Photo: Hunter Education Coordinator, Steve Hall (L), and John Meekins - Cleveland (R), present Duke Walton - Porter, with the first ever Texas Legacy Award, in this case, the top Legacy Award presented in memory of longtime Texas Hunter Education Coordinator, Terry Erwin. Terry and Duke were friends for many years before Terry's passing in 2020.

Every time I get together with fellow staff, partners, and instructors, especially at the annual Texas Hunter Education Instructor Association Annual Hunter Education Instructor Conference or IHEA-USA Conferences, I feel very nostalgic. 

I know it is because I get to see and spend quality time with hunter education administrators, instructors and industry and conservation partners -- friends and advocates for the same cause -- to promote safe, responsible, knowledgeable and involved hunters and target shooting enthusiasts --our mission!

At the recent May conference near Palestine, TX, I relived mutual experiences with some of you from well over 30 years ago. The fact that we have conducted thousands of activities together at hundreds of events (e.g. 17 Texas Parks and Wildlife "Wildlife Expos", two decades of statewide and national NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenges, Texas Youth Hunting Program - 17 years of "Super Hunts" and over 25 years of Hunts for People with Disabilities, Becoming An Outdoors-Woman workshops since 1993, and hunter education in-service weekend workshops since 1985), is a testimony to the hard work and endurance of so many volunteer instructors -- so many of YOU...WOW!  No wonder nostalgia is such a strong, emotional feeling. We have invested a lot of sweat, happiness and time together!  For that, my heart is full.  Hope yours is, too!

I felt it the strongest as I watched my longtime friend and fellow instructor, Duke Walton - Porter, reach the pinnacle of instructor recognition in Texas -- The Terry Erwin Legacy Award!  Congratulations, Duke, and to your fellow Legacy Honorees, Kitty and James Haynes - Richmond, Bob Boswell - Georgetown, and Jose Garcia - Irving. We aim to catch up and recognize more of you with your well-deserved LEGACY AWARDS next year at the annual Instructor Conference in Galveston.  Put April 22-24, 2022 on your calendar!  Let's get nostalgic together!

Be SAFE, LEGAL and ETHICAL!  Only then can you have FUN in the outdoors this summer.  And, get ready for the "Busy Season" -- just around the corner!

Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator

Duke Walton - Porter, as noted in the Coordinator's Column received the top award, to date, in the Texas Hunter Education Program -- the Terry Erwin Legacy Award. As a result, he also was awarded the "50 in 50" Instructor Recognition with the International Hunter Education Association-USA just two days prior to the Texas Instructor Conference.

N TX Instructor of the Year - AJ Cook, Rusk - Abram "AJ" has been actively recommending students for hunter education certification since 1999. In the more than 20 years as a volunteer instructor, A.J. has certified. Cook is always willing to assist when regional staff calls about constituents seeking courses in his area.  He said," Wow!  I'm surprised.  I just go on teaching up here in Northeast Texas, and have a good time doing it!  I never expected an award for just having fun. Thanks!"

SE TX Instructor of the Year - Thomas Bass, Magnolia (2012) - Back in 1998, Area Chief Instructor Tom Bass (Sr.) reached out to welcome Heidi Rao, SE Regional HE Specialist to the program. His son, Thomas Bass, who was "raised on hunter education," followed in his dad's footsteps. Tom has a great partnership with his employer, Academy Sports and Outdoors, and has certified hundreds of students. He performs many outreach activities including the Houston Rodeo, volunteering many days of his time running the Laser Shot Simulator.

W TX Instructor of the Year - Gary Riddle, San Angelo - Gary is an Area Chief, TYHP Huntmaster, Co-Chair the Challenged Children’s Hunt, Friends of San Angelo State Park member and a San Angelo State Park volunteer – just a short list of how Gary gives back to his community.  Gary has worked with hunter education not only in Texas, but in Colorado as well.  His time during the summer is spent at a Christian youth camp teaching shooting sports with an emphasis on hunter education. TPWD has participated in the Challenged Children’s Hunt for the past 28 years.  Gary served as a guide on the first hunt and has been at every hunt since, now co-chairing the event.  He served as the initial area coordinator for TYHP and still volunteers as both a guide and Huntmaster. In his spare time, Gary volunteers with his church and spends two days each week volunteering at a San Angelo food bank.

Team of the Year - Charles and Sue Snowden, Atlanta (N TX) - Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Hunter Education Specialist, presented Charles and Katherine (Sue) Snowden with a "Team of the Year" award. Charles was certified as an instructor in 1987 and, shortly thereafter, an Area Chief. Sue was certified in 2011, since, over the years, she realized she was going to many of the same classes and knew much of the information. In their 34 years, they certified 1,261 students and 156 instructors in rural counties.  Together they continue to pass on the hunting heritage in Northeast TX and serve on the board of directors of the Texas Hunter Education Instructor's Association.  Congrats!

Partner of the Year - Outdoor Tomorrow Foundation (OTF) - Scot McClure - Outdoor Adventures - Monica Bickerstaff also presented the Partner Award to Scott McClure, Director of Education for the Outdoor Tomorrow Foundation. The foundation is responsible for coordination of the International "Outdoor Adventures" curriculum in Grades K-12. The program is now in more than 40 states and nearly 500 Texas Schools, primarily with Outdoor Education and/or PE Teachers. Teachers are certified in hunter education along with other Texas Parks and Wildlife programs. OTF and TPWD hooked up to conduct four VIRTUAL instructor trainings during the COVID 19 era.  Scot accepted the award noting, "Approximately 30% of our certified teachers certify students in hunter education, nearly 10,000 students annually in Texas." THANKS, Scot, for being an exemplary partner!

Thomas "Buck" Seitz - Austin (C TX) - Morgan Harbison, Central TX Hunter Education Specialist, presents Thomas "Buck' Seitz with his Hall of Fame award (4,500-point level). Buck earned 4,772 incentive points in the Texas Parks and Wildlife's annual "Thank You!" recognition program. He's taught a total of 1,452 students in Greater Austin, as he teaches both at Cabela's - Buda (classroom courses) and the Austin Rifle Club (field courses) near Manor.  An instructor since early 2013. Buck’s passion for teaching comes from his desire to help his students realize what wildlife is about and tries to impress on them that hunting and communing with nature can become a lifestyle. “There is nothing like sitting on a mountaintop, watching the purple mountain majesty in real time.” Buck stated. He is a backpack hunter and enjoys the solitude of walking into his hunt for 10 days at a time. He feels that after a few days he becomes attuned to nature and becomes a better man for his efforts.  THANKS, Buck, for your efforts!

S TX Instructor of the Year - Charles Marcus, Area Chief, Helotes - Certified instructor in 2011, during his tenure he has certified 487 students. In addition, became Hunter Education Area Chief in 2019.  In addition, Charles conducts Bowhunter and Hunter Education Instructor courses throughout the year. He continues to be active in outreach events throughout Bexar county.  Presenter: Brock Minton, S TX

SE TX Instructor of the Year - Johnnie Miller III, Houston - John attended an Instructor Course at the Greater Houston Gun Club in 2000.  Heidi Rao, SE TX Specialist, said, "As soon as we met, I knew I had another great leader and motivator here in Houston with us!"  John is at TYHP Lead Huntmaster and has been involved with over 50 youth hunts; 36 as Lead Huntmaster. He’s impacted over 300 youth through his hard work and dedication in TYHP.  John also is active with the Ranching and Wildlife Expo Committee, during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  He promotes youth education through hands-on opportunities.  He accepted alongside his wife Beverly. Congrats!

Team of the Year - Norris Percival & Burt Montgomery, Area Chiefs, Lubbock (W TX) - The ‘Dynamic Duo’ – each bringing a half century of education experience to the table, Burt and Norris are Randy Spradlin's (W TX) "Go-to-instructors" in the Lubbock area.  They not only wear the volunteer hat but add to their commitment working as Area Chiefs.  The two have trained over 200 new instructors in their tenure in both hunter and bow hunter education, while certifying over 1000 students in basic hunter education.  Working closely with Silver Spur Outdoor Expo and Blade and Knife Shows, they developed a community outreach program with hunter education sponsorship by the Silver Spur organization, providing a ‘no-cost’ hunter education class for participants at their shows.

Team of the Year - "Long Acres" Hunter Education Team (SE TX) - Kitty, Jim and Jaime Haynes, Scott Lightle - Richmond - As a project coordinator with the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Scott Lightle plans and facilitates educational outreach efforts at Long Acres Ranch, a privately-owned venue spanning 768 acres and 2.5 miles of undeveloped land along the Brazos River in Fort Bend County.  Scott drove over 200 miles to find his nearest HED Instructor training to bring even more opportunities to the Ranch.  He attended a combo hunter/bowhunter education course Monica Bickerstaff and Heidi Rao taught at Mission Tejas State Park in 2019.  Soon after, Kitty Haynes was driving by and noticed the open gate of this place she had never seen before -- and near her home!  The first person she met was Scott, and the partnership began strong!  Kitty (certified in 1998) and Jim Haynes (1999) have worked hard bringing new activities, events, incredible skills trails & live-fire, and new Hunting 101 workshops to the property. Congratulations Everyone!! 

THEIA's TD Carroll Award - Sanford "Sandy" Mason, Joshua - presented by THEIA President, Lindsay Hodgdon, Jr., - Sandy Mason became a volunteer instructor in 2010 and Area Chief in 2019. He conducts Hunting 101s, assists with Instructor trainings conducted for Ag Ed students at Tarleton State University, Stephenville, is an active Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) Huntmaster and THEIA member. He works with area girl and boy scout troops, is involved in multiple shooting sports organizations, and works with his area’s Jr ROTC program. Known to his hunting buddies as the "Safety guy", Sandy is deeply dedicated to developing safe, responsible, knowledgeable hunters and shooters.

Partner Presentation - TYHP Director, Chris Mitchell, with a custom knife for his hard work directing youth and mentor hunts and for supervising such great staff members who support the hundreds of "Huntmasters" that set up the over 200 hunts per year, primarily on private lands.  As an employee of the Texas Wildlife Association, Chris exudes excellence and makes Texas Parks and Wildlife a "Proud Partner"!  Thanks Chris!

To all Conference Attendees and Contributors:

Thanks to all who attended the IHEA-USA 50th Annual Conference.  Here is a link to the follow up:  50th Anniversary IHEA-USA Conference Page.

We would like to thank all the Volunteer Instructors who made time to watch. Thanks to all the Hunter Education Professionals that took time out to engage in another Zoom meeting.  Lastly, a big thanks to all the presenters and the great information they presented! 

Again, thanks to all the Volunteers and Professionals that helped to make this Conference possible.

Alex Baer, IHEA-USA Executive Director

Andrew Smith, IHEA-USA Membership Director

SAR INSTRUCTOR COURSES

June 2 - Arlington (N TX)

• 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM 
• Contact: Monica.bickerstaff@tpwd.texas.gov

July 27th - Hermleigh High School (W TX)

• 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (near Snyder)
• Contact: Randy.spradlin@tpwd.texas.gov

August 10th - Long Acres Ranch (SE TX)

• 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (near Richmond)
• Contact:  Heidi.rao@tpwd.texas.gov

August (DATE TBA) - (C TX) - (near College Station) 

• 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM 
  
• Contact: Morgan.harbison@tpwd.texas.gov

SPANISH HE COURSES TO BE HELD THIS FALL- Tentative Dates: 10 AM

Central Regional - July 20 - 24th

Texas hunter education students should be gearing up for the 2021 Central Region NRA (YHEC) Youth Hunter Education Challenge  at the Arkansas Waterfowl Assn Recreation Center for Youth, 8088 Hwy 31 N, Lonoke, AR  72086. 

Photo: TX YHEC Team 2020

Gary Jobe, ARYHEC Coordinator, says,

"Welcome to the 2021 Central Region Youth Hunter Education Challenge at our new location! The dates for this year’s State YHEC Championship will be July 20-24. Our new location will afford YHEC more room and opportunities for regular YHEC events, plus other events related to YHEC.

Last year, the requirements to attend the Central Region YHEC was changed to assist newer or younger youth an opportunity to attend YHEC for their 1^st time. Again, for 2021 any youth can attend YHEC and compete in as few as one (1) shooting event and one (1) non-shooting event. The goal of this change is to encourage more youth into YHEC at a Local, State, and Regional Level. Youth can compete and win awards in each event they compete in. However, only individuals and teams that compete in all 8 events will be eligible for YHEC “Overall Awards”.

YHEC needs YOU!!!   We need Volunteers/Hunter Education Instructors!  The success of YHEC depends on its Volunteer Staff.   To conduct 9 competitive events plus other “fun” events, it takes many volunteers."  For registration form participants or volunteers), please email Gary Jobe at aryhec@hotmail.com.   

Registration deadline is July 3, 2021

Bowhunter by Fall Campaign

Rob Owen, TPWD Outreach & Recruitment Manager, invites all hunter education instructors, especially those involved in bowhunter education or the National Archery in Schools Program, to sign up for the 2021 Bowhunter by Fall Newsletter and keep up on NASP, Community Archery and Bow Hunter opportunities. Events help volunteers contribute to Bowhunter Education, but they also serve to keep you "tuned up" for the upcoming season.

ARCHERY LETHALITY - A BOWHUNTING HUNTING 101 WORKSHOP

JUNE 5 - 9am - 3pm - Cinnamon Creek Ranch, 13794 Old Denton Rd, Roanoke, TX

Contact: monica.bickerstaff@tpwd.texas.gov

Partner:  Ashby Bowhunting Foundation - President, Rob Nielson

REGISTRATION LINK: ARROW LETHALITY WORKSHOP

General public portion of the workshop will be from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; Hunter Education Instructor portion will continue until 3:00 p.m.

The Texas Youth Hunting Program would like to congratulate the eight new Huntmasters who completed training in mid-May at Mason Mountain WMA in Central Texas! Led by N TX TYHP Staff Member, Bob Barnette - Dallas, and assisted by TYHP Huntmaster Ron Roberts - Austin, it was a "great group of folks (including two youth!) who learned about planning and conducting safe, educational, mentored hunts in TYHP!" Barnette said, "We look forward to working with the new huntmasters! Thanks for attending!"

Tommye "Saralyn" Walton 

Wife and fellow instructor of the recent Legacy Award Winner, Duke Walton, Porter, passed May 26th.

As Duke posted just after her death, "It's with a heavy heart that I type this post! As you know I'm not much on computers & posting. My soul mate & dearest wife of 60 wonderful years Tommye Saralyn Fitts Walton went to be with Jesus Christ our Lord & Savior yesterday, May 26th. I was able to bring her home from the hospital due to her wishes to be with our daughters, Amber & Brandi. They held her hands, and I was at the foot of her bed while she had her dear cat, "Mr. Spot" with her when she passed!" - Duke Walton, Jr. 

Tommye Saralyn Walton 74, Porter, Texas passed on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.  She was born on March 26, 1947 in Grapeland, Texas.  Tommye was a proud member of the Yellow Rose Society, where she was inducted by Governor Rick Perry at the Alamo in San Antonio, TX. Many remember her as the most selfless person there could be. She is the essence to every degree of "mom" and "memaw".  During her free time, one could find Saralyn out on the creek bank with her fishing pole. Saralyn was one heck of a chili cook and won two 1st place awards at the Texas Chilimpiad State Chili Cookoff.  Sarlyn also was a master hunter education instructor, and Charter member of the Texas Hunter Education Instructor Association, who graciously adorned Saralyn's visitation and funeral with the lovely flowers pictured here. (Thanks to Lindsay Hodgdon, president, and the THEIA board for honoring Saralyn's Legacy alongside her husband, Duke!).  She was born to Thomas Shook Fitts and Annie Ruth Holcom-Fitts, both of have preceded her in death.  Saralyn was also preceded in death by her son, Elmer J Walton III, and sister, Weltha Ann Kirkwood.  Left to cherish her memory is loving husband of 55 years, Duke Walton; son James Thomas Walton, and wife Christy; daughters, Amber Lynn Nell and husband Stacy Nell, Brandi Lynn Yargo and fiancé, Jason Campbell, and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Her funeral was held June 1st in Houston and Interment at her Augusta Family Cemetery June 5th.  Rest In Peace, Saralyn! Thanks for being there for all of us!

 Jeff Hopkins, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Administrator of their Safety Education Section, chose a location near one of Illinois' largest state parks, at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, to spread Terry's ashes and memories of their times together as hunter education administrators. At one of the IHEA conferences, Jeff hosted a tour and field day at the 1600-acre World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, IL, one of the largest ranges in the world.  At that time, Terry was very appreciative of the effort that Jeff and his staff put forth hosting that conference. Terry also was fond of Winchester's Nilo Farms near East Alton, Illinois.  Thanks Jeff!