Archery season opens on Fort Hood

Photo By Sgt. Brandon Anderson | Phillip Swanner, a disabled veteran, pays his area access fees at the Fort Hood Sportsmen’s Center September 29. All interested hunters can go to the Sportsmen’s Center to obtain area access permits, licenses and the most current information concerning hunting on Fort Hood.  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

09.30.2014

Story by Sgt. Brandon Anderson 

13th Public Affairs Detachment

FORT HOOD, Texas---The sun has barely began to rise, the sweet musky scents of the forest permeate the chilly air, and a barely audible sound has disturbed the peaceful tranquility of a Central Texas autumn morning as a deer walks into the clearing.

This dream-like scenario is one that plays out time and time again for hunters in the United States, and for many lucky hunters on Fort Hood it could also play out for them.

The reality of the situation is that unlike other places, the chances of finding some old munitions or unknowingly wondering onto an artillery range is relatively small compared to hunting here.

Fort Hood offers hunters a chance to pursue their passion of spending time in the outdoors or possibly stocking their freezers with wild game, but knowing the rules and regulations that apply to such a unique hunting environment will not only save them from a costly ticket but also possibly save their lives.

The first thing a hunter must do is have on their possession a Hunter’s Education Card, any state’s will work. If you don’t have one don’t worry, because Hunter’s Education Courses are offered free of charge at the Sportsman Center. Times and dates for the courses are available on their website.

Danny Riddlespriger, a recreation assistant for the Fort Hood Sportsmen Center, teaches the Hunter’s Education course on post, and wants hunters to pay attention to what’s going on around them.

“The biggest things I want to emphasize are hunters respecting their fellow hunters and to use hunting ethics,” said Riddelspriger.
Using those ethics will ensure Fort Hood continues its long-standing hunting-fatality-free tradition. If by chance you choose to ignore the rules and regulations, there are some serious consequences in the form of fines and loss of hunting privileges.
Capt. Al Langford, Fort Hood’s chief game warden, said compared to normal violations, wildlife conservation violations start out way more expensive.

“Depending on the violation type a hunter can expect to pay between $200 and $2000,” said Langford. “We’re not here to stop anyone from enjoying hunting on the Great Place, we want to make sure that everyone is playing by the rules and no one gets injured.”

The unique environment here means there are special rules that apply to hunting. The Sportsman Center has copies of the most up to date information, as well as answering questions over the phone.
Information about the rules and regulations for hunting on Fort Hood can be found at the Fort Hood Sportsman Center website. A link for the site can be found at the Fort Hood Morale, Welfare and Recreation website as well.

Fort Hood has a strict weapons registration requirement. This requirement also includes firearms used for hunting, to include black powder and muzzleloaders, with the Provost Marshal’s office. You cannot bring them on post before registering them.

“If you have any questions refer to the book, and if still in doubt please don’t hesitate to call us 532-4552,” said Riddlespriger.

• Date Taken: 09.30.2014
• Date Posted: 09.30.2014 13:35
• Story ID: 143795
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US