R2 Initiative Seeks To Bost Hunting, Fishing

For many years, the proportion of people who hunt and fish in Texas has not kept pace with huge increases in the state population. Except for the recent pandemic-influenced surge in outdoor recreation, there hasn’t been a significant long-term increase in the total number of people participating in hunting and fishing, which could spell problems for natural resource conservation in the future.  Conservation is mostly funded by these participants according to officials with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD).

The new initiative, named the Texas Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) Strategic Plan, aims to connect more Texans to outdoor recreation and carry forward these time-honored traditions to future generations. Increased participation in fishing, boating, hunting, and shooting sports brings funding so conservation agencies like TPWD can continue supporting efforts such as fish stocking, access and habitat improvements, and mentored hunting programs (which introduce new hunters to the sport in a safe environment).

The benefits go beyond conservation funding. TPWD intends to foster lifelong participants in hunting, fishing, boating, and shooting sports, and create a better-informed public with more interest in conserving wild things and wild places in Texas and beyond.

Those interested in learning about hunting can take an online or in-person hunter education course. Mandatory for all new hunters, the course equips them with the necessary tools and information they need to be safe in the field:  basics about firearm safety, species identification, zones of fire and more. Hunter education certification is required for anyone born on or after Sept. 2, 1971.

TPWD also offers mentored hunting workshops to introduce new hunters to the experience and educate them on needed skills. The Hunting for Beginners webpage also offers a wealth of information.

Texans who want to learn to fish can also find many resources on the TPWD Fishing for Beginners webpage:  how to get started, safety, basic gear assembly, tackle boxes and supplies, bait and lures, how to cast and more. TPWD’s new outdoor education curriculum is available online and covers everything from basic fishing skills to fly tying. No license is required to fish at a Texas State Park.