In This Issue: Ag Teachers Conference, Shooting Sports, Events & More
50 Years of Success Continues...
Vocational/Agriculture Teachers have been training high school students in hunter education for nearly 35 years and are still going strong -- a "win-win" since the mandatory program began in1988! That year, Darrell Holt, Scotty Oliver and I trained the initial push (650+) of Ag. Science teachers at their annual conference, certifying them as instructors -- largest course ever!
At the recent Agricultural Teachers Association of Texas conference held in Corpus Christi, I met with one of the Ag Teachers who attended the 1988 training, Mr. John Howard, Longview, now with Fresh Country, the organization that passes out the popular feed buckets each year at the convention. (This year's bucket was hot pink!). As an Ag Teacher, John held over 24 courses (plus three in boater education) through 2002. He has since been involved in the Agriculture Teacher's Conference, and in Fundraising for Fresh Country, a big partner of Ag Teachers! John epitomizes the dedication of Ag Teachers in teaching life skills, basic trades, farming/ranching (land & business) practices, and, because of programs like hunter education, about the outdoor, hunting and target shooting heritage that IS Texas! Way to go, John, and the 1,200 active Ag Teachers that are currently teaching hunter education within their school curricula. You all have made a huge difference in firearm and hunting safety, compliance and ethics, and in wildlife conservation -- awareness, understanding, trial -- and, ultimately, a lifetime of outdoor experiences.
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American Bank Center
July 25 - 28, Corpus Christi
The 2022 Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas Convention is in the books! What a great convention with hundreds of teachers from throughout Texas. The Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce must also be grateful to host such a gathering for the many teachers and their families at the annual summer event! Here, Scott McClure, Director of Education, Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation -- the other huge partner with 950+ schools teaching the Outdoor Adventures (OA) Curriculum, including hunter education, leads an OA activity for Ag Teachers at one of the many training seminars offered at the convention. OA has been implemented throughout the nation, currently within 45 states! WAY TO GO, Scot!
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 Hunter Education Instructor Course - 61 New HE Instructors Trained
Retired Game Warden and Hunter Education Instructor, Albert Flores, Rockport, instructs Ag Teachers in 'Ethics, Game Laws & Responsibilities' as one of the rotations in the Hunter Ed Instructor Course held partly at the Convention Center and partly at the Corpus Christi Gun Club.
 Morgan Harbison, C TX Hunter Education Specialist & Mobile Shooting Range Coordinator, trains Ag Teachers in conducting 'live-fire' activities, including shotgun skills at the Corpus Christi Gun Club, a TPWD Target Range Grant recipient.
 Area Chief Hunter Education Instructor, Junior Munoz, Aransas NWR, conducted the 'Hunter Skill Trail" rotation at the Instructor Course for Ag Teachers. Junior hosts courses and youth hunts and works with Serve Outdoors in the Central Coast area of Texas and in the Rio Grande Valley. Thanks, Junior, for helping!
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By Michael Sabbeth - The Honorable Hunter
"Last hunting season I cooked some pheasant following a classic French recipe for chicken. The key component was the sauce. With lots of ingredients, the preparation time took hours and then three hours more in the oven. The sauce was fantastic!
I have been thinking about that sauce as I write and lecture about R3 and youth hunting programs. I’ve asked dozens of young hunters why they like to hunt. Without exception, the most frequently stated reason for their attraction is that hunting is fun. Fun—a simple word but a complex concept. When people use words, I want to know precisely what they mean. I’ve gently asked young hunters, “Why is ‘fun’ fun?
That question caused the pheasant sauce to pop into my mind. Most notable about the fabulous sauce —and this is the important point —was that the flavors of any specific ingredient—the shallots or garlic or peppercorns or even the wine, could not be isolated. The flavors from each ingredient had harmonized perfectly into something greater than the parts. The pheasant sauce is an applicable metaphor for ‘fun’ in hunting. As with the sauce, hunting ‘fun’ is the consequence, the cooking, of distinctly different but identifiable ingredients methodically orchestrated . This is important, because if we don’t make hunting fun for young hunters, to be blunt, hunting will not survive." READ MORE
Photo - Courtesy of Albert Flores TPWD Game Warden (Ret.), HE Instructor
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Shoot Out High Overall
High Overall winners of the 2022 Texas Shotgun Shootout held at the San Angelo Claybird Association. From left to right, Dason Wilcheck, Ryan “Nacho” Schmadl, and Kye Sopczak all of Barbers Hill 4-H, and Matthew Hada of Andrews 4-H. In red are presenters of the Texas 4-H state team: Sam Davis and Nathan Kerth. Below, Brent Falkenbury takes controls as he learns to become a qualified target setter & volunteer for participants at the annual Shootout.
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 Graduating senior recipients of the 2022 'Larry Ratheal Scholarship'. Congratulations to all of the sporting clay shooters at the Shootout!
 Shooters take aim at a ball cap while continuing on the tradition of “Cap Shooting” to celebrate a competitor's first 'straight'. Cap thrower Kevin Meier looks on as shooters blast away at a ball cap he tossed high.
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Charles Edenfield - Knife
Monica (Bickerstaff): "I just wanted to acknowledge the receipt of the Buck knife (Signed by the late Chuck Buck). It is very much appreciated for more than one might think. Let me explain. I was born and spent my first 23 years in San Diego, California. Buck Knives started in San Diego in 1945 and was a big deal to local outdoor enthusiasts. So, having a knife made by Buck was the goal of many San Diego folk. They were very expensive compared to many other brands, so pride of ownership - of something made locally was high. Also, the first gift my wife gave me for my birthday, just after we were married, was a Buck knife. That was almost 60 years ago, but the memory is lasting. So, please accept my gratitude for the recognition and the knife. Please share with Steve the 'specialness' of this gift. Thanks! Agape to y'all!"
- Charlie Edenfield, Fort Worth
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 Special THANKS to the Texas Hunter Education Instructor Association for sponsoring the high-level incentive awards including rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Incentive Awards are TPWD's way of thanking you annually for your valuable service!
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2022 North Texas State YHEC - June 18th Arlington Sportsman’s Club (ASC)
The Texas NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC), this time held in early summer, was a huge success thanks to the volunteers who endured the heat and humidity. Eighteen (18) teenagers (unfortunately influenced by the fact that it was Father's Day and Juneteenth weekend) participated in YHEC, held at Arlington Sportsman's Club in Mansfield. Later in July, a Texas contingent traveled to Arkansas to compete at the 2022 Central Regional YHEC Championship.
Area Chief Larry Patterson, Dallas, (L) and instructor David Hammonds, Weatherford, (R), give instructions to parents and participants during the event.
INDIVIDUALS HONORED
The Overall High Score Senior, Mary Steelman, and Junior, Justin Gossett, as well as Reserve Senior, Landon Roland and Reserve Junior Ethan Hemsath, were awarded YHEC belt buckles. A YHEC belt buckle was also awarded to Dustin Polone for the 'Sportsmanship Award'. Congratulations to all YHEC Participants who shot on the 100+ degree day!
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 Gary Jobe, Central Region YHEC Chairman in Arkansas, said, "I once again want to congratulate all the winners and thank all the competitors, coaches, volunteers, and family/friends for making the 2022 Championship one of the best! I also want to recognize, once again, our special award recipients:
- "Sportsmanship of the Year" - Logan Andrus, Louisiana Jr Bronze Team
- "Volunteers of the Year" - Jay and Denise Bird, Florida
Texas Junior Rednecks Team competitors did well at the Central Regional Finals including Landon Roland (Top Individual Archery) and Justin Gossett (Top Individual Shotgun). Ethan Hemsath and Cody Rantala also competed well for the Juniors, as did Carlos Reyes, the only TX Individual competing at the Senior level.
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Mr. and Mrs. Spradlin
Randy Spradlin, W TX Hunter Education Specialist, and Monica Harward got hitched on July 16th in Springtown. Since then, Monica volunteered at the Ag Teachers Association of Texas alongside her husband, doubling up hunter education efforts wherever they go. She also attended the Student Air Rifle Program training (conducted by Randy) and became a certified BARI. Congratulations, you two, and thanks for extending the capabilities of the Hunter Education Team!
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 L to R: Alyssa Dieckman, Caroline Harward, Marin Harward, Melodie Daniels, Lauren Smith, Monica & Randy Spradlin, Eric Estill, Larry Wilson, Chad Keener, Tray Crawford, and Hunter Education Instructor, Robert Ramirez, Ft. Worth.
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Hunter/Bowhunter Ed Training
A total of 27 instructors and applicants attended the Combo Hunter Ed/Bowhunter Ed Instructor Course held on Sunday July 31st in Baytown at the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center. Area Chief Hunter Education Instructors, Brent Beamesderfer - Dayton, Cheryl LeJune - Tomball, Clint Narcisse - Humble, and Tom Stashak, Jr. - Pearland, conducted portions of the training. Heidi Rao, SE Hunter Education TX Specialist, organized the event in her region. She was joined by Central Texas Specialist, Morgan Harbison, who assisted Heidi and met instructors from his region.
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Rao said, "Participants were taken through the Program, Policies, Procedures, and updates for the Hunter and Bowhunter Instructor courses. We had a fantastic hands-on skills trail with participants breaking into groups and coming up with great new scenarios for safe, legal, and ethical hunting practices. During the bowhunter education portion, we used Genesis bows (indoors) for the live-fire exercise. Participants traveled as far away as the Valley (Brownsville), East Texas (Crockett and Huntsville), and deep East Texas (near Jasper). This was a great bunch of instructors and new candidates – we’re glad to have all of you on board with your great ideas and plans to teach classes and 101’s! Welcome aboard!"
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 L to R: (Front) Clint Narcisse, Cheryl LeJune, Chris Martinez, Ivan Benavides, Tom Stashak, Ivan Benavides Jr, Dylan Martinez, Jonathan Arizmendez, Brent Beamesderfer, (Middle) John Masterson, Phil Urso, Michael Maiden, Christopher Pace, John Polasek, Katie Pace, Marco Esparaza, (Back) Felipe Cervantes, Ronald Martin, Kenneth Brown, David Keck, Jeremy Reese, Don Carter, Duane Clark, Corey Spriggs, Richard Moore, Mark Wofford
Staff: Morgan Harbison (C TX) and Heidi Rao (SE TX Hunter Ed Specialist)
Junior Shooting Sports
The Junior Shooting Sports Program is sponsored by the American Legion. The National Championship is held yearly with the top 15 of each class. The top three in the Precision class are (L to R) Camryn Camp, Mikole Hogan and Elizabeth Probst. Hunter Education Instructor, Sandy Mason, Joshua, said, "I was invited to be on the National Staff and work as a line officer for the competition. Elizabeth is in the Granbury HS Junior ROTC program. Mikole Hogan shoots for the 'Texas Houston Hotshots' and is a senior heading to Texas Christian University to be on their air rifle team."
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STEAM Camp - Forney ISD
Forney ISD STEAM Camp - Archery students, along with instructors, Jill Smith, Terrell (L - Forney ISD Officer), and Rodger Kuhl (R - Back Row), got a dose of the "11 steps to archery success" at a recent camp in North Texas. Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Hunter Education Specialist, said, "Jill is one of our volunteer Hunter Education Instructors and is a former Irving Police Officer serving as a coach for their Irving Police Athletic League.
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 Instructor Jill Smith (L) said, "Forney ISD STEAM camps allow students to participate various programs of interest from cake baking to robotics and archery. In this case, I put together a STEAM camp for the Physics of Archery since camps must include teachable elements from the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math (STEAM) as well as fun, hands-on learning. This is our second year to have the camp and work in conjunction with Texas Parks & Wildlife." She added, "During the week, the kids get to do in-class projects that help them explore and understand concepts of physics such as the Archer's Paradox, potential energy, kinetic energy, trajectory, etc. We experimented with not only different bow weights (approx. 12 pounds, to 15 pounds, to 20 pounds) and how that affects the flight of the arrow and whether or not the arrow has enough energy to penetrate the target. We also experimented with distances from target. The archery instruction was based on NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) principles."
Smith noted that their last day culminated in a physics and archery challenge, "Students participated in a written physics and archery test as well as an archery course challenge. The archery challenge involved a series of ten (10) targets. Targets consisted of large bags (some with playing cards and balloons) as well as 3-D target animals and NASP bows supplied by our friends at Texas Parks and Wildlife; many thanks to Monica Bickerstaff for being extremely helpful both last year and this year." I'm sure Smith smiled as she concluded, "The day ended with pizza and fun!" Congratulations for a most inventive combination at the PAL Camp!
 JLBar Ranch, Sonora, hosted the 1st Annual San Angelo SCI Hunter Ed Camp
L to R: JD Verfurth, San Angelo Chapter SCI Board Member, Randy Spradlin, W TX Hunter Education Specialist, Chloe Smallwood, Bryce Carr, Peighton Strickland, Sutton Lampier, Sam Kuykendall, JL Bar Sign, Gage Jacoby (in back) Ryland Redden (front), Carter Hohensee, Knox Karcher, Lance Ripple, Alan McClain, San Angelo SCI Chapter President, Todd Roggenkamp, SCI Foundation Assistant Director of Education, & TPW Game Warden, Chris Frey
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SAR Appoints NEW SAR Tournament Director
"I am excited to be taking on the role of Tournament Director for Student Air Rifle (SAR) Program for the upcoming season. I would like to take a moment to give you a little background about myself and what lead me to SAR. I am also asking your ideas as we move forward toward adding state and national SAR tournaments!
A little of my background and what has led me to the SAR organization. I am currently an agricultural instructor with the Senath-Hornersville School District (12 years) in Southern Missouri, where we have a very active FFA with livestock, contest teams, trap shooting and last but certainly not least, air rifle. My youngest daughter threw me a curve in 6th grade when she came home and wanted to join our local 4-H Shooting Sports Club. Little did I know how this move would change my world over the course of the next 6 years! Through 4-H in Arkansas, I would become trained in rifle and pistol. Active main leader in county 4-H SS with one of my main roles being the head coach for BB. When SAR come into Southeast Missouri, I was excited to add that certification and program to my FFA. Watching my youngest daughter grow and excel in the shooting sports world was the biggest reason why I added a shooting program for my students. There is nothing better than watching your students grow in the sport!!
Now onto the real purpose of this email…TOURNAMENTS!!! The SAR organization wants to expand this area of our program. We would love for your state to put on a state tournament, currently MO is our only state tournament, and I am here to help you with that, so please just reach out to me and I can get you started down that path!
I am currently working on a guideline/handbook and look forward to sharing that completed project with you in the near future."
Shoot for Success!! Lesley Newsom; SAR Tournament Director
 Ag Teachers Association of Texas SAR Instructor Course Held
L to R: Randy Spradlin, W TX Hunter Education Specialist/SAR Instructor, trained the following Ag Teachers (and one volunteer - Monica) as the most recent SAR Instructors: Curtis Jacks, Billy Schares, Joevanna Sanchez, Monica Spradlin, Misty Day, Courtney Merrell, Wayne Hux II, and Ray Lopez. Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator (photographer), also served as an instructor. All received their Basic Air Rifle Instructors (BARI) ratings and certifications.
Midway USA Foundation's Air Gun Training Camp
Hello there Jake (Hindman - SAR Program Director) -
I just wanted to make sure you were aware of a cool event we have happening in September. We’re offering an Air Gun Training Camp for 20 athletes to train with Olympians. The event will take place in Indiana at a great facility of one of our teams. There will be Olympic shooters and coaches there, and we’ll offer instruction on rifle and pistol. The spots are very limited, only 20 available. We do have some filled already but wanted to make sure a fellow Air Gun partner (TPWD SAR Program Participants) was aware of the opportunity. LEARN HERE FOR MORE INFO! Registrations do benefit the endowment of the participant’s choice. Let us know if you have questions and feel free to share this with your constituents. Thanks!
Dani Farris, Marketing Manager midwayusafoundation.org
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Online Bowhunter Education
As required by 2014 TPWD Commission Rule, an Online only Hunter Education Course, including Bowhunter Education, could be taken by those 17 years of age and older to qualify for certification. However, until 2021, An Online only NBEF- approved bowhunter education course was not established in Texas via online vendors. That has been rectified, so those (17 and older) wishing to get certified in online onlybowhunter education have an added method beyond classroom and Internet + Field Offerings. Those needing a "bow shooting competency test" (per regulations in some jurisdictions such as Alaska) involving shooting 3-D targets at unknown distances, can still take such a test with a bowhunter education instructor trained to give such hands-on challenges. For information about bowhunter education, please consult with your regional hunter education specialists.
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 Texas Youth Hunting Program has several Huntmaster Trainings in September. To sign-up for a Huntmaster Training event, you will first need to Create a Volunteer Account with TPWD. Please click here and be sure to complete your account information. To register for a training event, please click here to sign up via the Texas Wildlife Association website events listing. The cost for TWA members to attend the training is $55, if you are not yet a TWA member the cost is $90.
**TPWD EMPLOYEES ARE EXEMPT FROM HUNTMASTER TRAINING FEES.
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National Shooting Complex
Friday, Sept. 9, 2022; 7:30am-2pm
5931 Roft Road, San Antonio
Danny Shaw, with Operation Game Thief, invites hunters, target shooters and hunter education instructors to "come out and join us for a day of fun and help us support conservation and Texas Game Wardens!" Click on this OGT Flyer. Register online at ogttx.org,
or by contacting Crystie Shibley at Texas Parks and Wildlife.
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IHEA-USA has recently unveiled their new FIREARM FUNDAMENTALS courses including SHOTGUN, HANDGUN and RIFLE FUNDAMENTALS. They have been linked to our Hunting 101 pages (now entitled Firearm and Hunting 101 Courses) at the Texas Parks and Wildlife web site.
 INSTRUCTOR DISCOUNT UPDATE
It was an AMAZING month for NEW Instructor Discounts! Check out all our new partners today!
To take advantage of these and other valuable offers to instructors, head over to the IHEA Instructor Discount Page today!
THANKS to all our 2022 Annual Sponsors!
 Texas Hunter Education Instructor Discount Offer from West Texas
Randy (Spradlin): Hope all is well! We have Pulsar Thermion XG50 Thermal Riflescopes in stock! The Law Enforcement/Government (Texas Hunter Education Instructor) price is $3,440.00. If you have any questions or want to place any orders while they last, please let me know and I will get you taken care of...
Nathan Allender, Senior Law Enforcement Sales Rep., Sellmark Corporation
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ARIZONA
One of Terry's favorite places was the Ben Avery Shooting Facility (AZGFD) in Phoenix, Arizona, where he attended several meetings and field days over the years. Hunter Education Coordinator, Scott Lavin, said, "We had a memorial for Terry today. I lined my staff up on the Hunter Ed shooting range. I read from Terry's article and recognized his tenure, program accomplishments, and awards." Thanks, Scott, and AZFGD Staff! Terry is smiling down on you!
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TENNESSEE
Terry was remembered in the Volunteer State of Tennessee thanks to Hunter Education Coordinator and fellow, former IHEA-USA President, Randy Huskey. Specifically, Terry's memory lives at the Stones River Hunter Education Training Center and Gun Range. It is fitting that Terry's memory include places where hunter education and live-fire experiences are taught -- his life-long passion and avocation, which he made his vocation for much of his life. Thanks Randy and TWRA!
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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
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.
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CO-OP Grant Writing Workshops Continue...
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, including hunter education and youth hunting programs. They 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!
* 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.
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 (L to R) - Brock Minton (South TX - Corpus Christi); Heidi Rao (Southeast TX - Houston); Steve Hall - Hunter Education Coordinator - Austin (HQ); Randy Spradlin (West TX - Abilene State Park); Monica Bickerstaff (North TX - DFW); Morgan Harbison (Central TX & Mobile Shooting Sports Coordinator - College Station)
Brock Minton, Corpus Christi: brock.minton@tpwd.texas.gov; 361-944-3617c
Heidi Rao, Houston: heidi.rao@tpwd.texas.gov; 713-829-1377c
Steve Hall, Austin: steve.hall@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-389-8140w; 512-550-7330c
Randy Spradlin, Abilene: randy.spradlin@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-923-3509c
Monica Bickerstaff, D/FW: monica.bickerstaff@tpwd.texas.gov; 469-601-8349c
Morgan Harbison, Bryan/CS: morgan.harbison@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-413-0194c
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Hunter Education Overview | Instructor Resources | Student Resources
Operation Game Thief | Texas Game Warden Association
Texas Youth Hunting Program | Texas 4-H Shooting Sports
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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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