On March 20, 2009 through March 22, 2009, fifteen young hunters, ranging in age from nine to 17, spent the weekend at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge learning and practicing hunter safety while helping remove exotic animals from the south Texas landscape.  Nilgai antelope and feral hogs were the target of young hunters randomly selected to participate in the Texas Wildlife Association's Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) held on the Refuge.  TYHP is an organization established to increase the number of youths participating in wildlife and hunting activities and to promote the hunting heritage in Texas.   

The youths attended educational programs as well as hunting.  Programs included hunter safety, game tracking, hunting from a blind, shoot-no-shoot scenarios, field dressing, a live firing range, and more.  Refuge staff also provided programs regarding the National Wildlife Refuge System, careers, and other refuge related topics.

At the completion of the Youth Hunt, four nilgai antelope and five feral hogs had been taken.

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