Email   Print   Share By Judy Johnson, Sportsmen’s Center Manager

Facebook Digg Delicious August 9, 2012 | Editorial

The Sportsmen’s Center is Fort Hood’s hunting and fishing headquarters. Located at Bldg. 1937 Rod & Gun Club Loop off of Murphy Road, patrons are able to enjoy the convenience of a one-stop shopping experience. Patrons may choose from a delicious home-style breakfast or lunch from the grill while shopping for their state licenses, Fort Hood permits and other hunting and fishing necessities.

With a great variety of affordable hunting and fishing opportunities right in the neighborhood, there is no need to search beyond the “Great Place” for something fun and exciting to do. There are numerous stocked ponds and natural creeks where fishermen can angle for catfish, bass and crappie. Enjoy the camaraderie with other hunters during the search for that trophy buck. Fort Hood’s hunt program is designed to embrace a diversity of hunting methods and hunting styles. Those who meet prior requirements may join in on the fun for a challenging experience playing in the great outdoors at the Great Place.

New Texas hunting and fishing licenses and Fort Hood hunting and fishing permits go on sale starting Wednesday. All hunters, regardless of age, must show proof of Hunter Education Certification to qualify for a Fort Hood hunting permit. The Sportsmen’s Center recognizes all valid state Hunter Education Certifications. The Hunter Education Certification is a one-time requirement. The state deferral program for Hunter Education Certification does not apply on Fort Hood.

The Sportsmen’s Center sponsors classes coordinated through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. The Sportsmen’s Center classes are the second part to the free online course on the Texas Parks & Wildlife website. Students will have to complete an exam and obtain a passing score to certify. A $15 fee will be due to the instructor on the selected course date. No pre-registration for the Sportsmen’s Center classes is required.

The Sportsmen’s Center Hunter Education schedule is as follows:

▪ Saturday classes: Aug. 25, Sept. 29 and Oct. 20.

▪ Sunday classes: Aug. 26, Sept. 30 and Oct. 21. All Sunday classes start at 1 p.m.

Students are encouraged to complete courses as soon as possible in order to not miss any hunting opportunities. The first hunting season starts Sept. 1 with Dove Season. October is Archery Only Season, and the General Gun Season covers November and December. Don’t worry, though. The hunting does not end there. Feral hogs can be hunted year-round with no harvest limit.

Other recreational opportunities offered by the Sportsmen’s Center include an all-terrain vehicle park, archery range and skeet/trap range. Permits are required for the ATV park and the archery range. Both daily and year-to-date permits are available at the Sportsmen’s Center. Users must provide their own equipment.

The skeet/trap range is open on weekends for recreational sport shooting. Limited shotguns are available to Soldiers and their Families at no charge.

The Sportsmen’s Center also controls other recreational access on Fort Hood, through the Area Access Program. Examples of authorized activities include: hiking, biking, bird watching, photography and horseback riding. Anyone engaging in such activities must be registered under the Area Access Program.

For more information on any of the programs, call the Sportsmen’s Center at 532-4552, or better yet, stop by the facility, as the staff is always glad to elaborate on all of the great opportunities available.