I'm not sure if this has been brought up yet but I read an article this past weekend in my local newspaper about a couple interesting changes in Texas' hunting regulations this year.

Number 1- The age of Hunter Education has been dropped from 13 to 9 years of age.

Thoughts: While I think this is a great idea to get the younger ones outside and hopefully picking up the rifle/shotgun/bow themselves (as opposed to watching their dad/mentor) I am a little skeptical on the situation. I amhopeful that the adult that takes them out will have enough responsibility and brains to continue to sit with them until they are a bit older. I just think 9 is to young to be sitting in a tree or bind by themselves. But lowering the age limit to receive your Hunters Ed will get the youngsters more acclimated to gun safety, hunting ethics, ect.

Number 2- The minimum draw weight for a bow to kill whitetail and turkey has been lowered from 40 pounds to no minimum draw weight.

Thoughts: It tookme a bit of thinking to come to a conclusion but here's what I got. I believe that it is a good thing. Lowering the min draw weight will get more people into the sport. When I say people I am referring to women and youth because some (not all) can not achieve the draw weight requirements. Those people might want to get out with their husbands or fathers and this will give them an added opportunity. I do worry aboutthe increased risk of wounding an animal but a well placed shot is always the most important thing.

Questions, comments, concerns or harassments? Thanks for reading guys