In This Issue: Here's Hoping 2021 is a Banner Year, especially after 2020!
Let's have a GREAT NEW YEAR!
Let's face it -- after 2020, the new year should be a cake walk! Our mission is the same -- to "Teach SAFE, KNOWLEDGEABLE, RESPONSIBLE and INVOLVED hunting and target shooting practices!" Our instructional goals are the same:
- Be SAFE
- Be LEGAL
- Take a GOOD SHOT
- Take CARE OF GAME
- Present a GOOD PUBLIC IMAGE
This year, while maintaining our stellar record in reducing hunting incidents (GOAL #1) and hunting violations (GOAL #2), I want each of us to emphasize and work harder on teaching Take a GOOD SHOT (GOAL #3) and Take CARE OF GAME (GOAL #4) in our coursework. Presenting a good PUBLIC IMAGE, otherwise acting ethically, remains a focal point, too -- all of which we are gearing up to provide you with new training materials (See "New Hunter Education Materials").
Be SAFE, Legal and Ethical! Hunt Texas!
Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator
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LIVE FIRE EXERCISES
TPWD Law enforcement cadets went through shotgun shooting exercises with Brock Morgan, S TX Hunter Education Specialist, and Morgan Harbison, C TX Specialist. The goal is to reinforce safe behaviors, primarily safe muzzle control, but also to show them HOW to run a proper live-fire exercise during a FIELD Course.
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FIELD/SKILL EXERCISES
Each cadet also went through a Hunter Education Skills Trail including safe shooting zones (see photo), removing/placing firearms in vehicles, 'mistaken for game' incidents, tree stand safety, game recovery and other "teaching stations". Hands-on exercises are critical for student's engagement and understanding.
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TEACHING EXERCISES
Each game warden and State park police cadet had to participate in teaching skill-based activities in a somewhat impromptu format, only given 15 minutes for team preparation and 30 minutes to teach each other in smaller groups. Such activities reinforce the priority, as much as possible, to use a hands-on, outdoor approach to teaching hunter education and outreach events. Game wardens, for example, get called upon to attend/teach at hundreds of events, conferences, shows and fairs each year and use such activities as a way to engage and teach others our mission and programs -- and, most importantly, to make them FUN!
Above a cadet demonstrates proper shooting positions, and, below, involves the other students in demonstrating their knowledge/skills after the demonstration. Simulated equipment (batons) play a huge role when actual items are unavailable.
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Wall Street Journal Features Mentor Hunter at Inks Lake State Park Hunt
As quoted from the article:
FULL ARTICLE LINK:
Dec. 13th: One of the Pandemic’s Big Winners: Hunting - By Ben Kesling and Rachel Bachman
"Jonathon Nguyen of Victoria, Texas, grew up a city kid who became interested as an adult in firearms for personal safety. Friends had talked about hunting, so he signed up for a mentored hunt workshop with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The program teaches the basics to adults who didn’t grow up in the sport, and this year brought more than twice as many applicants as there were slots for the workshops, which include a guided hunt.
After a day of safety instruction and equipment-testing at a rifle range, Nguyen and the rest of his group headed out Wednesday morning to a state park outside Austin.
“Whenever the sun comes out and you put your phone down and you look around, you get to see how everything works and how the birds talk to each other,” said Nguyen, a 26-year-old electrician. His awe gave way to adrenaline when a plump doe appeared and Nguyen’s mentor gave the go-ahead.
“I was shaking a little bit, so I calmed down and took the shot,” he said. He dropped the deer with one shot. Nguyen emerged from the morning with 30 pounds of meat that he and his wife plan to grind it into patties and sausage – and a new love of hunting." Congratulations Jonathon!
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Photo: Justin Dreibelbis, TPWD Public & Private Land Hunting Coordinator is shown here mentoring Janis Johnson, Austin, as they sight in her rifle during an Inks Lake SP Mentor Hunt in December.
Justin: "I just wanted to reach out and let you guys know how amazing, helpful and informative the mentored hunt I attended was. All the staff were knowledgeable and professional. They fostered the perfect learning environment for new hunters. I felt more than satisfied with the course and experience...thanks!
Zachary Gonzalez, Inks Lake State Park Mentor Hunt Participant
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From TPWD Executive Office (January 7, 2021):
Given the escalating trends in transmission across the state and nation, it is very important that all employees AND VOLUNTEERS involved in our programs adhere to agency guidelines so that we can prevent or minimize the spread of COVID-19 to our co-workers, our families and the general public. Three very important practices include:
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Self-screening Questionnaire: For hunter education courses, please use the self questionnaire at the front end of any in-person courses - Questionnaire is at the instructor resources page under COVID-19 resources.
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Personal Protective Equipment & Supplies: For hunter education courses, continue to complete the questionnaire at the instructor resources page and use appropriate protective supplies including masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.
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Face Covering Requirement and Social Distancing: Face coverings (masks) AND social distancing are required. A face covering is not a substitute for social distancing and vice versa.
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Justin Solis - Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year
Aransas County game warden Justin Solis was named the 2020 Texas Wildlife Officer of the Year by the Shikar-Safari Club International -- the 41st year the award has been presented to a Texas Game Warden.
Solis was a graduate of the 58th Game Warden cadet class in 2013 and began his career as Texas Game Warden in Webb County. In 2016, he transferred to his hometown of Rockport in Aransas County. Solis’ dedication to his community is evident during the yearly kid fish event that he has organized, planned and led for the last three years. The event, called “Go for fish, not drugs”, is held annually during Free Fishing Day and allows kids and parents to enjoy the outdoors and learn about fishing laws, boating safety and fish identification.
Solis has also partnered with Flatsworthy, a local conservation chapter, to help design a watercraft that would allow increased patrols to far reaches of the bays in Aransas County while conserving sensitive bay bottom habitat. Solis’ invaluable feedback led to the creation of a “flats” boat that was donated to TPWD and has been instrumental during recent conservation and water-safety patrols.
Solis is a member of the Law Enforcement Region 8 Fisheries Team that is dedicated to the enforcement of fisheries laws via coordinated patrols in areas of high commercial activity. As a member of the fisheries team, Solis routinely travels to areas outside his assigned county where he ensures the importation of aquatic products follow the regulations set forth by the department.
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Jon Kocian - Midwest Officer of the Year
The Association of Midwest Fish and Game Law Enforcement Officers recognized game warden Jon Kocian as the 2019 Midwest Officer of the Year.
Kocian graduated from the 48th Game Warden cadet class in 2003 and has served in Victoria County for over 17 years. Kocian holds a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and is a licensed Texas Master Peace Officer. He was awarded the TPWD Director’s Life Saving Citation in 2016 for rescuing and saving the lives of two women kayakers when their kayaks overturned due to swift water in the Guadalupe River. In 2019, Kocian led Operation Tres Bahias which spanned over five counties and involved 25 Game Wardens. During the operation, Kocian briefed the team of wardens before each operational day on the specifics for alcohol detection on the water and provided support to wardens during the operation that resulted in: 140 vessel contacts, 11 warnings, 16 citations, 8 boating while intoxicated arrests and the recovery of a stolen boat.
In 2020, Warden Kocian was instrumental in the update and launching of the new Field Training Officer program (FTO) for both Texas Game Wardens and State Parks Police Officers. The Association of Midwest Fish and Game Law Enforcement Officers is comprised of 29 member agencies from the United States and Canada. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been a member since 1995.
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Upland Game Hunting 101
Brock Minton, S TX Hunter Education Specialist, found time to get away during the holidays to experience his own pheasant hunt. He and Randy Spradlin, W TX Hunter Education Specialist, are planning to schedule Upland Game Hunting 101 workshops in northwest Texas during the 2021 season, once COVID subsides. Workshops will be scheduled by staff, but don't be afraid to schedule your own Hunting 101 advanced courses thru ORS.
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Bow Ed Student Enjoys Success
Rene Barrientos, took this nice white-tailed deer on a friend's ranch near Bastrop. He said, "The deer is a pending top 10 SCI with a bow, won’t know until the 60-day drying period is completed." Rene completed a bowhunter education course taught in Central Texas at a location where Hays 4-H Shooting Sports meets and where USA Archery and NASP training will be held by Travis Glick, Central Texas Community Archery Specialist beginning in 2021.
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The Bowhunter Education Field Course a TX-IBEP shooting competency test at fourteen 3-D Animal targets from unknown ranges between 20 and 30 yards. Rene passed the test with flying colors and such practice shows when it comes to applying it to field experiences. (Note: Instructors: If you need the template for the 14-station test, be sure to contact your regional hunter education specialist.) CONGRATS Rene, that is spectacular black bear!
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Superhunt - Cave Creek Wildlife Management COOP
Photo: TYHP Huntmaster, David Baxter, Houston, shows a Superhunt Participant how to properly skin and quarter her deer.
Kreb's Memorial Hunt - Harper Wildlife Management Assn.
Another huge hunt, held the same weekend in 2021, is the Kreb's Memorial Hunt in memory of Jacob Krebs and held every year by the Harper Wildlife Manage. Assn., TYHP, TPWD volunteers, and hunter education instructors like Duke Walton, Porter, Richard Powell, Orange, Dave Hammonds, Weatherford, & Bob Boswell, Georgetown, run the small-bore/archery activities as part of the hunt. Photos Superhunt near Stonewall and the Will Krebs Memorial Hunt near Harper -- TYHP BIG Hunts!
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Landowners like Heath Sasko, Blue Moon Ranch and Trail Rides, Fredericksburg, shown here with his wife, Rozanna, is one of many ranches involved in the Superhunt at the Cave Creek Schoolhouse near Stonewall. Heath received a Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts in 2020, along with a letters, a knife, from the Texas Youth Hunting Program which coordinates over 200 such hunts annually in the program -- the Superhunt being the largest! Thanks Heath!
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New Year, New IHEA-USA
Did you know that from 1966 through 1971, Hunter Safety Administrators would hold annual meetings during the NRA Conventions? In 1971, a meeting was held in Oregon to form a new organization called the North American Association of Hunter Safety Coordinators. The ensuing years would see this organization grow, pivot, stumble, and dance until it effectively transformed into our very own International Hunter Education Association – USA. In summary…we’re turning 50! IHEA-USA has an exciting year coming up, and we are taking this historical time to ramp up our services and commitments to hunter and shooter educators, state wildlife agencies, and other industry partners who have helped us reach this amazing milestone. Here is a snapshot of what you can expect from your IHEA-USA in 2021. ·
- Refreshed Branding
- Refreshed website at IHEA-USA.org
- Two national research projects
- New Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) Plan
- Updated Hunter Incident Database
- New IHEA-USA Instructor Membership benefits (and a lower cost)
- New online Hunter Education communication platform
- New online Hunter Education Resource Library
- New Online Firearm Safety Course
We appreciate your support and hope you will join us as we look forward to 2021!
Alex Baer - Executive Director
Hunters Connect December Video List
Subscribe to get new content every Monday on Hunters Connect YouTube Channel!
December Hunters Connect Videos:
More to Come: 6 Lessons Leaned | Rifle Hunt Recap | Mentoring New Hunters
Look for it on Hunters Connect YouTube Channel
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ORS System - HUNTING 101s
The Hunting 101 Option has been integrated into the ORS Hunter Education Registration System where YOU can offer both FREE OR REGULAR ($15) ADVANCED HUNTER EDUCATION Seminars, Workshops and/or Youth and Mentor Hunts. Your regional specialists or I (Hunter Ed Admin. - Eddie.Kleppinger@tpwd.texas.gov) or the Hunter Education Coordinator can assist you in marketing your courses to the public, especially those that took a basic course (online or in-person), hunting license buyers and other target audiences. If you feel you already have expertise to teach deer, dove, waterfowl, turkey, hog (etc.) or bowhunting, muzzleloading, crossbow, survival (etc.) courses -- have at it! These are more specific, advanced hunter education offerings, but hunter education coursework, nonetheless! Talk with your regional specialist. Staff will be offering workshops if YOU want to be a participant, yourself, and learn more about one of the advanced topics. For a more thorough announcement of what Hunting 101s are, go to: TPWD Hunting 101 Website
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AND, be sure to subscribe to TPWD's Hunt Texas Newsletter HERE!
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A new training aid is now available to Hunter Education Instructors FREE OF CHARGE to help teach GOAL #3 - Taking a Good Shot -- in this case, at big game animals, especially white-tailed deer!
TIC -TAC-TOE Shot Placement Exercise ™
A new training aid to teach successful shot placement for white-tailed deer (and other big game species) was developed by Cross Trail Outfitters (CTO). As stated in the brochure "CTO Youth Hunting & Fishing Clubs in the U.S. have guided and taught thousands of youth participants a strategic method of how to ethically harvest big game animals by using a Shot Placement exercise and dry-fire practice method, with no live range firing!" CTO has plenty of experience teaching kids how to successfully take their first shot; so much so, that the TPWD Hunter Education Program is going to adopt the strategy and combine forces with CTO in bringing this valuable training aid and technique to Texas hunter education instructors. We are sure you will find the tools developed by CTO invaluable in teaching reduced wounding and introductions to a new hunter's first shot.
Hunter Education Regional Staff and Texas Area Chief Hunter Education Instructors are being mailed the new aid in the first two weeks of January. To get yours, please submit a request for a copy on your SUPPLY ORDERS found on your dashboard -- under 'Other" category until a separate listing is available. (Just put "Tic-Tac-Toe" and we will ship it along with your order.)
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Available beginning in February
The Honorable Hunter
Michael Sabbeth, Denver, after several years of hard work and collaboration, including with many Texas hunter education and youth hunting program staffs, instructors and students/youth hunters, has completed his training manual for instructors with strategies for persuading both internal (students) and external (e.g. media and non-hunters) audiences on the value of hunting in conservation. The manual has tips and ideas for helping everyone understand the values and benefits of hunting, helping students aspire to being honorable hunters and how to even deal with hostile or aggressive attitudes by those who oppose hunting.
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Available to those Teaching Deer Hunting 101 Workshops
Judging Whitetails Afield
A new, updated edition of Observing & Evaluating Whitetails by Dave Richards & Al Brothers will be available to instructors for use in Deer Hunting 101 and related advanced hunter education coursework. Dave, a noted outdoor photographer, whose photos of whitetails are featured in the publication, is also sponsoring a Trophy Whitetail Photography Workshop Jan. 14-16, 2021 on the legendary Hindes Ranch with Richards Outdoor Photography. NOTE: There are still 2 slots available if you are interested at the last minute! For more information, go to: richardsoutdoorphotography.com
"The publication is a direct result of the Hindes’ intensive management of their deer herd and Big Roy Hindes pioneering the methods of aging deer on the hoof. Twenty of the twenty-one bucks Dave chronicled in the book are Hindes Ranch bucks - as are most of the thirty-five bucks in the judging on the hoof chapter." - D Richards
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In Memory....
Terry Erwin, former Texas Hunter Education Coordinator
Terry continues to impact others as evidenced by his fellow hunter education administrators, partners and the many friends that are spreading his ashes throughout North America and in other countries that he visited -- his last wish. His peers are happy to spread the mission of hunter education and Terry's excellent service to the program in Texas and Internationally, where he was very appreciated!
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Rhode Island - Arcadia WMA
"We scattered them on top of a place known as “The Ledges” within the Arcadia Management Area. Not many people know how to get there and it is a bit of a hike, so it is a great, remote, little area. We said a short prayer and had a moment of silence for Terry. Also, I saw a really nice whitetail as we approached the ledges; however it ghosted into the wood line before I could start counting tines." - Scott A. Travers - Hunter Education Coordinator, Rhode Island,Division of Fish and Wildlife
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Alaska - Rabbit Creek Shooting Park
"We spread Terry’s ashes on the instructor range at the Rabbit Creek Shooting Park in Anchorage where we hold hunter education proficiency shoots. The range is adjacent to the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge so there is always a ton of wildlife and you can see the Chugach Mountains. This is where we held the Field Day during the IHEA-USA Conference. On the day we spread the ashes, we had a couple of brown bear visitors during the night and I attached a picture of their tracks in the fresh snow."
Ginamaria Smith, Program Coordinator, Hunter Information and Training Program, Alaska Department of Fish & Game
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Delaware - Hunter Ed Center
"Mark Ostroski and I placed Terry’s ashes at the front of our Hunter Education Training Center located in Dover Delaware for one week and his ashes were present for four Basic Hunter Education Field Day training classes. We then spread his ashes out at our training center where we conduct the shooting portion of class as well as many other types of Hunter Education Courses." Robert Brennan, Hunter Education Coordinator, Division of Fish & Wildlife, McKay Field Office
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South Carolina - National Wild Turkey Federation
THANKS to Mandy Harling, Director of Hunting Heritage (HH) Programs and Teresa Carroll, HH Program Coordinator, who Terry worked with for nearly a decade, allowed Steve Hall TX Hunter Education Coordinator, and his family to spread Terry's mission and love at the National Wild Turkey Federation headquarters where Terry participated in the National Turkey Hunting Safety Task Force for many years -- which led to the reduction of turkey hunting incidents throughout North America.
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New Mexico
THANKS and according to Jennifer Morgan, NM Hunter Education Coordinator, "Terry is now in our favorite Coues deer area -- beautiful sunrises, sunsets and views for MILES. We also lost our Aussie, Boone, in early November, and he had scouted and hunted with us several times in this area so we spread him there as well. Terry will have a faithful furry companion to keep him company. We will spread the rest of Terry in our fave fishing spot in June!"
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Utah
A BIG THANKS to Utah Hunter Education Administrator, Gary Cook who wrote, "I decided to take Terry's ashes to the mountains of Northern Utah - on what I believe is one of our agency's most beautiful WMA properties - Hardware Ranch in Cache County. The WMA provided a backdrop of hundreds of elk on the feeding grounds, mule deer scattered here and there around the hillsides and canyons, and turkeys down in the meadows and along the river bottoms. I hiked to a spot above the ranch that overlooks an area commonly used as an outdoor classroom for youth education activities. It was a beautiful, peaceful day, and while I hiked past many beautiful locations, the one I settled on just felt right. Please see the attached pics of the views on the mountain of my "last walk" with Terry. I hope I will have the chance to go back and visit that spot where his ashes were spread many times in the future. Please share my condolences with Burna and the rest of Terry's family - and thank them for the opportunity I have been given to be a part of Terry's last wish."
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Alabama
Terry's impact is felt in Alabama near a private resort, Pursell Farms, a 3200-acre reserve that features sporting clays, hunting, fishing, as well as teaching facilities for those activities. Thanks to Travis Carson, Hoover, AL, for ensuring that Terry's last wish is granted throughout the U.S.
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Alberta - Athabasca River
Thanks to Marty Robillard, former Alberta and Texas Hunter Education Specialist, and his friend, Monica Dahl, Alberta Environment and Parks, Terry's memory is felt in treasured sites in Canada, one of Terry's and his wife's favorite places to visit! Marty said, "I placed Terry's ashes earlier this afternoon overlooking the Athabasca River, taken from the boat ramp looking north across the river...just on the other side of the signs (see below).
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Randy Spradlin, W TX Hunter Education Specialist, received his 5-year service award in January 2021. With a background in coaching, teaching and athletic training, Randy hit the ground -- not running - but driving the roads of West Texas. He puts more mileage on his vehicle in a year, than the remainder of the staff puts on their vehicles, collectively, in two years. From El Paso to Midland/Odessa to the Panhandle to Abilene State Park, where he offices, Randy conducts instructor courses, Hunting 101s and leads the Hunter Education team in working with the Boy Scouts of America, where his son recently completed Eagle Scout rank. Keep on truckin', Randy! And, be safe in all of your travels for Hunter Education!
He recently held a West Texas Area Chief Phone Conference to discuss FY21 plans and provide updates to those working hard to spread the hunter education program and mission in his vast region. Attending the call were Area Chiefs Kathy and Gary Glass - Eola, Hartmut Mueller - El Paso, Norris Percival II - Lubock, Fred Cheney- Garden City, Bill McCubbin and Jeff Srygley - Amarillo, Jimmy Caughron - Ballinger, Edgar Reed - Abilene, Gary Riddle, San Angelo, and Quincy Ellis - Lohn. Lindsay Hodgdon, President of the Texas Hunter Education Instructor's Association, and Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Hunter Education Specialist, also were on the call. Thanks to all and best of luck in 2021!
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Morgan Harbison - Central TX Hunter Education Specialist
While training cadets at the TPWD Law Enforcement training academy (see above) Morgan Harbison, C TX Hunter Education and Mobile Range Specialist, received his 5-year service award from Hunter Education Coordinator, Steve Hall. In 5 years, Morgan has engaged 25,000 participants and spectators in his Mobile Sporting Clays Range events. He has trained over 5000 participants in the Whiz-Bang program,100+ schools and 2000+ students in the Ag Clays program. Thanks for your good service, Morgan -- the first five of a fabulous career!
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(L to R): Heidi Rao, Houston: heidi.rao@tpwd.texas.gov; 713-829-1377 c
Randy Spradlin, Abilene: randy.spradlin@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-923-3509 c
Morgan Harbison, Caldwell: morgan.harbison@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-413-0194
Brock Minton, Corpus Christi: brock.minton@tpwd.texas.gov; 361-944-3617 c
Steve Hall, Austin: steve.hall@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-389-8140 w; 512-550-7330 c
Monica Bickerstaff, D/FW: monica.bickerstaff@tpwd.texas.gov; 469-601-8349 c
TPWD HQ Boater/Hunter Ed Admin Staff; 512-389-4999 w; 512-389-8042 fax
(L to R): Andrea Cleveland, Hunter Ed: andrea.cleveland@tpwd.texas.gov
Eddie Kleppinger, Hunter Ed & ORS: eddie.kleppinger@tpwd.texas.gov
Monica Silva, Boater Ed: monica.silva@tpwd.texas.gov
TPWD & Texas Hunter Education Partner Resources
Hunter Education Overview | Instructor Resources | Student Resources
Operation Game Thief | Texas Game Warden Association
Texas Youth Hunting Program | Texas 4-H Shooting Sports
Other Hunter Ed Resources
International Hunter Education Association | NRA PROGRAMS & Services
NSSF Hunting & Ranges | Texas Hunter Education Instructor Association
Texas State Rifle Association | Hunters Connect
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