TYLER COUNTY – Since 1988, hunter education in the state of Texas became mandatory, and according to figures from Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD), the state has seen a substantial decrease in hunting-related accidents since then.
Hunting remains a popular pastime in Deep East Texas, and according to Michelle McGinty with the county’s AgriLife Extension Office, there have been many requests for a hunter education course to be offered. There will be an opportunity for Tyler County hunters to take that course through the county, on Saturday, August 22.
The class will last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will take place at the Tyler County Emergency Operations Center, located at 201 Veterans Way in Woodville.
The course is being taught by Texas Game Wardens and will cover a variety of topics germane to hunting and the outdoors, including firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation and responsible, ethical hunting practices.
According to TPWD, hunter education courses have been offered since 1972 in Texas, and nearly 1.5 million hunters have been certified through the courses.
In 2019, for example, more than 56,000 certifications were issued through the hunter education course, statewide, and only one hunting-related fatality and 21 accidents, were reported.
“The number one hunting incident during the general season is careless handling of a firearm in and around vehicles,” said Steve Hall, the Hunter Education Coordinator for TPWD. “Keep a firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times. This is the cardinal rule of hunting and shooting safety.
Lunch will be provided for attendees of the class, and registration is required prior to attending. Anyone wanting to register can do so by visiting the TPWD website direct link .
