Oct. 25-26 the focus of Texas’ outdoors community will be on youngsters as the annual youth-only hunting season takes place.

During this special weekend, youth 16 years of age or younger will be allowed to harvest white-tailed deer and Rio Grande turkey.

"These special weekends provide an opportunity for families to devote some time afield with the kids and pass on Texas’ hunting heritage to the next generation," said Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) wildlife division director Mike Berger.

"We’re seeing an abundance of wildlife across the state this year and there’s never been a better time to get a youngster involved in hunting."

Waterfowl hunting will be limited to youngsters 15 years of age or younger and no state or federal waterfowl stamps are required.

TPWD said bag limits under the Hunter’s Choice program apply. Popular wildlife management areas for waterfowl hunting along the coast will be open for the special youth-only season.

There is no word yet as to whether any of the local wildlife management areas and wildlife refuges will be open as there is still a lot of work to do to recover from Ike. Keep your eyes on these pages for updates.

TPWD emphasizes a Special Youth Hunting License ($6) is required for kids under 17 to hunt. These may be purchased wherever hunting licenses are sold, through TPWD’s website (www.tpwd.state.tx.us) and by phone at 1-800-TX-LIC-4U.

“Youth hunting on departmental public hunting lands must be accompanied by a supervising adult 18 years of age or older who possesses the required Annual Public Hunting Permit ($48), a valid hunting license and any required stamps and permits.”