HE Instructor Conference

Texas 4-H Center, Brownwood

The last weekend of April, Hunter Education Instructors met at the Texas 4-H Center on beautiful Lake Brownwood. It was nostalgic for me as I met in the very building and camp where I spent my first weekend in Texas back in 1985, training instructors on teaching methods & procedures. It motivates me to do even more in "teaching safe, responsible, knowledgeable and involved hunting & shooting sports practices"!

A HUGE THANKS to all instructors who attended this year's conference! I hope next year, the rest of you can join us to celebrate YOUR accomplishments and attend valuable up-to-date training seminars. I hope that professional educators and game wardens, especially, can join the volunteers for an April weekend next year in Central Texas! Congratulations to all those who were recognized this year for outstanding work in the field in 2022. (See AWARDS below!) You only need to look at your student's faces and feel their excitement or hear their words following your courses and events to figure out what keeps us teaching.  Here's to YOU!

Happy Mother's Day to all moms and Happy Memorial Day, especially to those families who have lost loved ones who died in service to our country!

Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator

Keynote Speaker, Chandler Seagraves, Magpul, a Marine Veteran and former Blue Angel Pilot (Below: Front L), gave a highly motivational speech to Hunter Education Instructors at the annual THEIA Hunter Education Instructors Conference held at the Texas 4-H Center near Brownwood. As part of the conference, he joined other instructors and conferences for a Turkey Hunting 101 Workshop and Hunt where all participants saw turkeys, and one instructor took her first birds as part of the success of the Hunting 101.  Randy Spradlin, W TX Hunter Education Regional Specialist, and host of this year's conference, presents Chandler with an appreciation plaque.  OO-RAH!

Tree Stand Safety Certification

Along with a Turkey Hunting 101 prior to the conference, L.J. Smith, former Mississippi Hunter Education Administrator & International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) President, and John Louk, Treestand Manufacturer's Association, once again, came to Texas to certify instructors as Tree Stand Safety Instructors. They spent the morning reviewing data of tree stand falls, the number one hunting incident in North America!  In the afternoon, they practiced skills necessary to stay safe from the ground to the stand and back.  Here, Immanuel Salas, TPWD's new R3 Hunting and Shooting Sports Coordinator, attempts to return to the platform after "falling" out.  Every instructor had to perform this skill to demonstrate confidence/competence when put in that stressful situation. All Instructors passed the course -- good job!

Christine Thomas - BOW Founder and Keynote

Christine Thomas, former dean and professor of resource management at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point College of Natural Resources, created Becoming an Outdoors Woman in the early 1990s, a program designed to teach women outdoor skills. Here she presents the history and impetus behind the development of the program -- 21 barriers facing women's involvement in the outdoors that were identified during a college round table workshop. "Initially, Becoming an Outdoors-Woman was just a strategy in Wisconsin to provide outdoor training and skills to women."  She added, "Once others became interested in doing the same thing in their states, such as 'y'all' in Texas, the workshop became a much bigger model and program for other states." Texas was the 3rd state to adopt BOW in Oct. 1993.

See original video HERE: https://youtu.be/qzhTy-TyS0k

2022 STATEWIDE Hunter Education Instructor of the Year

Larry C. Patterson – Arlington

Since becoming an instructor in 2018 and an Area Chief in 2021. Larry C. Patterson taught many student and instructor courses, Hunting 101s, and outreach events and assumed the Texas State Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) coordinator position, with guidance from David & Jeanette Hammonds - Weatherford. He has made the annual trek to Arkansas to assist with the Central Regional YHEC. Larry serves on the Board of Directors for the Texas Concealed Handgun Association, is a Life Member of the Texas State Rifle Association, a Patron Life Member Benefactor Level of NRA, a Life Member of Disabled American Veterans, Member of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and "lives up to the title of N TX #1 Troublemaker," according to Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Regional HE Specialist, who nominated Larry for the award. She added, "Congratulations to a volunteer instructor on which I can always rely -- Oo-rah Larry!"

REGIONAL Instructor of the Year - South Texas

David Rios, Uvalde - In 2022, David and his wife, Susan, taught many Hunter Education student courses and 101 workshops. David has shown continuous support for the new R3 (Retention, Recruitment and Reactivation) strategies. Since becoming an instructor in 2002, later an Area Chief, David has certified 594 students and conducted 101 workshops that included White-tailed Deer, Pig, Handgun, Wild Game and Big Game Scoring, and that was in 2022.  He attends many outreach events and teaches handgun training (CHL/LTC) courses, too.  Brock Minton, S TX Hunter Education Specialist, presented the regional award to one of his most deserving instructors.

REGIONAL Instructor of the Year - West Texas

Peter Warsaw - Randy Spradlin, W TX Hunter Education Specialist, said, "Pete was born on a dairy farm in Wisconsin where he learned to hunt, fish and everything outdoors. Spradlin added, "Peter harvested his first deer at 12 and didn’t look back." He looked up to one of his uncles who had retired from the Air Force, so Pete joined, himself, serving 20 years -- 16 of those in England. He hunted in several countries including South Africa, Germany, Spain, and Turkey. He retired from service in 2006, at which time he and his family relocated to West Texas. As Pete’s children aged, he wanted to continue the tradition. In 2017, he said, “I needed a hunter education instructor, so I decided to jump in the ring and teach the classes myself.”  He has since certified over 400 students and supports the local community in many other ways including volunteering for a variety of hunting, shooting and outdoor sports events in his local communities.  

REGIONAL Instructor of the Year - Central Texas

Maurice Dowdy – Lago Vista - Morgan Harbison, C TX Hunter Education Specialist, presented the award and reported that Maurice became an instructor in 2018 and has certified 1194 students in that short time. The driving force for him becoming an instructor was based in the desire to become a firearms instructor after his many years as a competitive shooter. While volunteering at a Texas State Rifle Association event, a TPWD employee encouraged him to become a Hunter Education instructor. Maurice teamed up with Area Chief, Thomas 'Buck' Seitz, teaching at Copperhead Creek Gun Club, Austin Rifle Club, and Cabela’s in Buda. He emphasizes firearm safety & handling in his classes and enjoys working with the youth and facilitating those with learning disabilities. For him it is the hunting experience and being outdoors that he enjoys -- hog hunting topping the list.

Partner of the Year Award - 2022

- Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP)

Chris Mitchell, TYHP Director, accepted the 2002 Partner Award on behalf of huntmasters, volunteers, landowners, guides, parents and youth of TYHP and the Texas Wildlife Association, who manages the program on behalf of private landowners, hunters and conservationists, statewide. As an Area Chief, Chris actively teaches many instructor and student courses in his effort, as does his entire statewide staff, who also deserve tons of credit for teaching hunter education and running hunts in their regions – Braxton Hicks, Bob Barnette, Briana Nicklow, Kim Hodges, Quita Hill, and their director, Justin Dreibelbis –who all eat, sleep and breathe opportunities for Texans to learn how to hunt, many of the first time, and, of course, to be safe, legal and responsible in the process.  Thanks for the longtime Partnership!" said Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, presenter.

Bowhunter Education Instructor of the Year

Bob Barnette - Dallas, TYHP North TX Field Director

Along with the honor of receiving the Partner Award, TYHP also employs Bob Barnette - Dallas, who more than doubled the number of bowhunter education students taught in Texas in 2021 and 2022.  Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Hunter Education Specialist, said, "Bob got certified as a Bowhunter Education Instructor in 2011, then added Hunter Education and Area Chief certification in 2014. Thereafter, Bob joined the Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) staff as the North Texas Field Operations Coordinator. An avid bowhunter, he enjoys teaching and learning from students in his courses, many of whom have been participated in TYHP hunts Bob coordinated as Lead Huntmaster. He has instructed and mentored numerous Huntmasters, including me, through the years. No doubt, Bob would proudly share photos of hunting successes enjoyed with his sons in the numerous states they’ve been fortunate to pursue game, usually using archery equipment. Thank you, Bob!"

Professional Educator of the Year

- Dawn Davis - Conroe

From the moment she was certified in Hunter Education in 2018, Dawn hit the ground running and dove deeply into the Online Registration System, setting up numerous classes for her students. She offered great suggestions and improvements as we all worked through ORS.  She was the first recipient of the “Next Generation Award” in 2019 because of her hard work – teaching 762 students and earning 1805 points in just two years! The Peet Junior High Wildlife Management class was so successful, another teacher was hired to meet the demand!  Heidi Rao, SE TX Hunter Education Specialist, who presented, said, "In just 4 years, over 2,100 students have been impacted by two female Wildlife teachers!"  Rao added, "Dawn also helped me secure a location to film the Student Air Rifle Program training video and is getting involved in the TX Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program next!  Congratulations Dawn!

Assistant Instructor of the Year

- Samuel Green - Poteet

Brock Minton, S TX Hunter Education Specialist nominated Samuel Green, Poteet, and presented, saying, "This recipient has shown a true belief in Hunter Education by dedicating his weekends to teaching safe, and ethical hunting behavior. He typically sets up a hunter skills trail and conducts live-fire exercises alongside his sister and mom. He is following the footsteps of his older sister, Shelby, who previously won this award in 2021."  Minton emphasized, "It gives me great pleasure to present the promise of future generations -- led by the example of Samuel Green for his dedication."

Team Instructors of the Year

- The 'Green' Team 

Bonita Green - Poteet, her daughter, Shelby (not in attendance), and son, Sam, comprise the family who team teaches throughout South Texas in small towns and at the Chaparral WMA, "to ensure rural folks have the opportunity to get certified," said Green.  Brock Minton, South Texas Hunter Education Specialist was on hand for the presentation and said, "The Greens teach just about every weekend!"

Terry Erwin LEGACY AWARD

Heidi Rao - Houston - Hired by TPWD Hunter Education Program 1998, Heidi was "one of Terry Erwin's favorite hire and staff member", representing Houston, Southeast Texas, women, shotgunners, National Rifle Association (NRA) and many other audiences and partners. She married a game warden, and they have four boys, so she is always asked by staff and volunteers, "How are your five (5) boys?"  Heidi has received the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA)-USA Professional Award, and numerous NRA awards, including the NRA Woman of the Year in 2022 and 2023 NRA Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award. She serves as the Texas Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Coordinator, and the SE Hunter Education Specialist. Congrats Heidi!

LEGACY AWARD Recipient

Danny Odom - Orange (2022) - Danny became a HED Instructor in 1994 and an Area Chief in 2004. He’s certified nearly 3,000 students and many new instructors in deep southeast Texas.  He hosts other types of workshops and attends outreach events in East Texas and continually searches for new Instructor candidates in that region.  He is an annual attendee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – working the Laser Shot during Ranching and Wildlife Expo, teaching the public firearm safety, and introducing them to all that Hunter Education has to offer.  Congratulations thank you for all you’ve done over the years! Presenter - Heidi Rao, SE HE Specialist

LEGACY AWARD Recipient (2022)

Larry Hysmith - College Station - Larry has been involved in the strong partnership since the 1990’s and many of you have worked with Larry in programs that extend from Wildlife camps, Conservation Leaders, 4-H Shooting Sports, and Sport Fishing Program, Natural Resources Hunting programs, the Texas Youth Hunting Program, in which he and I taught at the first Huntmaster workshop that he hosted at Texas A&M. He’s also been a stalwart in programs like Becoming an Outdoors Woman, since the beginning, National Archery in Schools Program, and the Student Air Rifle Program, all during the program’s beginnings.  He continues the primary leadership role in the partnership and isn’t slowing down. I personally consider him one of the best outdoor education instructors in Texas. Congratulations to Larry for carrying the hunter education torch for three decades!

LEGACY AWARD Recipient (2022)

Monica Sobotka - Morgans Point Resort - Morgan Harbison, Central Texas Hunter Education Specialist, presented Monica with her Legacy Award reporting, "Monica became a hunter, boater and bowhunter education instructor all in 1995 and has certified 1128 students in hunter education since." Monica became inspired to become an instructor after attending a Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop (remiss about the fact that she just missed the 30^th year of BOW but knows that spending time with her granddaughter this past weekend was important). Monica has been the lead for the NWTF Woman in the Outdoors in Central Texas since 2001. She has team-taught for years and gives credit to other instructors with whom she works. She thoroughly enjoys teaching the ethics, game management and conservation lessons. She personally enjoys spending time at her lease harvesting deer and "managing the hog population". Monica is encouraged and supported by her husband, Steve, in all her years of teaching hunter education. Congratulations Monica!

THEIA T.D. CARROLL AWARD

- Rick Ensor, Rockdale

Rick Ensor received the Texas Hunter Education Instructor Association's highest honor, the TD Carroll Award.  Certified as an instructor in 1988, Rick said, "This young man from TPWD came up to Texas Tech and trained a bunch of us Ag Teachers in the new mandatory hunter education program (looking over at Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, with a smirk on his face).  He has since earned 3300 points and taught 600+ students.  He's been involved on the board for THEIA and helped them transition between several presidents, often taking on many of the responsibilities -- a "steady eddy"!  Way to go, Rick!

Dawn Davis - Conroe

Dawn was the first recipient of the “Next Generation Award” in 2019 because of her hard work – teaching 762 students and earning 1805 points in just two years. Since that year, she has doubled down and earned twice that many points on her way to impacting between 2,000 and 3,000 in just four years of teaching courses at Peet Junior High School. She has taught so many students and earned so many points this past year, that she has earned both her rifle and the next category of incentive points – the shotgun.  Congratulations for your hard, work, Dawn!

David Rios - Uvalde

David is a Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist, but volunteers for hunter education in his spare time. He was certified in 2003 as a hunter education instructor, and later became Area Chief in 2010. David’s wife, Susan, team teaches with him, and they do other firearm safety and handgun training for the community, along with hunter education.  By the end of year 2022, David reached a total of 2,604 incentive award points to reach the handgun level. Congratulations Dave!

Fred Chaney - Garden City

 In 1994, Fred became a 4-H Shooting Sports Coach and then a hunter education instructor in 1995.  Later he became an Area Chief in 2016. As 4-H Coach, he took Garden City to state and won the team title for highest average number of clays broken. One of his kids went on to become an Olympic shooter. He even built a shotgun facility at his ranch for 4-H since the county could not build one.  He has battled cancer twice but keeps on teaching.  Fred earned his shotgun award with 3,549 points! Go Fred, go! 

Joe Waldrum, Jr. - Deweyville

Joe was certified in August of 1988, right when Hunter Education became mandatory in Texas. He has been teaching consistently throughout the years ever since! He is a Master Instructor and has taught 836 students. He has attained the Handgun Award Level with 2,512 points. He became a Boater Education instructor in March of 1993 and offers both courses offering courses to his community. Congratulations Joe!

Howdy All,

"I would like to thank everyone that came out to help with the Youth Shooting Sports Event (YSSE) this Spring. Chap staff and I greatly appreciate the help and comradery the volunteers provide. Without the support of our volunteers this event would not be possible. The kids had a great time as always and several of the schools are already looking forward to the next Youth Shoot. I enjoyed visiting and meeting with you. I hope everyone enjoyed the event and the refreshing weather. The fall YSSE will be October 24^th-25^th if anyone is interested in volunteering again. Thank you!"

Diego Navarro, Wildlife Biologist, Chaparral WMA

Spring Wingding & Centennial

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Attendees at Dinosaur Valley State Park’s Spring Wingding and Centennial Celebration, held in mid-April, take a few moments to look at mounts displayed in Texas Parks and Wildlife's Operation Game Thief mobile trailer. N TX Hunter Ed Specialist Monica Bickerstaff and her Hunter Education Volunteer Instructor husband, "LD", were on hand to answer questions, stressing ethical practices in hunting and fishing.

 Volunteer Week - April 16-22nd.

As part of Volunteer Week, Hunter Education Instructor, Jose Garcia - Irving (red cap), helped 5-6th graders from Hamm Elementary in Rockwall ISD at a Boy Scout Camp on how to start a fire using magnesium igniters during Volunteer Week. See April's Special Edition of Target Talk celebrating many of YOU -- the volunteer Hunter Education Instructor!

Below, TPWD Executive Director, David Yoskowitz, Ph. D., penned a letter to TPWD volunteers to celebrate all our volunteer successes, including those of the Hunter Education volunteers such as 50 years of service and 1.5 million certified students.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL VOLUNTEERS for a job well done!

Dear Dawn (Davis) - Award Winner

"If you have a few seconds, the kids would love for you to swing by and check out their antlers they created.  2 divisions are scored: Biggest Scoring and Most Realistic. We have some AMAZING antlers including some 3D printed AND a beautiful set made from ALL metal.  Come by portable 1 and see how creative kids can be!"  (3D-printed Deer Skull)

Vanessa Wallace, Wildlife Management Teacher, Peet Junior High School

McKinney Falls State Park

Remember Eddie Kleppinger

The McKinney Falls State Park Rangers planted a pecan tree near the visitor center in memory of their former employee and dear friend, Eddie Kleppinger.  Eddie worked for the park prior to coming to the Hunter Education program and serving as your administrative assistant.  As hunter education instructors visit Austin, take time to go by the park and visit his memory.