult hunter or a hunter exempt because of age.

For family fun, Texas offers more than 200 public areas for hunting statewide with an annual $48 permit. Family members who do not hunt can have access to the same areas with an annual Limited Public Use permit of $12 and enjoy other recreational activities including fishing, photography, hiking and watching wildlife. Primitive camping is allowed in some areas. Youth under 17 years of age enter free when accompanying a permit holder. The Annual Public Hunting permit can be purchased at any location that sells hunting licenses.

Hunting preparations begin with Hunter Education. The course costs $15 and requires reservations. For more information, call 800-792-1112 ext. 4901 or 512-389-4901 or see:  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_education/espanol/index.phtml