Backbone of Hunter Education

VOLUNTEER Hunter Education Instructors have been around in Texas since 1972 and volunteers for the Texas Youth Hunting Program (e.g., "Huntmasters", chefs, guides, hunter educators & parents, etc.) since 1996.

I personally get a kick out of meeting 3rd and even 4th generation VOLUNTEERS from the same family. Many not only give back of their own knowledge, skills, and great attitudes, but they also extend that "way of life" to their kids and their kid's kids. This is the essence of a true hunting heritage -- not only going through the "Phases of Hunting" (see Phases below), personally, but sharing our hunter education heritage as a way of life for family, relatives and friends.

My hat's off to all of YOU who have shared your love of teaching with family members, relatives & friends.  You also can feel good about the fact that actively volunteering for a cause & passion extends your life by seven (7) years!

Photo: Kitty & James Haynes, Richmond (see 'In Memory' below), introduced hunter education to four generations of students and involved their son, Jamie (R), early on, in their teaching efforts. Here they accept the 2019 Team Award from Heidi Rao, SE Regional Hunter Education Specialist. Kitty and Jamie continue teaching at places like the Long Acres Ranch with a team of instructors, and even though Jim passed away this past month, they still brought his spirit and legacy to the SE TX Instructor Meeting at HSCF Convention. (See below.) 

What a 'Legacy' Family! So sorry for your loss, Kitty, Jamie & Haynes Family -- a great loss to our hunter education family!  Jim was a great man and instructor!

Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator

After the safety briefing, TPWD Game Wardens Dustin Fleming (L) and Tommy Johnson led the discussion on legal deer hunting in Texas. It was a glorious evening, and we enjoyed the stroll back to camp. We hosted 54 youth hunters, each with an adult guardian, with many bringing additional non-hunting family members to have a total of 135 guests, led by 45 volunteers, from Huntmasters, range masters, cooks, guides and general support.

SPECIAL THANKS to the Austin Woods & Waters Club (McBride Foundation), Nature Conservancy in Texas , E-5 Ranches, Republic Ranches, Virtual CFO, VDP Partners, Capital Farm Credit, Gillespie County Farm Bureau, Kent & Josie Brenneman, John Alford, Linda Campbell, Jack Nash, Tom Hewitt and Shannon Hasan. 

IT'S GREAT TO BE ALIVE AND BE IN TEXAS!!!."

Doug DuBois, Jr., Lead Huntmaster, AWW Member and Hunter Ed Instructor

Photo:  Superhunt Founders & Longtime Leaders of the SUPER HUNT - (L to R) Kent Brenneman, Doug DuBois, Jr., and Ronnie Ottmers.

Ransom Belton - Crockett, TYHP Huntmaster & Hunter Education Instructor (R), worked hard checking in deer as they were brought back to camp.  Here, he works with TPWD biologists, (L to R) Megan Granger - Wildlife Biologist, Mike Miller - Wildlife District  Leader, and Blake Hendon, District Wildlife Biologist, who collected Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) samples and recorded weight and age data for the hunt -- a task that helps the Cave Creek Wildlife Management Association track trend data for their ranches. Below, Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, runs the archery range as part of learning activities at the Hunt.

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. Our members come from a diverse background and have a wide variety of hunting, fishing, outdoor and other interests. But they all have one thing in common-their passion for the outdoors, a love of hunting, a commitment to the responsible management of our national resources, the education of future generations and the responsibilities of being hunter-conservationists. 

Many thanks to HSCF for their continued support of the Texas Hunter Education program!  Each year they offer meeting space for the annual Southeast Texas regional meeting and update, and provide a day pass to HSCF Worldwide Hunting Expo and Convention to all Instructors in attendance. Joe Betar, Executive Director (above), opened the meeting and thanked all who were in attendance.  He provided information about the mission and conservation efforts not only locally through scholarships and projects, but HSCF's efforts reaching communities and wildlife populations worldwide.

Huntmaster's 1st TYHP Hunt!

"This is my favorite thing I get to do each year. We had one of our hunters take his first deer and we all know how big a moment that is! Three of four hunters took home a cooler of meat. We were on a beautiful ranch in San Saba which a very generous landowner shared with us -- an incredible place! I could sit every day on that back porch overlooking the San Saba River! Thanks to our guides, Michael Turner,  Michael Winn, and Doug Johnson, who took  time to teach these young hunters more about hunting, conservation, calling turkey, skinning game, shot placement, and general hunting knowledge. Thanks, too, to Bob Barnette for helping me get my Huntmaster certification and trusting me to lead this hunt!!   Bob also was a guide on this hunt and helped keep me on track. The Texas Youth Hunting Program is an incredible organization that touches the lives of so many youth and parents. If you are not taking advantage of these opportunities, you are missing out!" 

- Tj Goodpasture, Director of Development, Texas Wildlife Association

To be a Huntmaster, you will first need to Create a Volunteer Account with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Then, to register for one of the training events listed above, go to Texas Wildlife Association's Events Listing. The training cost for TWA members is $55. If you are not yet a TWA member the cost is $90.

Veteran Huntmaster's 7th Year in TYHP

"After 7 years, it never gets old to lead a Texas Youth Hunting Program hunt this weekend with a lucky six hunters - continuing their learning of what is takes to have a safe, legal, and ethical hunting (and fishing) outing in Texas. These hunts are available year round, check the website for more information. These hunters had to complete a 6 hour safety course ( Hunter Education Class) become an accurate marksman ( at minimum 100 yds.), purchase a hunting license, and then apply for these types of all year round hunting experiences for mainly new  or beginner hunters. As a TYHP Huntmaster, I’m honored to be part of this organization -- to teach our youth about the safe world of hunting, and teaching them where we can get wholesome, organic food (from "field to fork") for the table." Vincent Lecca (L), Area Chief Hunter Education Instructor, Driftwood

Tornado Hits Pasadena Memorial HS

"Heidi:  We are all fine but did take some damage. The barn where we shoot archery and the garage, we store stuff in took minimal damage but the classroom and our enclosed trailer got hit pretty hard. My truck also caught the brunt of the tornado. They’re assessing damage now and deciding on what to do about school the rest of the week. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for checking in!"

- Sonny Mills, Hunter Ed Instructor

"Hello Brock! Samuel and I taught Hunter Education in Leming. Twenty students signed up and 15 plus several showed up. It’s enjoyable to see parents bringing their kids to the class and sticking around and attend themselves. We are blessed to get to be a part of teaching safe, ethical, and legal hunting!"  Bonita & Samuel Green, Poteet

David Baxter, Houston, goes on hunt he won at 2022 Instructor Conference 

L to R: Daryl Wade, Houston Astros Youth Academy Director, Duke Walton, Area Chief - Porter, and David Baxter, Hunter Education Instructor - Houston, posed for a photo during hunt hosted by Duke and provided by Bob Boswell, Area Chief, Georgetown. The hunt was a drawing on behalf of Texas State Rifle Association for any Hunter Education Instructor that signed up for a TSRA Membership.  Bob is the TSRA Hunting & Wildlife Director and Duke a Regional Director.  Dave ended up taking a 4 1/2-year-old 8-point buck! Congratulations Dave!

Dave Richards, Hunter Ed Partner 

Dave was an author, along with Al Brothers, of the book, "Observing and Evaluating Whitetails" and pamphlet entitled "Aging Whitetail Bucks on the Hoof"- both available to hunter education instructors for Deer Hunting 101 Workshops or for special recognition of sponsors.

"Richards Outdoor Photography is conducting another Waterfowl Photography Workshop to supplement their recent, successful White-tailed Deer Photography Workshop (See below.)

WATERFOWL Photography Workshop

Feb 23-25th, Rockport

We we'll be at the Port Bay Club in Rockport this year. Learn more at REGISTRATION LINK. https://www.richardsoutdoorphotography.com/

Good friend and renowned photographer David J. Sams (Lone Star Outdoor News) is joining us. Spots are limited.  Sure hope you can join us. Let me know if you have any questions. Dave Richards - Richards Outdoor Photography, LLC   (Photo by Pete Nuij)

drichards@hgreps.com;  www.richardsoutdoorphotography.com

Handgun 101 + Deer Hunt - Cline

The "Dynamic Hunter Education Duo" from Uvalde, David & Susan Rios, also held a "Handgun 101" Workshop in January. To kick off the workshop, the Rios's covered, safety, laws, nomenclature, and handgun shooting techniques followed by a sighting in session at the range. After that, they tested their pistols, shooting skills and new knowledge on white-tailed deer at the Harris Ranch near Cline, Texas. 

Daniel Tidwell harvested this nice doe during the follow-up hunt held in conjunction with the Handgun 101 workshop. Along with other participants and the instructor, David Rios, several deer were effectively taken using both scoped and open sight handguns brought to the workshop by the participants.  Hunting 101s may encompass and or all of the following:

• Classroom (1/2 day),
• Field & live fire (1/2 day),  
• Actual hunt (1 or 1 1/2-day follow-up hunt).

David Rios also took this nice doe during the follow-up hunt at the Harris Ranch. To set up a Hunting 101 Workshop, you simply need the expertise (or can solicit services of others who are experts). Set up the course just like you would a hunter education student course at your ORS dashboard.  The options are to charge $15 per student for materials, handouts, etc. or to host such a workshop for FREE -- your choice! Hunting 101s serve as ADVANCED HUNTER EDUCATION opportunities -- by method and/or species - to give students opportunities to learn and experience more, as they put their basic knowledge, skills and attitudes, learned in the student course, to work!  And you can host a hunt following the workshop, many of you using your training as at TYHP or LTH (TX Wildlife Association) "Huntmaster"!

A total of 29 hunters participated over a five (5) day period in a Waterfowl 101 conducted in Cactus, TX.  Special thanks to Everett Timmons and the City of Cactus for hosting the workshop and hunt. Successful good hunters included Paige McCain (L), a graduate from Texas Tech University, but who is a now a game warden stationed in Edwards County. Neely Cross, Lubbock, and is a Texas Tech student. 

Special thanks to Delta Waterfowl for their support for this hunt.  As part of their R3 initiative, students from Texas Tech’s Wildlife Association were introduced to a successful hunt.  The students completed Hunter Education, range days to improve Shotgunning skills prior to the hunt.  Delta provided all the necessary gear for the participants and donated waterproof, extreme cold weather gear for future TPWD Hunting 101 activities.

Game Warden, Wei-Wei Startz, Guadalupe County, takes her hunter through sighting in exercises prior to the Inks Lake Hunt SP Mentor Deer Hunt.

Hunters for 1st Hunt:

Ed Xiong, Dustin Brennan, David Guynes, Mark Espinosa, Amy Jenkins and Clay Hoffman

Game Warden, Brandon Thacker, Anderson County, takes his hunter through sighting in exercises prior to the Inks Lake Hunt SP Mentor Deer Hunt.

Hunters for 2nd Hunt: Cody Steverson, Matthew Strebe, Joseph Nall, Wyatt Eason, Savannah Steamer and Kevin Mercer

Hunters for 3rd Hunt: Zachary Martin, Justin Carter, Josia Garcia and David Shackelford

UPCOMING WILD GAME 101

Feb.11, 10am - 6pm

SA Stock Show & Rodeo

Game Processing/Wild Game Cooking

Jeff Hetrick, An Antonio Area Chief

REGISTRATION LINK

Photo: Taken from the Handgun Hunting 101 Workshop (See above) highlights the successful work of taking care of game from "Field to Fork"

"PHASES" Personal Evolution of the Sport Hunter - by Robert Jackson and Robert Norton (for "Phases" copy, email Steve.hall@tpwd.texas.gov)

1. Shooter Stage
   
2. Limiting-Out Stage
   
3. Trophy Stage
   
4. Method Stage
   
5. Sportsman Stage

• GIVE-BACK Stage (6th Stage?)
  
  1. Hunter Education Instructor
  2. TYHP Huntmaster or Volunteer
  3. Hunt Mentor or Guide
  4. Wildlife Habitat or Management Volunteer
  5. Faith-based and Inner City Groups (e.g. Kid's Outdoor Zone; City Kids Adventures)
  6. Conservation Organization Hunting, Access & Habitat Conservation Projects

Photo:  Jose Garcia - Irving (instructing), along with Charlie Preslar - Garland and N TX TPWD Game Wardens, provided a hunter education student course at the recent Dallas Safari Club Convention in January.  Thanks for 'giving back', guys!

GAME WARDEN RECRUITMENT

Jaden White is a senior at Prairie View A&M University. Upon graduation he aspires to be a Texas Game Warden. He has interned for Willard Franklin III, Hunter Education Instructor with the Four W’s Fishing Team, for the past 5 years while going to school and networking. Jaden has volunteered at multiple youth events such as fishing tournaments and adult and youth hunts. See January Target Talk!

Leonard "Lenny" Rees

Former Utah Hunter Ed Coordinator

Nov. 2, 1946 – Jan. 2, 2023; Obituary

A long-time, respected leader of the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) - USA passed in early January.  A friend of the Texas Hunter Education Program, Lenny served as president, among many other leadership roles, at IHEA-USA and contributed every year to the NRA - Youth Hunter Education Challenge, leading stations and assisting with national coordination and training efforts.  He once joined Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, conducting hunter education activities at the Chamber of Commerce in Cotulla, recognizing and welcoming hunters to South Texas at the beginning of their hunting season. .

One of his former colleagues, John Fairchild, Utah Division of Wildlife (retired) said it best, "Lenny made a lifelong commitment to the safe handling and skilled use of firearms by youth and new adult hunters alike. He continued his commitment in retirement. As an employee of Browning Arms, Lenny arranged for a significant contribution by the company towards the purchase of 12-gauge Silver Hunter semi-auto shotguns for use in a trial mentoring program for Hunter Education graduates. Thanks to Lenny’s family for supporting his efforts to enrich the lives of so many. A finer gentleman never wore a DWR uniform."

You will be greatly missed, Lenny! - TX Hunter Education Program Staff

Photo: Former Hunter Education Coordinators, Mark Birkhauser, NM, and Harry Street, VA, joined Lenny and Steve Hall, TX Hunter Education Coordinator, at the 2017 NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge in Raton, NM.

James Haynes, Richmond

March 27, 1932 – January 19, 2023

Obituary

James L. Haynes, USAF, Retired, is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kitty, three daughters, Kathy, JoRene, and Darlene, and son James D, Hunter Ed Instructor (Coordinator's Column) and numerous grandchildren. USAF Assignments included California, Colorado, Maine, Hawaii, Greece, Turkey (twice), and Director of Munitions at Andersen AFB, Guam.  He served honorably and faithfully for 26 years and retired as Lt Colonel in 1979. 

Jim always remained active in life and in the outdoors and loved introducing kids to the concepts of being safe, knowledgeable and respectful of firearms, the land and conservation.  As a result, he became involved with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Fort Bend County 4-H Outdoor Sports Club and the Texas Youth Hunting Program.  Building on his experience as a competitor on the Air Force Skeet Team, Jim and Kitty both became certified shooting instructors through 4-H, NRA and the National Sporting Clays Association, becoming a referee and shotgun sporting clay shooter as well.  Always seeking to be the best, Jim achieved Hunter Education Hall of Fame status in 2005 alongside his wife, Kitty, who was inducted in 2001. Jim continued with the program through 2022 and Kitty and Jaime, their son, will continue Jim's "Legacy", a hunter ed award he was honored with in 2022.

Leroy "Doc" Freeman, Ft. Worth 

September 17, 1941 - January 11, 2023

Obituary

Dr. Leroy Russell Freeman, Sr., passed away in Fort Worth on Wednesday, January 11th. He completed his BS degree at Texas Wesleyan Univ. where he met the love of his life, Lillian, and they married in 1964. He attended Baylor College of Dentistry where he graduated from, and then specialized in, Endodontics. He loved education, never missing an opportunity to expand another’s knowledge. He served as Area Chief of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education Program where he was able to share his passion for the outdoors with countless Texans. He loved coming to Texas Wildlife Expo every year and also teaching hunter education courses with the youngest of his six children, Les Freeman, Bartonville, who is continuing the Hunter Education Heritage. Les will most certainly pass on the tradition with his three young boys as indicated in the Coordinator's Column. We'll miss ya, Doc!

Ron Howard, Jr. - Texas 4-H Shooting Sports

November 25, 1943 - December 31, 2022

Obituary

Ron went to Baylor University where he met the love of his life, Sylvia Susie Jeanfreau, whom he married in 1965, the day after graduation. After moving to Ithaca, NY to pursue his doctorate, Ron and Susie started their family, eventually having their three sons – Stephen, William, and Richard.

As his family grew, he embarked on a rewarding, life-long career in Agricultural Extension, a field that alloyed his academic pursuits with his love of all things outdoors. Over the next 40 years as a 4-H Youth Extension Specialist, Ron taught courses in ecology, led birding expeditions, mentored others in outdoorsmanship, and coached shooting sports and hunter education through the 4-H programs in New York (Cornell), Indiana (Purdue), and Texas (Texas A&M). His work with 4-H had broad impacts with Ron being one of three founders of the national 4-H shooting sports program. He also has a lasting legacy in developing hunter education curriculum throughout the country.

Ron was instrumental in the continued parntnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education Program and Texas AgriLife's 4-H Shooting Sports and Natural Resources Progrrams.  With the likes of Tom Davison, Lanny Bullard, Don Steinbach, Larry Hysmith, Denise Harmel Garza and Tamara Trail, among others, the partnership is a legacy program connecting the dots between basic hunting and firearm safety, and a lifelong pursuit of hunting, fishing, conservation and the outdoors. Thanks, Ron, for all you did for the partnership and Hunter Education!

Administrative Staff Contacts:

512-389-4999 - General Hotline

Email Support: Instructor@tpwd.texas.gov

KEVIN Vo - 512-389-8142

kevin.vo@tpwd.texas.gov

ANDREA Cleveland - 389-8739

andrea.cleveland@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 Administrative Staff in Austin (see above) -- or to say "HELLO!"