July was one of those months that was inevitable. One is never really prepared to lose a mother, father in-law and close, trusted colleague and friend within several weeks. I'm in high spirits, though, knowing I was blessed to have been guided and greatly influenced by each one of them -- bright stars in my life.  Rest in Peace, mom, "pops" & Eddie!! (See In Memory below.) Their souls also rest with me in a new life -- Keelan John, born to my son, Ryan, and his wife, Kelsey, on July 20th. "KJ" is my wife's, Karen, and my first grand baby.  What a gift!

August is the start of the proverbial hunter education "busy season". Hopefully, you have ordered and received supplies for your August courses. Most of the Ag Teachers that attended the July Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas - VATAT Professional Development Conference (see below) already received their fall course supplies.  Way to go!

It's also time to conduct basic courses and HUNTING 101s!  If you need any resources or assistance, please CALL ON YOUR REGIONAL SPECIALIST! (See Contact information below at the bottom of Target Talk.)

Dove and archery seasons are just around the corner!  Hope you are getting out to the sporting clay and archery ranges, yourselves, to practice for upcoming seasons!

Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator

2020 *TEAM* of the Year 

Heidi Rao, SE Hunter Education Specialist, presented Kathy & Troy Harrison, Pasadena,their Team Award at Bass Pro Shops in July. At the May conference, Rao presented, "Troy became an instructor in 2011 and was having so much fun, his wife Kathy became an Instructor in 2012!  Together, they have been teaching many classes to meet the high demand of students in the greater Houston area.  Kathy and Troy began offering the Field Day course, including live-fire and a skills trail, which always fills to capacity as soon as it is scheduled!  When 2020 went sideways, they continued to offer classes following all COVID protocols and meeting the demand of the public.  They have developed a great relationship with Bass Pro Shops and continue to hold classes and events at that location. Their love of teaching and bringing new people into the outdoors through hunter education makes them the perfect pair to receive this award! I'm sure glad they are in the Houston area. Way to go Team Harrison!"

2019 *TEAM* of the Year

Heidi Rao, SE TX Hunter Education Specialist, re-presented the 2019 Team Award to (L to R) October Smith, Area Chief Kitty Haynes, Area Chief and Long Acres Team Host, Scott Lightle and Jennifer Cheesman, originally presented in May (see June Target Talk)

2020 *PARTNER* of the Year 

Brock Minton, S TX Hunter Education Specialist, presented the 2020 Partner Award to Terry Blankenship, Director, and Selma Glascock, Asst. Director, Welder Wildlife Foundation (WWF) near Sinton.  Among a variety of projects, WWF hosts Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow, Summer Wildlife Camps, and Selma teaches for the TPWD Hunting for Conservation workshops. Thanks WWF!

"50 In 50" IHEA-USA Award

In Texas, the recipient of the 50 for 50 Award is Duke Walton, Jr., Porter.

Among Duke's Accomplishments were the IHEA Hunter Ed Hall of Fame (2010) and Texas Hunter Ed Hall of Fame (2006). He has certified nearly 2,000 students (1,968). He served as THEIA President and as YHEC National and State Director.  He has conducted hundreds of Youth Hunts and over 300 outreach events and activities for the program.

T.D. Carroll Award for 2019

Sanford "Sandy" Mason III, Joshua, as pictured in the June Target Talk, officially received his T.D. Carroll Plaque from the Texas Hunter Ed Inst. Assn. Sandy became a volunteer instructor in 2010 and Area Chief in 2019, and the plaque was named after the first hunter education coordinator of Texas. In the spirit of the award, Sandy, known as the "Safety Guy" locally, was honored for his "passion, ethics, character, desire..." and other qualities exhibited by Carroll.

TYHP Volunteers of the Year

Kathy and Gary Glass, Eola, longtime Hunter Education Instructors and TYHP Huntmasters for 18 years, were awarded the Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) "Volunteers of the Year" by TYHP Director, Chris Mitchell (L) at the recent Texas Wildlife Association Convention in San Antonio. The Glasses have hosted and assisted with many hunts at their ranch and in the West Texas area. Congrats you two!

17 years ago, we started the SCI Houston - First for Hunters event to help motivate youngsters and adults to get their Hunter Education certificate. I am proud to still be associated with the program, not just as a chapter board member, but also as a Texas Parks and Wildlife volunteer hunter education instructor. I tip my hat to fellow chapter board member, Dan Marcasol for his leadership as our Hunter’ Education Chairman for our chapter. - Kent Robinson.  Photo: Kirk Dorsey presents a student with a cherished 'graduate' decal, along with a' 4 C's' decal!

Another incredible weekend! SCI HOUSTON hosted our 17th annual, award winning, Hunter Education Course June 26th at the historic Long Acres Ranch, near Richmond, and it was a goodun' ! Over 100 students made it thru the sweltering heat and were certified!  Area Chief, Kitty Haynes, Richmond, and crew did an outstanding job with everything from registration, testing, classroom presentation, live-fire, and skills trails! Folks, this isn't just a class on how to kill animals. First and foremost it's about SAFETY! Firearm safety, fall protection when hunting from elevated blinds, survival training, ethics, skills training, such as the "do and don't". Hope YOU join us next year! It's a great course!

Photo: Willard Franklin III (L) with 4Ws Fishing & Outdoors will be guiding lucky winners on a duck hunt and fishing trip! Four students also were selected to participate in a Youth Hunt provided by TPWD.

All of this is made possible by SCI Houston and all our sponsors! The cost of our class is free to anyone who attends. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and water are also provided free of charge. And, with the help of our sponsors, we were able to give away some cool prizes! Several lucky winners will be hauling in the big guns with the fishing tackle provided by Michael Scherer and Fishing's Future!

Photo: Two of the students walked away with some "cool guns"! One happy student won a 12-gauge shotgun and another student will be deer hunting this season with a 6.5 Creedmoor topped with a 3-9×40 scope!

The boys participated in a variety of target sports such as archery, shotgun, small/big bore rifle, and in hunting techniques such as game recovery, stocking, scents, game calling, outdoor survival, and hunting techniques for many TX game species -- and Hunter Education! Photo Credits: Kelsey Morris, Outdoor Texas Social Media Manager.

Supply Distribution

American Heritage Girls of Corpus Christi volunteered their time to help unload material and hand out supplies to Ag Teachers during the recent Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas Conference held in Corpus Christi July 19-23, 2021. Over 6,000 Hunter Ed Manuals and Supplies were delivered during the three days of the Conference.

AG Clays & Instructor Courses

Big Thanks to the Corpus Christi Gun Club & Manager, Craig Cook, for hosting both the Ag Clays training (Sunday) and Hunter Education Instructor Course (Monday Live-fire & Field Sessions)!  Thanks, too, to Charlie Wilson, Cuero (2nd from L), Retired TPWD Shooting Sports Mobile Manager, for instructing!

Area Chief Instructor, Paul Silva, Corpus Christi, and Scott Lightle, Richmond, taught the Hunter Skills Session during the FIELD portion of the Hunter Education Instructor Course at Corpus Christi Gun Club. Thanks to Scott for also assisting Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, at the Convention TPWD Exhibit Booth.

Dove Hunting 101

AUGUST 21, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

• Arlington Sportsman’s Club - 11500 CR 525 Mansfield, TX 76063
• Instructors:  Larry Patterson, Monica Bickerstaff - Regional HE Specialist, Travis Porter - TPWD Game Warden, Adam Mann - TPWD Biologist, Rocky Calvert - Sporting Clays Match Director
• Bring $10 - ASC Sporting Clays Fee
• REGISTRATION LINK: CLICK HERE
  

Photo: Dave Miller, CZ USA employee and shooting world record holder, was on hand to train Dove Hunting 101 participants in the art and science of hitting clay birds during a workshop held at the National Sporting Complex in San Antonio.

Upcoming SAR INSTRUCTOR Courses

August 10 - Long Acres Ranch (SE TX)

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

August 12 - Texas A&M University, Rellis Campus (C TX)

• 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM 
• Address:  3064 Ave D, Bryan, TX 77807
• Contact: Morgan.harbison@tpwd.texas.gov

Photo: July 12th SAR Trainees at Long Acres Ranch taught by Heidi Rao, SE TX Hunter Education Specialist (L) and Area Chief, Kitty Haynes, Richmond (R)

SAVE THE DATE: October 9th

The 2021 Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) will be held on Saturday, October 9 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Arlington Sportsman’s Club (11500 CR 525, Mansfield, TX 76063).  The event is open to all youth ages 3^rd grade -18. There are 2 competition categories: Junior (ages 3^rd grade-13) and Senior (ages 14-18). 

There will be shotgun, .22 rifle, archery, responsibility exam, and hunter safety trail/wildlife identification competitions. Olympic-style medals will be awarded for 1^st - 3^rd place for each venue.  First and second high score Senior, first and second high score Junior, and "Sportsmanship" honoree will be awarded belt buckles.

If you would like to participate, contact Debbie Laughman at ld3llaughman@gmail.com to obtain registration form and rules.  Registration deadline is September 20th.

Families are invited to attend.  Please note that the participants’ lunch is included in the registration fee.  Additional lunches may be ordered on registration form.  People may bring their own food and drinks.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact David or Jeanette Hammonds, Weatherford, at mrdavidhammonds@att.net.

Photo:  Area Chief and TSRA Hunt Sponsor, Bob Boswell, Georgetown, pictured with four of the top winners from the 2020 YHEC held at Arlington Sportsmen Club.

PUBLIC SPEAKING VIRTUAL SEMINAR

AUGUST 4th (Wednesday) - 9am-12noon EST

"Don’t forget the nationwide live virtual class “The Ins and Outs Of Public Speaking” geared toward Hunter Education Volunteer Instructors and staff. The fee is just $59 per person. As you know, I have worked with Hunter Ed Instructors for almost 20 years and have found this to be a valuable topic for the program. Individuals can register by by e-mailing me directly at dave@daveoakesseminars.com. Or, simply pay by going to www.daveoakesseminars.com then click on the “store” at the top of the home page. Go to “seminar deposits and payments" at the top of the page. It is easy from there. Once you are registered you will receive the “Zoom” link and a workbook PDF. Registration will close on Tuesday August 4th."  Dave Oakes

The Hunting Wire (Outdoor Wire Digital Network ©) edited by Jay Pinsky jay@theoutdoorwire.com provides useful and timely hunting, outdoor, and partner information including the following articles featured in their July 6th Issue that are pertinent to hunter education instructors and Texas Youth Hunt Program Huntmasters & volunteers.  Subscribe for free, today!

Hunting Mentor Program

"All those early mornings. All those moments you thought your heart would pound right out of your chest. Many people never get the chance to experience the woods waking up around them, or to cook their family meat they brought home from the field. But you can help them discover hunting, and our friends at Identical Draw are here to help: Introducing newhunter.org, a simpler way for hunting mentors and mentees to connect."

Bowhunter Basecamp - Tree Stand Safety

"A collection of bowhunting training videos and written content on how to help you become a better bowhunter.

Ralph & Vickie Cianciarulo from Archer's Choice TV share tips on how to stay safe in a tree stand. Too many accidents occur every hunting season. Stay safe while hunting from a tree stand. Bowhunter Basecamp is a collection of bowhunting training videos and written content on how to help you become a better bowhunter. Learn everything there is to know from practicing shot placement & preparing for your hunt, to taking that trophy animal home to prove that you are a master bowhunter."

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the passing of one of our TPWD colleagues in the Communications Division. Eddie Kleppinger Jr., administrative assistant in our Hunter Education group.  He died at his home in Buda on July 9th.  He served the program since November 2017 and the department, over 13 years, since 2007.

Eddie was the hub of the Hunter Education wheel. He was enthusiastically dedicated to serving Texas’ hunters and thousands of Hunter Education volunteers across the State. He would say, “I just want to see students in seats!” He loved to see full classrooms and instructors “saving lives” through education as he put it.

Eddie began his career with the department in Texas State Parks working at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park for a time before heading over to work at McKinney Falls State Park as a Customer Service Representative in 2013.  Eddie was a joy to be around for both fellow employees and park visitors.  He took great care in making sure each visitor received the personalized information that would make their trip a great memory.  He was always jovial, and the life of any staff get-together. He was beloved by his co-workers, kept everyone’s spirits lively and just enjoyed being a part of the TPWD family and carrying out the mission. He diligently showed up to work every day – always early and leaving late if necessary.

Please join me in keeping his family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers. He will be dearly missed by us all.  Thank you.  All my Best!

Carter Smith, Executive Director, Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept.

Joe Drobniak, Friendswood (1944 - 2021), was certified in Hunter Education in 2003 and as a Bowhunter Education Instructor in 2004. He reached the Texas HE Hall of Fame in 2009. According to Heidi Rao, SE TX Hunter Education Specialist, "Joe had a strong code of ethics and lived every single day by those ethics.  He nurtured, encouraged, and challenged those in his orbit to do more, reach higher and go further than they thought possible. Through his active involvement, he passed onto others the deep love he felt for nature and wildlife. He described himself as an American patriot and had a deep love for his family and country. There will be an empty chair at every Hunter Education conference, 101 workshop, training and outreach event, Laser Shot during the Houston Rodeo, and Take Me Outdoors Houston.  I will miss my emails from Joe with a spreadsheet analysis of all his students, test scores, and innovative training aids to make our classes even better. Joe was a true friend and will be deeply missed.  Rest in Peace, as I know you are in your eternal happy hunting grounds."

West Virginia

"Wanted to share these pics of the Forks of Coal State Natural Education Center.  This is the first of its kind fish and wildlife education center in West Virginia. The Law Enforcement section will be holding its first Hunter Education course this August in the open amphitheater.  This open-air classroom has an oak tree canopy for shade and the Coal River as a backdrop.  I placed Terry’s ashes near there, to the left of the amphitheater."  - Warren Goodson, Hunter Education Coordinator, West Virginia DNR

Kansas

"On December 9, 2020, we spread Terry's ashes and the photo shows where he is resting.  The location is Texas Lake Wildlife Area.  It is a beautiful area not too far west of our office here in Pratt.  It is as quiet and peaceful a spot where the "deer and the antelope play" (Actually, the antelope are further west, but the pheasants, quail, coyotes and ducks play, like in the song Home on the Range). Please thank Terry's family for the opportunity to be involved in completing his wishes!"  Kent Barrett, Outdoor Education Supervisor, Kansas Dept. Wildlife and Parks.

Wisconsin

Thanks to Hunter Education Coordinator, Jon King,  Wisconsin DNR, Terry resides near Belmont State Park under a majestic maple tree -- shades of the "Good Oak", from Aldo Leopold's Sand County Almanac, Terry loved to quote.  He especially loved, “There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot." 

Jon said, "This was the site we hosted the National Hunting Incident Academy many years ago and felt this was a fitting spot!"  He added, "From this spot, you also can see Illinois and Iowa!"  Thanks, Jon, for your efforts to spread Terry's passion!

Oregon

Terry's memory sits near the Trailhead of Zig Zag Falls, a pretty spot that represents much of Oregon's pretty scenery, visited by Terry when he served as past president of IHEA-USA. Terry really liked Oregon's beauty and splendor! Thanks to Theresa Jones, sister of Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, for making the trek to spread Terry's ashes in a favorite steel-head stream from years gone by.

Nebraska

Through the efforts of Jeff Rawlinson, Education Manager, Nebraska Game & Parks, Terry's memory lives on near the National Wild Turkey Federation "Jake's" Archery Range.  Terry worked on the first NWTF Turkey Hunting Safety Task Force, so the gesture was particularly appropriate -- Thanks Nebraska who recently constructed their Outdoor Ed Learning Center.

Michigan

"Terry's ashes were spread near Michigan’s Fallen Conservation Officer’s Memorial.  This is located at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center on the north shore of Higgins Lake in the northern lower peninsula.  It is next to one of our larger State Campgrounds.  This facility was originally built as a recruiting and training center for conservation officers.  We still train there; however, there are many other things going there as well.  My former partner, Arthur Green, is the last name on the memorial. (Hopefully we never add another).  He died in an airplane crash attempting to land at an unfamiliar airport in the evening while heading to training."  F/Lt. Thomas R. Wanless - Hunter Ed Admin.

North Dakota

"Terry’s ashes were spread near our 6,927-acre MacLean Bottoms WMA south of Bismarck, ND.  This area provides hunting and angling opportunities and one of the nicest shooting ranges in the state.  I have attached two photos of the specific location of where his ashes were spread among the Cottonwood trees on the banks of the Missouri River that the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled in the early 1800’s." Brian Schaffer - Outdoor Education Project Administrator, North Dakota Game & Fish Dept

Oklahoma

Thanks to Lance Meek, Hunter Education Coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Terry's memory lives at the Arcadia Conservation Education Area. Lance said, "We train thousands of students and teachers each year in a myriad of outdoor skills at the area!" He continued, "I believe that Terry would love knowing that his body and spirit reside here."  Lance and Terry worked together at IHEA for many years.