In This Issue: IHEA-USA Celebrate 50 Years and Honors Texans
50 Years of Success Continues...
Not only is the Texas Hunter Education Program celebrating 50 years of success -- so is the North American Association of Hunter Safety Coordinators (NAAHSC), known today as the International Hunter Education Association - USA. The association was officially launched in 1972, and at its Annual Conference & Business Meeting (see below) in May, I had the privilege of presenting the "History of Hunter Education and NAAHSC" for the new hunter education administrators and fish & wildlife federal aid staff throughout the United States. It was a proverbial LOOK BACK, which I thoroughly enjoyed reliving, as it brought back many fond memories of the professional association, relationships, cause and passion I've enjoyed since completing the hunter education student course in Colorado in 1972 (my own 50 years!). Looking back set the stage for where we are and where we are heading ... lessons learned from over 50 years of hunter education!
If you would like a draft copy of the "History of Hunter Education and IHEA-USA" (Chronicle), please email me at steve.hall@tpwd.texas.gov.
Five conference 'take-aways' (personal lessons learned) that I shared, since joining the organization in 1985, include:
- ·Professional Standards – OUR organization, passion, cause...
- ·Relationships – Building business and personal friendships...
- ·Networking – Building programs through shared experiences...
- ·Recognition – Celebrating program & volunteer accomplishments...
- ·Communications – Grassroots to organizational sharing...the 'glue'...
Success of hunting and hunter safety education was built on the success of organizations like the National Rifle Association, especially from the 1940s thru 1970s, and the NAAHSC since 1972. Today, the IHEA-USA carries that torch forward, and, under the direction of Executive Director, Alex Baer, President Eric Shanks (LA), and the current IHEA-USA Executive Board, the organization is accomplishing new strategies on all of our behalf -- as hunters, target shooters, and Hunter Education programs -- WORLDWIDE! Let's work even harder these next 50 years -- continuing to achieve safe, responsible, knowledgeable and involved sporting arm handling, hunting & target shooting practices!
Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator
Photos: (Above) Practicing safe catching and handling of Burmese pythons in preparation for hunting the invasive critters in the Everglades.
(Below) New IHEA-USA Hunter Education State Administrators & Professionals
|
 Back to Top
ANNUAL IHEA-USA CONFERENCE a Success!
Administrators, staffs & partners gathered in Jupiter, Florida, May 17-19th, for the 2022 Annual IHEA-USA Conference -- a national training opportunity for North American Hunter Education instructors, state associations, professionals and VOLUNTEERS.
Photos: After the opening ceremonies, TV's MeatEater, Steven Rinella, presented the keynote address, discussing aspects of his book such as Outdoor Kids in an Inside World: Getting Your Family Out of the House and Radically Engaged with Nature and Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game.
Texas Hunter Education Specialists (left) Monica Bickerstaff (N TX), and (middle left) Randy Spradlin (W TX), joined (middle right) new TPWD R3 Hunting & Shooting Sports Coordinator, Immanuel Salas, Heidi Rao (SE TX), and Hunter Education Coordinator, Steve Hall, at the Plenary Session of the IHEA-USA annual Conference & Business Meeting. Joining Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) Executive Director, Eric Sutton, Hunter Education Coordinator, Bill Cline, and IHEA-USA Executive Director, Alex Baer, was Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis (video) in welcoming conference attendees to the Sunshine State.
|
Longtime administrator Joe Huggins, AR, (Front L) discusses items with new Colorado Hunter Education Administrator, Jordan Likes, (front right) during the IHEA-USA business meeting. Administrators vote on such items as standards and reciprocity issues, an important function given the mandatory laws that exist in all states.
|
Heidi Rao, SE TX Hunter Education Specialist, learns how to properly pin and handle a Burmese python, an aggressive, invasive species in South Florida. Like feral pigs, Florida has a problem with the big, prolific snakes. Having escaped from the pet trade industry (legal and illegal) to the wilds of the Everglades, pythons flourished and now represent a huge problem to the native flora and fauna of Florida. No hunting license is required to hunt or take these snakes. FFWCC Biologist, Jan Fore, taught the "python hunters" the natural history of the snake prior to demonstrating how to safely catch and handle the fast, ornery snakes.
|
 The 'snake hunters' joined the Eco-tour participants for dinner at Mack's Fish Camp prior to heading out to catch the elusive snakes. Eco-tour participants enjoyed air boat rides through the Florida everglades admiring alligators, and a bunch of marsh birds including wood storks, ospreys, egrets, heron and many other species.
A True Shotgun Ambassador
Vincent Hancock, Team USA who now lives and coaches in Fort Worth, won gold medals in Men's Skeet in Beijing (2008), London, (2012) and Tokyo (2020), becoming the 1st Olympic Skeet Shooter to win gold medals in the same event for two or more Olympics. Here he demonstrates his skills by shooting all '25 straight' at International Skeet.
|
A Big Shout Out goes to Host State, Florida, FFWCC and Bill Cline, Hunter Education Coordinator. It was an outstanding conference chalked full of training opportunities for instructors and administrators! SAVE THE DATES for next year's conference in Boise, Idaho to held June 27-29th. Please join us IN PERSON -- a great opportunity to meet face-to-face, once again!
 Back to Top
Top AGENCY Partner
Larry Hysmith (R), TX AgriLife Service, was honored as the top IHEA-USA Agency Partner, Texas AgriLife Extension (TAE), an exemplary cooperative extension partnership that has been actively involved in hunter education for nearly 30 years in Texas. Larry Hysmith, 4-H Natural Resources Program Lead, former 4-H Shooting Sports Lead, has been training 4-H volunteers, families, and students for a quarter of century, reaching county extension agents and 4-H Chapters by providing hunter education instructor training and outreach (among many other programs). IHEA-USA recognizes partners that advance hunter education programs in the nation, and with Larry's involvement within national 4-H Shooting Sports circles, and his high achievements in Texas, he certainly earned the honor! Congratulations Larry, Texas AgriLife Extension, and 4-H Hunting & Shooting Sports Instructors!
|
Top TX Volunteer Instructor
Jose Garcia, Irving, was honored with a top 2022 IHEA-USA Instructor Award at the recent conference. A Texas HE Hall of Fame Inductee (2009 - 4500 Points) and "Legacy Award" Recipient (2021), Jose has stayed extremely active teaching with Stephan Polansky, Dallas, at Bass Pro Shops and Muzzleloading 101s and other outreach events. He has earned nearly 13,000 incentive points which speaks to his involvement. In fact, he and Charlie Preslar, Garland will be hosting a: MUZZLELOADING 101 - Saturday, June 11th! Bass Pro Shops - 9am - Noon; Elm Fork Range - 1pm - 5pm. Contact Jose Garcia if you are interested!
|
Top INDUSTRY Partner
Greg Gulliver, VP of Agency Relations, Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC, was honored as the top IHEA-USA INDUSTRY Partner at their conference. Originally with Fresh Air Educators, Greg, who hails in Ontario, CANADA, has been developing hunter education Internet, web, interactive and online products for nearly two decades. As Vice President of Agency Relations, he works directly with hunter education administrators to improve convenience, customer service, reach, interactive deliveries, record keeping and many other conveniences. He has gone 'above and beyond' to ensure that Kalkomey hunter education products enhance IHEA-USA's reach, especially with their most recent "Firearm Fundamentals" project. They also help state hunter education programs meet their goals and capabilities with a more technological society. Congratulations, Greg, for what you do to enhance delivery in the Lone Star State! Here, Greg receives the award from Texas Hunter Education Coordinator, Steve Hall, who presented the award on behalf of IHEA-USA.
|
Back to Top
National R3 Symposium Held
Broken Arrow, OK, May 2-5th
The second 'in-person' National R3 Symposium was held in May. Attended by fish and wildlife agencies, conservation organizations, NGOs and business partners, the Symposium presents the latest in research, strategies, program and tactics that bolster the health of conservation throughout North America. On behalf of hunting and target sports, the Symposium is hosted by the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports. Charles "Swanny" Evans, the Council's Director of Research & Partnerships, takes a 'selfie' of the R3 Symposium attendees.
Comprised of leading fish and wildlife professionals, conservation organizations and sporting arms and ammunition industries, the Council developed the National R3 Action Plan used by states to develop their own state plans. The Texas R3 Plan has been developed and the agency invites all partners to help deliver strategies and reach its goals and objectives for a brighter conservation future in Texas. The Department recently hired two new positions to ensure the plan is enacted upon by statewide staff, partners and individuals interested in keeping Texas a top conservation, hunting and target sports state!
|
Please welcome Immanuel Salas, the new TPWD R3 Hunting & Shooting Sports Coordinator who will lead the implementation of R3 hunting and target shooting strategies on behalf of the agency. He also will continue to assist Hunter Education staff as needed, since hunter education has always been at the heart of Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation of hunters and target shooting enthusiasts. The strategies are aimed at breaking down the barriers such as lack of 1) Access, 2) Motivation, 3) Awareness and 4) Skills.
|
 Bob Barnette, North Texas Field Director, Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) presents information about TYHP to the national audience, making them aware of the great private lands and youth hunting partnership between the Texas Wildlife Association and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Chris Allen, Director of HoodNeck, a national organization based out of Galveston, Texas. Allen says, "HoodNeck is the BRIDGE between two lifestyle cultures that society tries to separate and that he and his organization are here to put an END to all negative stigmas placed upon them!" A very engaging person, Allen enthusiastically works with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and its partners such as HE Instructor, Willard Franklin III, Houston, Four W's Outdoors (featured in May Target Talk), to break down barriers for minority participation in the outdoors. Allen and his organizational presentation were well received at the R3 Symposium -- a chief objective of both the national and state R3 Plans.
R3 Symposium attendees also received many research presentations to bolster program information of strategies that are either successful or need more work.
Back to Top
Asst. Instructor of the Year
Shelby Green, Poteet
Brock Minton, S TX Hunter Education Specialist, and Area Chief, Benny Ham, Whitsett, presented Shelby her 2021 Assistant Instructor (under 21) award during a South Texas event. Shelby has assisted the two with many courses and events in South Texas including Buckskin and Bobwhite Brigades/Youth Camps, Hunting 101s and most anything that Brock and Benny need help with. Congratulations, Shelby. Well deserved!
|
2020 "Eddie Kleppinger" Next Generation Award
Cory Pustejovsky, Abbott
Cory was certified as a Hunter Ed Instructor in May 2019, by Area Chief, Brent Heath, Waco. In his first year of service, and undaunted by a pandemic, Cory certified 133 students. He has been into supporting his kids in activities such as baseball -- Way to go, Abbott Panthers! Congratulations, Cory, for a remarkable first year in Hunter Ed!
|
"LEGACY" AWARD RECIPIENT
John Meekins, Cleveland
John Meekins, Cleveland, received a LEGACY AWARD, one of the 2022 inductees (See May Target Talk). Heidi Rao, SE Texas Hunter Education Specialist, presented the award in May, and John, in turn, was so kind to present a Nolan Ryan-signed Texas Wildlife Expo Print (featuring Ryan deer hunting in South Texas with his daughter) to the hunter education program. Thanks, John, for all you did for the Hunter Education Program and what you continue to do for the many friendships you created as an instructor all these years! John was recognized with the Texas Hunter Education Instructor Association "T.D. Carroll" award as well (See May Target Talk).
|
Back to Top
 Thanks to the Texas Hunter Education Instructor Association!
See Future Issues of Target Talk for more 2021 Incentive Award Recipients:
-
Hall of Fame Award (4,500 Points)
- John Rao - Houston (4,527)
- Abram Cook III - Henderson (4,514)
-
Shotgun Award (3,500 Points)
- Kathy Harrison, Pasadena (4,408)
- Keith Martz, Highland Village (3,561)
- Junior Munoz, Austwell (3,509)
-
Rifle Award (3,000 Points)
- John Davis, Sr., Pflugerville (3446)
- Kathy Glass, Eola (3106)
-
Handgun Award (2,500 Points)
- Charles Edenfield, Saginaw (2657)
- Dawn Davis, Conroe (2561)
- Daniel Graeber, Paradise (2510)
-
Custom "Chuck BUCK-Etched" Knife (2,000 Points)
- Charles Edenfield, Saginaw (2657)
- Dawn Davis, Conroe (2561)
- Kirk McClelland, San Antonio (2097)
Back to Top
Kristin Collins, Conroe ISD, certified her first class in May and thanked Charles Marcus, Area Chief Hunter Education Instructor, Helotes, for certifying her as an instructor. Kristin said, "Yesterday I taught and certified 16 kids in Hunter Ed!!! Here's a picture of me with most of them! They seemed to enjoy the class and are super excited to have their Hunter Education now!"
|
Certificates of Appreciation
San Antonio Area Chief, Jeff Hetrick, said, "Attached is a photo of David White President (L) and Cody Davenport CEO (R), San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, receiving their Certificates of Appreciation. (Note: I had a request from Cody’s executive assistant who liked the frames so much she wanted to know what brand they were and where we got them - best she’s seen.)"
|
OGT Popular Game Warden Exhibit
Lubbock Region Game Wardens participated in the Texas AgriLife Extension “Kids, Kows, and More” Expo in Crosbyton, Crosby County. Over 60 adults and 350 students from 5 different school districts participated in the event. Students learned about fish and game laws, hunting, hunter education, water safety, and Texas Game Warden career opportunities at the Operation Game Thief Trailer's "Wall of Shame".
|
Certificates of Appreciation
Brock Minton, S TX Hunter Education Specialist, presented Certificates of Appreciation to Kevin Bensmiller, Whitsett, and his brothers, Scott and Barry, for hosting Turkey Hunting 101 workshop and hunts (see April Target Talk) on their private lands. Kevin, along with Area Chief, Benny Ham, Whitsett also hosted instructors and staff needing lodging.
|
TYHP Huntmaster Workshop Held in Richmond
Morgan Harbison, Central Texas Hunter Education Specialist reported on a successful Texas Youth Hunting Program "Huntmaster" training in May at the Long Acres Ranch near Richmond.
Photos: Huntmaster Trainee Mark Larue, demonstrates a portion of a skills trail to other students. Below, trainee, Daniel Billings, demonstrates and discusses safe range procedures to the other trainees.
See Huntmaster Training Schedule for Upcoming Training Courses!
|
Camp Bullis offers Hunter Education & Hunting on 29,000 Acres
Brock Minton, S TX Hunter Education Specialist and Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, met with hunter education instructor and JBSA Cultural and Natural Resources Chief, Dayna Cramer, JSBA Hunting Program Manager, Archie 'Tray' Cooper (L), and Daniel Jackson, JSBA Biologist and future Conservation Law Enforcement, (R) at Camp Bullis, San Antonio, to review their hunter education program and needs for expanding into Hunting 101s and other TPWD program offerings.
 Back to Top
Friday, June 24th 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Texas Wildlife Association is pleased to host a Grand Opening and Open House at its Headquarters in New Braunfels. Join them from 9 AM-3 PM for a tour of the facilities, including a recently finished outdoor amphitheater. This new space will not only beautify our headquarters but will serve as an extension of our education and outreach mission, such as wild game processing and hunter education courses.
Grand Opening & Open House; 6644 FM 1102; New Braunfels, TX 78132
#twaproud#sharetheheritage
 Back to Top
Texas Parks and Wildlife Community Outdoor Outreach Program
Announces Schedule of Grant Writing Workshops
The Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) Grant Program will host a
series of Grant Writing Workshops to cover all the elements needed for a
competitive project application. Offered both online and at sites around the state,
the workshop will provide application support and assist potential applicants with
grant program requirements and priorities, an overview of the application
process, review the new scoring criteria, help with budget planning and eligible
grant expenses, and answer questions from applicants.
The CO-OP Grant will begin accepting applications on August 1st, 2022. (Next cycle opens for applications August 1, 2022- November 1, 2022.) This grant does not support construction, and no sponsor contribution or match is required.
To attend at workshop, complete the online registration HERE!
* June 28 - 9:00am - Noon - Amarillo Parks and Recreation/City Hall
* July 28 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm - ONLINE/ LIVE WORKSHOP
* August 2 - 9:00am to 12:30pm - Franklin Mountains State Park, El Paso
* August 24 - 9:30am to 12:30pm - The Witte Museum, San Antonio
* August 31 - 9:00am to 12:30pm - Tyler State Park, Tyler, TX
* September 13 - 9:00am to 12:30pm - Bentsen Rio Grande State Park, Mission
* October 4 - 1:00pm to 4:00pm - ONLINE/ LIVE WORKSHOP
For additional information, contact grant staff or visit the CO-OP website.
 The Student Air Rifle Program Equipment would be a perfect CO-OP Project
Back to Top
Sign Up for TPWD's "Bowhunter By Fall"
Thank you for your interest in TPWD's "Bowhunter By Fall". We will use the e-mail address that you provide to send you one or two e-mails per month. In that e-mail we will include videos, links and advice on becoming a bowhunter by the beginning of this year's archery season. (You can unsubscribe from the e-mails at anytime.)
 Back to Top
Brock Minton, S TX Hunter Education Specialist (see photo), Randy Spradlin, (W TX) and Monica Bickerstaff (N TX), represented the TPWD Hunter Education Program at the recent NRA Annual Meeting 2022 held at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston. NRA led all hunter and firearms safety education efforts during the last century, working with state fish and wildlife agencies to get hunter education programs going and providing programs and resources towards all hunting and target sports programs -- including a FREE NRA Internet Course to the states. THANKS NRA for all you have done to educate Americans on safe firearm handling, shooting safety and hunting safety!
|
Back to Top
 Back to Top
 (L to R) - Brock Minton (South TX - Corpus Christi); Morgan Harbison (Central TX & Mobile Shooting Sports Coordinator - College Station); Monica Bickerstaff (North TX - DFW); Heidi Rao (Southeast TX - Houston); Randy Spradlin (West TX - Abilene State Park); and Steve Hall - Hunter Education Coordinator - Austin (HQ)
Brock Minton, Corpus Christi: brock.minton@tpwd.texas.gov; 361-944-3617c
Morgan Harbison, Bryan/CS: morgan.harbison@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-413-0194c
Monica Bickerstaff, D/FW: monica.bickerstaff@tpwd.texas.gov; 469-601-8349c
Heidi Rao, Houston: heidi.rao@tpwd.texas.gov; 713-829-1377c
Randy Spradlin, Abilene: randy.spradlin@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-923-3509c
Steve Hall, Austin: steve.hall@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-389-8140w; 512-550-7330c
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.
|
Back to Top
Hunter Education Overview | Instructor Resources | Student Resources
Operation Game Thief | Texas Game Warden Association
Texas Youth Hunting Program | Texas 4-H Shooting Sports
Back to Top
International Hunter Education Association | NRA PROGRAMS & Services
NSSF Hunting & Ranges | Texas Hunter Education Instructor Association\
Texas State Rifle Association | Hunters Connect
Back to Top
|
