HUNT TODAY!

Time to sign up newcomers for a hunting opportunity!  Better yet, take a 'newbie' yourself -- preferably a person that has not had the opportunity, but would love the experience of the Texas outdoors.

Here are just a few opportunities:

• Texas Youth Hunting Program
  
• QDMA's "Field to Fork"
• TPWD Mentor Hunts
• Deer Hunting 101
  

Well, the Gray Ghosts were, once again, safe from the sharp edges of my broadhead. Conditions in Colorado were hot, dry and noisy, with lots of down timber from recent pine beetle kills.  My brother and I called in a 4x5-point bull opening morning and herd bull the following day, but they did not present an angle or shot by which I could close the deal.  I was close to that same herd bull four times, but he only ventured close once.  He was content with his harem and expected me to 'join' the herd. I feel so very blessed to even get the opportunity and privilege to enjoy such magnificent animals, splendor and adrenaline-induced moments.  I hope you get to do the same and soon!   Happy, SAFE & ETHICAL hunting!

NEED VOLUNTEERS TODAY!

• 2018 TEXAS STATE Youth Hunter Education Challenge YHEC (NRA-sanctioned event)
• Arlington Sportsman’s Club, 11500 CR 525, Mansfield TX 76063
• Saturday, Oct. 13th 7AM – 7PM

For more information, questions and registration forms, please contact:

• Deborah Laughman, TX-YHEC Treasurer; 6249 E. FM 916, Grandview,76050; 817-991-5525 LDL3Laughman@gmail.com
• David Hammonds, TX-YHEC Director; 7725 Lake Highlands Dr. Fort Worth, 76179; 817-236-3158 mrdavidhammonds@att.net

Volunteers get in FREE and get lunch! Call now!

"DEAR HE GRADUATE!

Congratulations on completing Hunter Education!  Now you can benefit from that success.  In the Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) we give priority to youth that have not hunted with us before.  This gives you, a new HE graduate, a unique opportunity.  Some of the hunts listed have low numbers of new hunter applicants.  Apply and your chances of being selected are better than ever.  Think you cannot afford the $150 fee? No problem!  Let us know, and we can provide a scholarship. Don’t have a rifle? No problem! We have those, too! Go to the web site to register, today!

THERE ARE over 20 HUNTS scheduled for Youth Hunt Weekend October 26th - 29th! Start by creating an account (free) on our website at: http://tyhp.alamark.com/youth-hunters/ 

If we can help, do not hesitate to call 210-930-2177."

- Chris Mitchell, TYHP Director

PHOTO:  Youth "SUPERHUNT" Near Stonewall - to be held January 4-6, 2019

A Texas Hunter Education Instructor's Association (THEIA) General Member's Meeting has been called Friday, October 12th from 2:00 - 3:30 PM, at the Arlington Sportsman's Club, 11500 County Road 525, Mansfield, TX 76063, prior to the State YHEC Championship on Saturday, October 13th.  Discussion items include YHEC, board representation and membership plans for State FY19 (2018/2019).  ALL WELCOME! Come and sign up as a returning THEIA member. (1st Year Hunter Education Instructors automatically are added to the THEIA membership rolls!)

Area Chief Receives His Award!

Brent Heath, Waco, hooked up with Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Hunter Education Specialist to receive his Regional Volunteer Instructor of the Year award. Both are integral in hosting mentor hunts in at Lake Waco and Lake Whitney, partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For information about the hunts, (volunteer as a guide/mentor), email monica.bickerstaff@tpwd.texas.gov

SPANISH SPEAKING COURSE Held In Houston at Bass Pro Shops

Bilingual Hunter Education Instructor, Ivan Benavides, Pasadena, taught a hugely successful course on September 29th at the Bass Pro Shops in Pearland. Texas hunter education instructors continue to lead on many fronts by breaking down barriers for participation.  Congrats Ivan!

Vincent Lecca, Buda, held another successful course, this time at New Braunfel's Fischer Park.  Lecca teaches at locations in Buda, Bee Caves, New Braunfels and Austin.  He is a TPWD Area Chief in Angler Education/Fly Fishing and at TX Master Naturalist, along with his roles his Bowhunter & Hunter Education Instructor and TYHP Huntmaster. Way to go, Vince!

Central Texas instructor applicants attended a HE Instructor Course at Hog Heaven, a range north of Dripping Springs. At right, Edie Knight, an outdoor education instructor from Dripping Springs ISD, and Walter Stankiewicz, Texas Children in Nature VISTA, safely handle firearms as part of the Skill Trail -- showing her and other applicants how to set up and run a proper trail, as well as live-fire exercises (shotgun).  Morgan Harbison, C TX Hunter Education Specialist was on hand to help Steve Hall, HE Coordinator, teach the instructor course.

Student Air Rifle (SAR) Program -  The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, along with Outdoor Tomorrow Foundation and TSRA Foundation, are teaming up to host the first-ever Student Air Rifle (SAR) Program in Texas on Thursday, Nov 29th (Trainers Nov. 27-29th), at Dr. Edward Roberson Middle School in the Spring ISD, in Houston.  Modeled after the very successful (TX) National Archery in Schools Program, (NASP), the SAR Program uses the same range & procedures as NASP to increase shooting sports opportunities.  NASP instructors are currently being surveyed to ascertain their potential interest in the program.

If a school already uses NASP, SAR teachers need only to attend a one-day training and secure the equipment that is added to their NASP equipment/supplies. A total of $30,000 in equipment is being donated to the first 10-15 schools that participate in the one-day training. The first Texas SAR Program Trainers will go through all three days of training. SAR uses a standard pellet air rifle/ (non-lead) ammo in place of bow/arrows and a slightly different target base, quiver (stand) and safety net.  However, range design, the "11 Steps to Success" and other equipment (e.g. bow racks) are the same.  The program also achieves the same results as NASP (e.g. better attendance in schools, better grades, more student diversity, higher confidence levels, firearm safety awareness and responsibility.) 

If YOU want to become a teacher or trainer, please email steve.hall@tpwd.texas.gov

APPLY TODAY!

Beginning October 1st, TPWD began accepting applications for the next Game Warden & State Park Police Cadet Academy to begin in 2019. See TPWD NEWS RELEASE!

Applications will be accepted until November 16th, so if you know an aspiring candidate, be sure to let them know to APPLY TODAY!

Know an adult, age 18 or older, who wants to give hunting a try?  If so, please have him/her complete this SURVEY available through the Quality Deer Management Association's new Hunting Heritage Program entitled, "Field to Fork".  Hank Forester, Program Manager, will be in Texas in December to host the mentor hunt, with the support of TPWD and hunter education staff. Similar to mentor hunts provided by TPWD and field staff (e.g. Women's Hunts/Mentor Hunts/Physically Challenged Hunts), this new partner hunt represents more opportunities to introduce adults to hunting, just like we do for youth through the Texas Youth Hunting Program.

Saturday, October 20, 2018; 9:00AM-4:00PM

Lake Waco Wetlands

1752 Eichelberger Crossing Road

China Springs, Texas

Space is limited to the first 40. For more information, including registration, go to Hunter Education Hunting 101 *OPTIONAL*. Enter a search for classes in Waco!

Attend this FREE (please disregard $15 fee notice), informational workshop. We plan to hike the grounds looking for deer signs (e.g. tracks, scats, habitat) and discuss legal requirements & equipment in Texas. We’ll build the internal organs of a deer and learn the importance of shot placement. Finally, we’ll explore game recovery and blood trailing techniques and discuss freezing and cooking your venison.

Monica Bickerstaff - N TX HE Specialist