Young South Texas hunters ages 9 to 17 learned firearm safety, ethical hunting and conservation during a youth hunter education course ahead of dove season in Texas.
Author: Heavan Doyle
Published: 8:36 PM CDT August 23, 2026
Updated: 8:36 PM CDT August 23, 2026
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Young hunters across South Texas are getting ready for hunting season with lessons focused on safety, ethics and conservation.
The local chapter of Ducks Unlimited partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife, Value Bank and The Bar-B-Q Man to host a youth hunter education course in honor of Harlan Heitkamp, who founded the project.
The course was open to children ages 9 to 17, including some students who were preparing for their first hunting experience.
Students learned about firearm safety, the different parts of a firearm and ethical hunting practices. They also received hands-on instruction during the course.
Organizers said the goal is to teach young hunters how to safely enjoy the outdoors while helping them understand the importance of conserving South Texas’ natural resources.
After the lessons, students were treated to barbecue courtesy of The Bar-B-Q Man.
One student also won a 12-gauge G-Force Ducks Unlimited edition shotgun.
Students who completed the course will have their hunter education certification recorded with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
The certification comes just ahead of dove season, which begins September 1.