Celebrating 50 Years of Success

1972 - Pivotal Year for Hunter Ed!

This past year, along with celebrating 50 years of hunter education in Texas and 50 years since the formation of the national, professional association now called the International Hunter Education Association-USA, I celebrated my own 50-year milestone in hunter education.

I took the student course in Colorado in 1972, thrilled to have participated in a week-long YMCA hunter education nightly class, culminating with shooting ten rounds from a .22 caliber rifle at the local armory that Saturday, and taking the final exam. I remember scoring a 98, accidentally not marking an answer -- Rats!

Millions of individuals have likewise graduated as students, some going on to BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR and volunteer for their state or provincial fish and wildlife agencies.  Instructors "give back" their knowledge, skills, and, especially, their responsible outdoor attitudes! A lucky few of us made our volunteer work a profession -- a career. Hunter Education became both an avocation and vocation!  

We can all be proud of playing a role in the most historic, long-term conservation education program and success in North America. Hunter Education is the primary reason that hunting accident rates are at all-time lows, compliance to hunting regulations at all-time highs, and the image of hunting and hunters at a much higher standard. Congratulations to all involved in hunter education - past and present. 

Photo:  Recognizing Terry Erwin, former Texas Hunter Education Coordinator, as an inductee into the IHEA Hall of Fame was a highlight for me as an IHEA Lifetime Member (currently 38 years), past president (1993-1995), and executive director for IHEA-USA (2013-2015).

Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator

Henry Repeating Arms - "Golden Boy" .22 Rifles

Anthony Imperato, owner of Henry Repeating Arms, has long supported hunter education programs throughout the United States by donating two rifles each year to participating states, including the Texas Hunter Education Program for over two decades.  Rifles such as the Golden Boy, have been used to train hundreds of thousands of hunter education students in live-fire exercises to acquaint them with safe, responsible target shooting and hunting practices.  Imperato says, “Henry owners have my personal guarantee to make certain that they are 100% satisfied with their purchase of our rifles. If you are going to spend your money on a Henry, I can assure you that we will do whatever it takes to make sure that you are happy that you bought a Henry.”

In October, David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. was named executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, beginning in 2023 for retiring director, Carter Smith, who certainly leaves very big shoes to fill. (See November Target Talk.) Yoskowitz moves on from his role as senior executive director and Endowed Chair for Socioeconomics at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

From the October 5th TPWD News Release, “As an avid outdoorsman, David lives the mission of TPWD,” said Chairman Arch “Beaver” Aplin III. His business and economic acumen in the field of our cultural and natural resources will suit TPWD perfectly. David will continue a culture of inclusion with stakeholders and staff at the agency. Sixteen years at the Harte Institute in Corpus Christi has been a wonderful training ground preparing David to be our new executive director. Carter Smith will be missed immensely, but I could not be happier handing off the baton to David Yoskowitz.”  WELCOME, Dr. Yoskowitz, from Hunter Education!

Johnnie Smith Retires

After nearly 8 1/2 years, Outreach and Education Director, Johnnie Smith, retired the last day of November.

After a long career in the Air Force, followed by a career as an educator at the Texas State Aquarium and an administrator in the school system, Johnnie joined the team at TPWD as the Conservation Education Manager for the Education and Outreach branch in the Communications Division. During this time, he compiled and edited the Texas Waters: Exploring Water and Watersheds curriculum. In September 2017, Johnnie became Education and Outreach Director overseeing the hunter education program alongside angler, aquatic, boater and conservation education and outreach programs. Johnnie is an avid bowhunter and enjoys exploring Texas State Parks with his wife Cappy (TPWD retired). In retirement, Johnnie plans to spend his time with family and continue to enjoy birding, hunting, camping and other outdoor adventures. Johnnie knows that “life really is better outdoors!”

The Hunter Education Program will miss your leadership, Johnnie! Godspeed!

In 2018, Heidi Rao, BOW Coordinator, was joined by Master Falconer, John Karger, founder of Last Chance Forever, a San Antonio bird rescue center and conservancy, and his longtime assistant, Kelly Rainer (R). They will once again present and fly their birds of prey at the 30-year BOW Reunion. For more information or to be added to the BOW database to be notified of upcoming events, email:  Heidi.Rao@tpwd.texas.gov

MORE INFO HERE!

University of Houston - Clear Lake

December 10th - 8:45 a.m.– 3:30 p.m.
February 4th - 8:45 a.m.– 3:30 p.m. (repeat of December session)

We offer the opportunity for girls to learn new skills associated with outdoor activities in a safe environment. This free program is geared toward girls in 6th through 12th grade. All activities are outside. Low income and minority students are strongly encouraged to attend.

Registration is FREE and opens on October 24 for the December session and December 12 for the February session. A confirmation letter, map, and information on what to bring will be emailed to the address provided during registration. Space is limited; registration is required. A wait list is available.  Questions? Send us an email at eih@uhcl.edu.

2022 Texas State Instructor of the Year

Jose Garcia - Irving

An instructor since 1993, Garcia earned his Texas Hunter Education Hall of Fame Award in 2009 and is credited with over 2,500 students.  He is an active “huntmaster” for the Texas Youth Hunting Program, conducting youth hunts for over 24 years.  He has participated in many outreach events including the Dallas Safari Club/Dallas Ecological Foundation “SAFETY” event held semiannually for 250 youth participating in all shooting disciplines, hunter skills and wildlife activities. At a recent instructor's conference, Garcia said, “I will continue to serve the youth of Texas. It is a great thing we do getting kids outdoors!”

2021 "Eddie Kleppinger" Next Generation Award

Jason Milholen, Waxahachie

"Jason became certified as a volunteer hunter and boater education instructor in August 2020. He literally hit the ground running - certifying 228 hunter education students in that first year. 'Coach' Milholen teaches Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation's Outdoor Adventures (Education) Curriculum at Earl & Marthalu Dieterich Middle School, Midlothian. He continues his streak, certifying 138 hunter education students, thus far, in 2022. Amanda Rodgers, Dieterich Middle School Principal, said their Outdoor Education course is one of the school’s most popular programs, so much so that they are looking at enhancing the program with other outdoor education opportunities. Congratulations and thank you, Jason!" - Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Hunter Education Specialist

2021 Legacy Award

Bill McCubbin - Amarillo

Randy Spradlin, W TX Hunter Education Specialist, finally caught up with William “Bill” McCubbin to honor him with a Legacy Award.  Bill has been a volunteer, including becoming one of the first Area Chiefs, in Amarillo since 1982. He attended all six "NAAHSC" Academy workshops in the eighties and reached the Hall of Fame in 2002.  He has earned 8,000+ incentive points and certified nearly 1,000 students. He taught many years at Amarillo College and more recently at the Amarillo Rifle and Pistol Club with fellow instructors, Wayne Ellis and Tom King. Congratulations, Bill, for your LEGACY effort, which continues today! Keep on keeping on!

2021 West Texas Regional Instructor of the Year

Jeff Srygley - Amarillo

Jeff said, "I enjoy the comradery of the hunt and the outdoors --  sitting in a sunflower patch waiting on the dove to come in, then telling about all of the great shots made or not made while you are cleaning the birds with everyone.The memories that I cherish the most are doing this with my grandad (before he passed away) and my dad. My grandad would stop whatever he was doing to go hunting with us. As a kid, of course, you wanted to see the birds to shoot. My grandad didn’t care if he got to shoot any or not. He was always letting me take the first shot. As a kid, I didn’t understand this. My dad would do the same thing if my grandad couldn’t go for some reason. I miss those times. As I have gotten older and taken my own kids to hunt, I understand and cherish why they did that.”

Photo: Shane Lewis, Game Warden (L), and Randy Spradlin, W TX Hunter Education Specialist (R), presented Jeff his Instructor of the Year Award while Jeff was volunteering at the JNC Archery Fall Festival & Family Night

City Kids Adventures

Doing it Right!

Hunter Education Instructor, Leon McNeil, San Antonio, and his wife, Leticia and son, LeeCharles, recently featured in TPWD Magazine, have introduced hundreds of kids into the outdoors using long-term strategies, discipline and year-round engagement.  In November, at Deer Creek Whitetails, Harrell Whitetail and Holt Ranches, private ranch sponsors of City Kids Adventures, Leon & Leticia led several hunts which also included hunter education (below), and shotgun shooting with instructors, Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, and Area Chief, Jimmie Caughron, Ballinger (blue shirt).

NSCA National Championships

National Sporting Complex - San Antonio, October 29, 2002

Morgan Harbison, Mobile Sporting Clays Coordinator and C TX Hunter Education Specialist, ran the WHIZ Bang Finals during the NSCA National Championships and reported on the many winners including Senior 1 division second place winner, Eduardo Barrera from Guadalupe County 4-H, shown here with his assortment of prizes including a Browning rifle, Vortex scope, lifetime NSCA membership, and more. Congrats WHIZ Bang finalists!

Bo Hancock - TPWD Law Enforcement Game Warden

TPWD News Release - Nov. 3rd

With only six years as a game warden under his belt, Bo Hancock has proven himself a formidable resource in the field. Serving first in The U.S. Air Force, then as a warden in Presidio and Brewster Counties, he set himself apart by cultivating supportive relationships inside and outside the game warden community. Externally, Bo created opportunities to share an appreciation of nature with younger generations through kid fish events, water safety programs and wildlife identification teams.

Internally, he leads the Critical Incident Response Team, a role he has held for three years. The team is specially trained to focus on supporting wardens, fellow law enforcement and community members who have experienced traumatic incidents. Through patience and connection, Bo helps unite communities after tragedy and utilizes his insight to teach his fellow wardens.

While stationed in Brewster County, Warden Hancock served as an ambassador across the agency assisting with numerous search and rescue operations in the Big Bend area. He continues to strengthen state and local partnerships while exemplifying service in the field. Photo: Arch "Beaver" Aplin, III - TPWD Commission Chairman, and Carter Smith - TPWD Executive Director, present Bo with the recently established "Game Warden of the Year" Award.

" Samuel (Green), and I taught private courses on October 27th and November 3rd. The first was a set of twin brothers (R), and we had a great time! They were so fun! Opening weekend they texted me to share their excitement about getting a doe. That's part of what makes teaching so rewarding! 

On the 3rd we had three students (below). They came prepared! We had a brother, sister and a friend. They had obviously taken the on-line class seriously. It's great to get kids prepared to be safe, ethical, and legal! And it's great to see parents interested in doing it right with their kids! My phone has been buzzing with requests for more courses. We have two more larger classes in December."

Bonita Green - Hunter Education Instructor, Poteet

Pelzel, from Victoria, added, "A big thank you to our volunteer HE Area Chief Instructor, Junior Munoz - Austwell (L - orange cap), for leading the course and helping with live-fire exercises, the 'hunter safety trail (below) and with supplies/set-up. (His) teamwork and flexibility was greatly appreciated!

Also, thank you to TPWD Game Warden Korina Ramirez - Victoria, our partners and staff out at the Powderhorn WMA (Dan, Tori, and Jeremy) for welcoming us with open arms and providing a clean, safe environment to host the field course."

Pelzel concluded by thanking her law enforcement office staff, "Rachael and Sue - Thanks for your help in the office with gathering supplies needed for our license demonstration and helping track down the course materials! You two make a huge difference and we all appreciate your endless help."

Wild Game 101

Area Chief HE Instructor, Gary Glass - Eola (L), assists during the wild game processing workshop.  Participants at the workshop learned the steps it takes to take an animal "from field to fork".  Hunter Education Instructor, Travis Long took the participants through the field dressing steps prior to the dynamic Glass husband and wife duo took participants through the proper processing and packaging steps.

IHEA-USA Canada Honors Terry

"This summer our IHEA Canada Conference was held in beautiful Canmore Alberta, in late August. We toured through Banff and Lake Louise, carrying the ashes of Terry. We left him in Canmore in a beautiful spot along the Bow River. Please forward the pictures to his wife, Burna, for us." Kindest Regards,

Shawna Bellavance, SAFE General Manager and IHEA Canada President

Special thanks to Peter Palmer, New Brunswick, who "took a few moments on our bus tour to tell everyone about Terry, and express his wife’s wishes," added Shawna, "There was also a prayer and a moment of silence for him when we were at the river’s edge." Photo: Joining Shawna (middle) and Peter (spreading ashes) were other Canadian hunter ed administrators including Jim Welsh - Yukon Territory, Vincent Casey - Northwest Territories, Reg Madden - Nova Scotia, and Ross Bernard - Prince Edward Island, and an IHEA partner, Greg Gulliver (r) with Kalkomey Enterprises, the company that provides the student hunter education manual and Online web courses used in most states and provinces. Also in attendance were others from Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario (photographer: IHEA-Canada executive director, Len Dickinson)

Iowa -- "Is this Heaven?"

From Megan Wisecup, Iowa DNR Education, Outreach and Marketing Section Supervisor and longtime IHEA - USA Board Member and Past - President

"We honored Terry's last wish in Iowa at our annual hunter education team meeting.  The meeting was held at the brand new Wapsi River Environmental Education Center located along the Wapsipinicon River.  The location consists of 225 acres of upland and bottom-land forests, grasslands, and wetlands.  The Wapsi Center, along with Sherman Park across the river, provides a 432-acre complex offering a wide variety of uses including hiking, nature studying, bird watching, photography, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing/kayaking, and picnicking.

Team Photo (L to R): Jeff Barnes (Recreational Safety Officer), Jamie Cook (Hunter Education Administrator), Terry Nims (Recreational Safety Officer), Gus Elliott (Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor/Temporary DNR Staff), and AJay Winter (Western Outdoor Skills Specialist) 

The Center, operated by the Scott County Conservation Board, also provides a shooting range in support of hunter education courses and a team's course under the direct supervision of staff by scheduling for such programming. Center staff is also trained as National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) instructors to teach and conduct international style archery to both students and educators.

Terry's ashes were spread within and along the banks of the Wapsipincon River on a beautiful late fall day at this pristine center that is representative of his accomplished career and life-long passions.  

California - Wrapping Up Terry's Last Wish!

With California, Terry Erwin's last wish of having his ashes spread throughout the United States -- states he visited as he served the hunter education community -- has come true!  His memory also extends to Canada (see above), Mexico and Peru -- all jurisdictions where Terry played an integral role in the expansion of hunter education programs. The Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles was an appropriate final resting spot by which Terry's wish and journey have been fulfilled.  He was fond of the time when the IHEA annual meeting was hosted in California, where he was elected to serve as IHEA President (2 yrs). We miss you, Terry! 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from TPWD Staff!

The Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years holidays are special times of year when it comes to heading outdoors and to go hunting at a colder time of year, when everything seems a little magical.

Here's hoping you and your families get to go hunting this holiday season and share wild game and memories with family and friends! Most importantly, we hope your holiday hunts are FUN, SAFE and RESPONSIBLE -- the way we do it in HUNTER EDUCATION!

Thanks for another great year of Accomplishments (FY22)!

• 51,712 students enrolled; 51,322 certified; 5,244 Courses
• 273 New Instructors Certified
• 3,777 Active Instructors (Note: 0 deactivated during COVID)
• 24,474 Hours Volunteer In-kind Contributions Documented
• 872 Bowhunter Education Students
• 6,864 Hunter Education Outreach Participants
• 22,835 Shooting Sports Participants
• 1,028 TYHP Youth Hunters; 219 Hunts
• 544 4-H Master Volunteers Trained

Kevin Vo - Hunter Ed Administrative Asst

512-389-4999 - General Hunter Ed Hotline

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

Email Support: Instructor@tpwd.texas.gov

Please contact your regional staff member (see below) for assistance, especially questions regarding the Online Registration System and setting up or closing out your courses!  "If your regional staff specialist is not available, feel free to contact me (Kevin) or Steve (Hunter Education Coordinator) for help -- or just to say HELLO!