Project AQUATIC WILD applies specifically to aquatic wildlife. The participants are taught how important wildlife is and how we can manage them for future generations. Project AQUATIC is suited for any type of student and has curriculum to promote many different academic skills, such as analysis, problem-solving, and evaluation. Project AQUATIC has two different guides which explains the activities and programs. For more information about Project AQUATIC, please contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (512) 328-6035 or 1-800-792-1112.

Project WILD is a program guide that will enable group leaders to educate their students about the importance of wildlife. It can be used by school teachers, park and nature personnel and Scout and 4-H leaders. It has activities and background information that can be taught in almost any teaching environment. The activities are supplement school curriculum and enhance the learning process. Project WILD teaches people to manage and share the world with wildlife. To get more information about Project WILD, please contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (512) 328-6035 or 1-800-792-1112.

Reel Kids is aimed at children who are fishing for the first tim, and will help them learn basic skills during introductory fishing activity. Skills may include fishing safety, casting, knot tying, catch and release or fish identiciation. Each child will recieive a Reel Kids memento for participating in the event.

Junior and Master Angler - Join the ranks of skilled anglers by becoming a Junior or Master Angler. Junior Anglers learn fishing essentials and Master Anglers achieve more advanced skills and knowledge for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Hands-on skill stations offer a chance to learn, practice and demonstrate your skill. After successfully completing the skills stations, you'll receive a Junior Angler or Master Angler fish pin and certificate.

• Fish Identification
• Aquatic Habitats
• Ethics and Responsibility
• Fishing Safety and First Aid
• Fishing Rules and Regulations
• Tackle
• Knot Tying
• Fishing is often included

Be a Volunteer Instructor - Whether you are an avid angler or someone who enjoys working with kids, becoming a Volunteer Angler Education Instructor is fun, exciting, and rewarding. You'll join the ranks of those who share their joy of fishing while teaching kids how to fish safely and responsibly, and how to conserve our aquatic environments. Interested? Find an instructor course and give us a call.

Tackle Loaner Program loans fishing equipment just like a library loans books. Individuals can borrow rods, reels and tackle boxes with hooks, sinkers and bobbers for up to 7 days of fishing. All you need to do is go to a Loaner Site near you (see list), fill out a loaner survey and form, and go fishing.

The Texas Boater Education Program teaches the recreational boater boating practices. The course is a minimum of six hours and is in a classroom setting. There is no charge to take the class through the state and all ages can attend. This program is valuable for teaching younger boaters skills they can use throughout their lives. To get more information on this program, please contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at 1-800-253-4536 or (512) 389-4999.

The Texas Hummingbird Roundup will help the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department determine the numbers and ranges of these beautiful birds so that the state can maintain a proper management program for them. The packet for this program can be ordered from the state and includes a survey form, a packet of native seeds for your garden, and a distribution map, as well as information about hummingbird behavior. When you send in the survey, you will receive a decal and newsletter with the complete survey results. For more information on this, please write to:  Texas Backyard Hummingbird Survey, Nongame and Urban Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744

The Texas Hunter Education Program Every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete a Hunter Education Training Course. Minimum age of certification is 12 years and cost is $10.

If you were born on or after September 2, 1971 and you are:
-under 12 years of age, you must be accompanied*.
-age 12 through 16, you must successfully complete a hunter education course, or you must be accompanied*.
-age 17 and over, you must successfully complete a hunter education course; or purchase a “Hunter Education Deferral,” and you must be accompanied*.

*Accompanied means: By a person who is at least 17, who is licensed to hunt in Texas, who has passed hunter education or is exempt (born before Sept. 2, 1971), and you must be within normal voice control. Proof of certification or deferral is required to be on your person while hunting. Note: Certification is not required to purchase a hunting license.

New - Hunter Education Deferral (cost: $10) Allows a person 17 years of age or older who has not completed a hunter education program to defer completion for up to one year. A deferral may only be obtained once and is only valid until the end of the current license year. A person who has been convicted or has received deferred adjudication for violation of the mandatory hunter education requirement is prohibited from applying for a deferral. Take the course by August 31 of the current license year and receive a $5 discount. The new, one-time Hunter Education Deferral is scheduled to be available at license vendors and go into effect September 1, 2004.