50 Years of Success Continues...

Thanks to the Hunter Education Instructors who made it to the 50-Year Celebration & Conference and to the many women who came to the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman semiannual workshop in Rockport last weekend. WOW!  What great times!

It dawned on me how important it is to get together to share new knowledge and skills; but, more importantly, continue ongoing RELATIONSHIPS towards our common causes!  Whether it is "to promote safe, responsible, knowledgeable and involved hunters and target shooting enthusiasts", or "to introduce Texans to hunting, target shooting, fishing, boating, kayaking, camping, wildlife watching and other outdoor possibilities (i.e., Life's Better Outside!)", doing it TOGETHER, in a hands-on fashion, is always best -- for a ton of reasons, but mostly because of the shear enjoyment of it all. In an ever-increasing VIRTUAL world, it is even more important to do things - IN PERSON!

Hunter Education Instructors and Outdoor Women rock!  Simply put!

Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator

ANNUAL INSTRUCTOR CONFERENCE - April 22-24th

Hunter Education Instructors gathered at the YMCA Camp Cullen near Trinity and had yet another terrific conference -- this one celebrating 50 Years of Success!

• Reduced hunting accidents
• Increased compliance to wildlife laws
• Better image for hunters and hunting

Congratulations on 50 memorable years!

THANKS to KALKOMEY - SPONSOR!

Rebecca 'Becca' Medeiros, Senior Account Manager with Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc., joined the instructors at the annual conference and presented information about Online Education, including their new Firearm Fundamentals series working in conjunction with the International Hunter Education Association - USA. Kalkomey also sponsored the Awards Banquet!  TA big THANKS goes out to Greg Gulliver, Kalkomey's VP of Agency Relations, and the rest of the folks who print the TX Hunter Education manual and provide online services for thousands of Texans taking Online training!

THANKS to Andrea Cleveland & Kevin Vo!

The HE Administrative Assistants, Austin, served as registrars and assisted instructors throughout the conference including getting the registration bags/training aids together, name tags and handsome orange vests with the 50th celebration logo! Also, thanks to Cheryl LeJune, and her husband, Mark Darby, who assisted with preparations, media and photos throughout the conference. Cheryl did the same for Outdoor Woman -- making her invaluable to Heidi Rao, SE HE Specialist and BOW Coordinator!

THANKS to PRESENTERS

Willard Franklin III, Houston, Hunter Education Instructor and Outdoor Media/Education Professional with Four W's Outdoors presented on "Promoting Safety, Diversity, Inclusion, Conservation and Careers in the Outdoors and the Outdoors Industry."  Willard is super involved in hunter, boater and angler education and is working with the U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service on the same issues along with accessing public national wildlife refuges as part of heading outdoors.  Great presentation!

Michael Sabbeth, the Honorable Hunter, presented on "Ethics and Rhetoric..." and "How to Deal with Hostile Media" as part of his continuing series presented in his hunter education instructor training manual, given to all conference attendees.  For a FREE copy of the manual, please contact steve.hall@tpwd.texas.gov.

Briana Nicklow, TYHP East Texas Field Director ("TYHP Partnership"), Immanuel Salas - new TPWD R3 Hunting & Shooting Sports Coordinator ("Explore Bowhunting..."), Brandon Mosley, TPWD Game Warden, Lufkin, ("the Good, Bad and Ugly") and TPWD Hunter Education Staff members, Brock Minton ("Training Aids") and Steve Hall ("Western Big Game Hunting") also presented during the conference.  Thanks to all!

THANKS to SPECIAL GUESTS

Thanks to Dominique Rao and Dan Atkinson, for coming and demonstrating hunter education software with their Lasershot Systems used in many Texas Hunter Education Outreach Events such as the recent Houston Stock Show and Rodeo.  Along with Lasershot, Jimmie Caughron, Ballinger, former HE Staff member, was on hand to run the shotgun range throughout the weekend.  Here, he and Morgan Harbison, Mobile Shooting Sports Coordinator, show TPWD Communications Division Director, Mischelle Diaz, the ropes for her first time!  Later, Mischelle gave the keynote presentation, introducing herself, programs & R3 during Saturday's lunch. 

THANKS, Heidi Rao, & CAMP CULLEN!

Chris Cushman, YMCA Camp Cullen chef, and the entire Camp staff rolled out the red carpet and provided an unforgettable weekend to celebrate our 50th year. The grand finale was the unveiling of an ice sculpture to complement our surf-N-turf banquet meal.  Thanks to Heidi Rao, SE TX Hunter Education Specialist, for hosting the 2022 conference.  Randy Spradlin, W TX Hunter Education Specialist, says to SAVE THE DATES for next year, April 28-30th, at Texas 4-H Center near Brownwood!

James Davis - Pasadena

TX HE Hall of Fame - 2009

James was certified in 1995 and has been extremely involved in the program, offering one to two classes per month in the Pasadena area.  He also volunteers for Houston Rodeo and Take Me Outdoors Houston.  He has never turned down a request to teach a special or private class, conduct a program, or travel to a workshop across the state.  His passion for hunting and firearm safety radiates to everyone he encounters. Congratulations James!

Tom Shashak, Jr. - Pearland

TX HE Hall of Fame - 2002

Tom has been an instructor since 1993.  Heidi Rao, SE TX Hunter Education Specialist, said, "Tom was one of the first Instructors to take me under his wings after I was hired!" She added, "To this day, he still calls to check on me and ask if there's anything he can do to volunteer." Tom raised his four kids around hunting and the outdoors, and they have always been with him in the classroom to assist him with whatever was needed. When you see a Hawaiian shirt and flip flops at a workshop, you know it must be Tom.

John Polasek, College Station

TX HE Hall of Fame - 2009

John was certified in 1989, and for over 33 years, John hasn't slowed down one bit!  He is the go-to Instructor for all requests in the Bryan/College Station area and has not turned one down yet!  His passion for teaching others about safety and ethical hunting are unwavering.  For the past 15 years, he has not yet missed volunteering at the Ranching and Wildlife Expo during Houston Rodeo.  He has worked with the Special Olympics and lives his passion on getting more people outdoors and enjoying a bit of nature therapy!  Thanks for your hard work and dedication, John!

Jeanette & David Hammonds - Weatherford

TX HE Hall of Fame (both) - 2015

David (31 years) and Jeanette (21 years) Hammonds are most deserving of being recognized as Legacy Award recipients. The Hammonds have volunteered countless hours as instructors teaching student courses (many at Cabela’s in Fort Worth), attending instructor trainings, contributing to, and participating in Texas Hunter Education Instructor Association initiatives – serving on its board, holding top offices in the organization – and, of course, coordinating the annual NRA Texas State Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) and assisting at YHEC nationals. They have collectively amassed well over 12,000 incentive points. Thanks David & Jeanette!

Charles Snowden, Jr - Atlanta

TX HE Hall of Fame - 2010

Charles Snowden, Jr, Atlanta, has volunteered 35 years for the Texas Hunter Education Program.  Wow!  His wife, Susan, has assisted and then became trained, herself, for those same years. Snowden, an area chief in the far Northeast Texas, has taught student courses, new instructor trainings, and traveled thousands of miles to attend instructor workshops, THEIA meetings, and outreach events. Congrats Charles!

Charles Preslar, Jr. - Garland

TX HE Hall of Fame - 2016

Charles Preslar, Jr., has been a volunteered for 33 years and has taught hundreds of student courses, conducted many muzzleloader stations at Wildlife Expo, DSC SAFETY and other outreach events, and enthusiastically represented Hunter Education at Central Market Cooking School wild game classes. He staffed Texas State Rifle Association's (TSRA) inflatable BB gun range at State Fair, Dallas Safari Club’s Annual Convention and at many other events. Through his association with TSRA, Preslar has generously provided funding for the purchase of ammunition used during mentored hunts for Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) and youth on Corps of Engineers property at Lake Waco. Thanks Charlie!

Jimmie Caughron, Sr. - Ballinger

TX HE Hall of Fame - 2009

Jimmie, like fellow staff member, Brock Minton, was involved in hunter education long before hiring on with the agency as a regional specialist.  He spent a career of over 25 years as an Agriculture Science Teacher before coming to work for TPWD as W TX Hunter Ed Specialist.  He retired from and now contracts with the department to take shotgun shooting events around Texas including both BOW events. His wife, Shannon, has been assisting him all of those years, and is active with BOW.

John Dea, Lubbock

TX HE Hall of Fame - 2003

Looking back at the pioneers of our hunter education program, John Dea comes to the top of the list. Being instrumental in developing the skills trail aspect of the program, John helped shape and mold hunter education to what we have today. Having certified more than 1000 students, assisting with 4H Shooting Sports and serving Hunter Education as an Area Chief, John exemplifies what most of us strive to become.  John now dedicates his time to serving at-risk veterans through VetStar.  This program pairs veterans with service animals and offers counseling and support services for those in need.  Not only does VetStar assist with PTSD needs but assists with housing and financial needs. When talking to John about his service in Vietnam, John stated that he came home from Vietnam with PTSD, but he didn’t know what it was at that time. In John’s words, “Parks and Wildlife got me out of it.  It’s more important to help the kids.  That helped me.  I owe my life to Texas Parks and Wildlife.  You’ve got to find something more important than yourself.”

Statewide Instructor of the Year 

Gary Riddle, San Angelo

Gary has served as Area Coordinator for the Texas Youth Hunting Program where he received gubernatorial recognition from Governor Rick Perry. He now serves as an Area Chief for Hunter Education. His involvement with Hunter Education started nearly 30 years ago with his recruitment to assist with the Challenge Children’s Hunt (CCH) in San Angelo by Game Warden, JD Gould (retired).  Gary now serves on the CCH Board of Directors and acts as co-director for the hunt. He also volunteered to fill a vacant position on the board for the Texas Hunter Education Instructor’s Association

South TX Instructor of the Year

George Lentz, La Vernia

George became Hunter Education Instructor in 2007. He has team taught with fellow La Vernian, John (Jack) Thompson and his wife, Kelly.  In 2010, George achieved Master HE Instructor Level, and in 2018 became an Area Chief for the greater Bexar County area. In 2021, George taught seven student courses, certifying 100 + students, taught two new instructor trainings total of 10 new applicants, and was involved in many outreach events. He has been certified as Range Safety Officer; in CWD Sample Collection (Animal Health Department); "Stop the Bleeding", and Texas Wildlife Association Huntmaster. He is Life member of  IHEA-USA, THEIA, NRA, and a member of TSRA. Congratulations George!

SE TX Instructor of the Year

Ivan Benavides, Pasadena

Since becoming an instructor in his early 20's in 2000, for over 22 years Ivan has paved the way to break down many language barriers in the program.  Ivan translated most all the Hunter Education materials on his own time, so he could successfully teach classes in Spanish.  He has reached many new audiences through his perseverance and determination. Ivan has traveled many miles accommodating special requests for classes and programs in Spanish. Ivan is passing on the tradition by raising his son hunting and helping with hunter education classes. "In conclusion," Heidi Rao finished, "Thanks for all you do --  Congratulations Ivan!"

Game Warden of the Year

Brandon Mosley, Lufkin (L) is presented the award from Heidi Rao, SE TX Hunter Education Specialist, and they were joined by Brandon's supervisor, Captain Eric Collins, Lufkin. Brandon was certified in 2007 at the Game Warden (GW) Academy, and over the past 5 years has become more involved and active in teaching hunter education classes in his county, along with conducting many other outreach events. GW Mosley always finds the time to offer classes which include a skills trail, live fire exercise, and many times, he recruits other Game Wardens to help with gun cleaning exercises and provides pizzas or a BBQ lunch, too!  How cool is that to have the local Game Warden so involved in education and firearm safety and certifying students in hunter education! Congratulations Brandon!  

Professional Educator of the Year

Sonny Mills, Pearland - Pasadena Memorial HS

Sonny was certified in 2015, and for over 7 years he has been teaching Hunter Education and certifying student in hunter, bow hunter and boater education and the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) as a Professional Educator at Pasadena's Memorial High School.  Sonny brought his "champion archers" to the state NASP tournament and "changes lives one arrow at a time" as the NASP motto says. He recently became certified in the Student Air Rifle Program. Keep on doing great things! Congratulations Sonny!

Instructor Team of the Year

Kathy and Gary Glass, Eola

Kathy and Gary served as 4H Shooting Sports coaches in Tom Green County for more than 12 years. After handing off the reins, Gary was approached by Jim Witt (San Angelo) about becoming an Instructor. That started Gary’s Hunter Education path. Just a few short years later, Kathy was brought into the fray, and the two have been side-by-side in class ever since. They also both achieved their Area Chief rating. They got even more involved by attaining Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) 'Huntmasters' rating and then becoming TYHP Area Coordinators. They conduct as many as 11 hunts annually and  offer many Hunting 101 and basic Hunter Education courses.  Congrats Team!

Partner of the Year - Cabela's

Kathie Hays, N TX Events Specialist

Cabela’s has been a stalwart supporter of all things outdoors in Texas, not the least of which is hunter education. Kathie Hays, Marketing and Special Events Specialist and Cabela’s, is being recognized as the 2021 Hunter Education Partner of the Year. Kathie has dedicated 17 years to Cabela’s events, assisting youth of all ages learn the vast opportunities offered by life outdoors. Kathie’s support of hunter education courses and workshops at Cabela’s stores is second to none. Volunteers tell of her dedication in ensuring the store’s maximum classroom space is available, clean, and properly setup for hunter education classes. And, if not, she jumps in to help make it so! Never has she ‘bumped’ a previously scheduled hunter education course to accommodate others requesting use of the store’s prime classroom space. No doubt we all can share examples of Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s generous support of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department education efforts. Thanks, Kathie!

"T. D. Carroll" Award

John Meekins, Cleveland, received the top Texas Hunter Ed Instructor Assn award, after the conference, from Duke Walton, Porter (L) and Ken Grau, Romayor, John's longtime teaching partner.  All were certified in 1988 and Ken and John were inducted into the Texas Hunter Education Hall of Fame in 2007; Duke the previous year in 2006. John taught hundreds of courses, coordinated regional events as Area Chief, attended and worked at many workshops and outreach events.  He was close to Coordinator, Terry Erwin, and continues his friendship with Steve Hall, in his continued support of Hunter Education.

"T. D. Carroll" Award

David "Lindsay" Hodgdon, THEIA Immediate Past President,  also was honored with the T. D. Carroll Award for his service as President (past five years) and for stepping in when the organization needed someone to take the reins.  He did just that and supported the Hunter Education Incentive Awards, In-service Training Workshops (Trapping, etc.), Youth Hunter Education Challenge, and Instructor Training Aids. Thanks for all your efforts to keep HE Instructor's "Friends Group" going!

Randy Spradlin, W TX Hunter Education Specialist, found time during the recent Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop to pop the question and get engaged. He dropped to a knee against a beautiful sunset at Rockport and proposed to his high school sweetheart he’s known for over 40 years - Monica Harward. (They each had a crush on each other, but never dated!) - and she said "YES!" Forty of Randy's favorite BOW instructors were there to cheer them on!! Congratulations!

Charlie Wilson, Cuero, (L) longtime TPWD Hunter Education Mobile Shooting Sports Coordinator, stopped by the Rockport Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop, a program he was involved with for two decades.   Jimmie Caughron, Ballinger, also a former hunter education staff member (West Texas Specialist), took over the reins and taught shotgun shooting skills since.

Game Warden Recognized by NWTF

Congratulations to Game Warden Trey Kram, DeWitt County, on his recent recognition as The National Wild Turkey Federation's "Texas Wildlife Officer of the Year". Warden Kram's focus on conservation and education supports efforts to sustain local turkey populations. Join us in thanking Warden Kram for all his hard work!  Regulations and protection of the resource are important important duties of Texas game wardens.

TYHP Hosts New Blog

In Part 1 of a new Texas Youth Hunting Program blog series, TYHP Director, Chris Mitchell discusses volunteer integration and some ways you can prepare to one day be a Lead Huntmaster. Check it out https://tyhp.org/volunteer-integration-part-1/ and lookout for part 2! 

TYHP is trying social media and has a regional staff to get the word out to more millennials and Gen Z participants who might be interested in getting outdoors and learn how to hunt.  Way to go TYHP!  Keep it going! 

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Wildlife & Natural Resources Committee conducted a Hunter Education Course in mid-April.  Five youth attended, with their parents, and all excelled in both the test and hands-on skills. Photo:  Area Chief, Jeff Hetrick, San Antonio, demonstrates safe shooting zones during the recent hunter education course he and fellow instructor, Thomas Griffith, Schertz, held at/during the Rodeo. Thanks, Jeff & Thomas, for all you do to combine hunter education with popular events held in the area!

Blum High School

Sandy Mason, Joshua, conducted hunter education outreach activities at Blum HS, specifically with their Wilderness study group. Students were being shown the difference between shot shell component's and metallic rifle cartridges. Their teacher (photographer) also took the class and is going to attend an instructor course. Thanks, Sandy, for continuing your good work!

TPWD Provides Target Range Grant -Corpus Christi Gun Club

Theresa Murphy, Asst. Manager, and Craig Cook, Corpus Christi Gun Club (CCGC) Manager, pose for a photo during the ground breaking ceremony of the new sporting clays range and facilities at CCGC.  Below, Renan Zambrano, TPWD Target Range Grant Coordinator and Brock Minton, S TX Regional Hunter Education Specialist, join other local dignitaries in opening the new sporting clays range.  Thanks for supporting Hunter Education in the Corpus Christi area.

In April, the Texas Game Warden Association, held the 1st Annual Ty Patterson Memorial Golf Tournament in Glen Rose. Teyran “Ty” Patterson, 28, who died in 2007 during a search-and-rescue operation on the Paluxy River in Johnson County, apparently drowned after his boat capsized in floodwaters. He and his partner, Game Warden Danny Tuggle, were searching for the body of a suspected 17-year-old drowning victim when the incident occurred. Ty will long be remembered by family, friends and his TPWD brothers and sisters!

Ty's parents and brother were on hand during the tournament to officially get the fundraising event started. "Fore Ty" was the moniker ascribed on the official cap given to each of the golfers.  Thanks to all who participated and we'll see y'all next  year!

HQ Administrative Support Available!

Kevin Vo - Hunter Education Administrative Asst

512-389-4999 - General Hunter Ed Hotline

512-389-8140; Kevin.Vo@tpwd.texas.gov

Email Support: Instructor@tpwd.texas.gov

"Thank you to those who attended the Annual Instructor Conference! What a great event and nice to meet everyone in person. Again, thank you for all you do and keeping everyone SAFE!  Happy 50 years of success! 

A few helpful TIPS:

BUSY SEASON is coming soon! Please order your class supplies four (4) weeks ahead of time! Link is at your Dashboard under "Order Supplies".

Also, don’t forget to check TPWD WEB SITE for useful Instructor Resources.

• Instructor Resources
  
• Lesson Plans and Power Points
• Target Talks and Hunting Accident Reports