September 23, 2016 - A hunter education class was hosted at Center ISD library on August 28, 2016 led by Texas Game Wardens Anthony King, Doug Williams and Travis Fountain. Also participating in the instruction were Jessica Shadix, Agri-Science Teacher, and Jason Pyles with Good Times Smokehouse.
Collectively, the game wardens covered the core standards in firearm, hunting and outdoor safety with the students. In the classroom Game Warden King focused on laws pertaining to deer. Game Warden King covered a variety of subjects including squirrel hunting, fur bearing animals and exotics. Game Warden Williams portion covered waterfowl and other feathered creatures.
As a processor of meat, Pyles gave the class information on proper procedures when delivering an animal for processing and legal transportation of game.
Kirk Sanford with Dependable Arms instructed the class on firearm safety and different kinds of firearms available for hunting.
Following an outdoor demonstration, the class took a break and was treated to a lunch prepared by Good Times Smokehouse. After lunch, and before the students took the written test, Shadix instructed the class on hunting ethics.
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete hunter education. Minimum age for certification is 9 years and cost is $15.
If you were born on or after September 2, 1971 and you are:
- Under 9 years of age, you must be accompanied*.
- Age 9 through 16, you must successfully complete hunter education, or you must be accompanied.
- Age 17 and over, you must successfully complete hunter education; or purchase a “Hunter Education Deferral,” and you must be accompanied.
A hunter education class will be given Saturday, September 24, 2016 in Shelbyville starting at 8am and running until completion. This will be the full 6-hour course and is not online. If you are interested in the course contact the Shelbyville High School main office at 936-598-7323. There are still some openings in the class; however, call before 2:30pm to sign up due to the office closing early for an out of town game.
