In This Issue: Protecting Hunting Heritage, Awards, Courses & Events
"Unintended Consequences"
Legislation is, as many have opined, like "sausage making" -- an ugly process, with the hope of providing a delicious meal in the end. Sometimes, the sausage is not as tasty as it was intended, which was the case in a recent interpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). Signed into law on June 22, 2022, the Act's intent was to provide $1 billion in sub-grants "to establish safer and healthier learning environments, and to prevent and respond to acts of bullying, violence, and hate that impact our school communities at individual and systemic levels, among other programs and activities." In July 2023, a series of media accounts were released regarding the administration's interpretation and decision to withhold federal funding from schools offering hunting or archery programs, as part of BSCA.
Hunter education is offered in schools in 38 states, and, nationally, the program certifies over 600,000 graduates each year. Texas certifies 18,000 hunter education students in schools annually -- mainly in Agriculture Science Education and programs offered by Outdoor Tomorrow Foundation's outdoor education teachers. Nearly 9,000 schools also offer the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP), reaching more than 1.3 million students annually. In Texas, over 8,000 teachers have been trained in NASP and over 1,200 schools currently offer the program.
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 Good news, though! An effort is underway to fix the spices in the sausage -- the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act (H.R. 5110), a bipartisan bill to clarify the success of programs like hunter education and NASP in schools (see article). Texas also has implemented the Student Air Rifle Program in schools, a program modeled after NASP and a great tool for firearms safety & responsibility. As reported in past Target Talks, these programs have demonstrated improvement in student attendance, grades, performance, motivations, and, ultimately, quality of life.
In September, I enjoyed my "annual physical exercise routine" chasing elk in the Colorado high country with my son and retired TX-NASP Coordinator, Burnie Kessner. Conditions were tough this year, but the annual hunt is good for my spirit and soul and keeps me grounded in the concepts we teach.
Hope you all get out bow hunting yourselves, this month, in Texas!
Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator
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Washington D.C. (September 27, 2023) - Today, during the business session of the 113th Annual Meeting of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, the directors unanimously endorsed and applauded members of Congress for advancing bipartisan legislation to ensure students and schools can continue to access Department of Education funding for archery, hunter education, recreational shooting, and other outdoor enrichment programming.
On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, the Senate passed the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act (H.R. 5110), a bipartisan bill which now heads to the President’s desk for signature. This bill will address the unintended consequences caused by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and its impact on federal funding for hunter education, archery in schools, wilderness courses, and many other important educational enrichment programs. The unanimous Senate passage
of H.R. 5110 comes shortly after the House passed the bill Tuesday night on an impressive vote of 424 – 1.
“We are grateful for congressional champions who worked together expeditiously on a bipartisan solution to safeguard Department of Education funding for these important youth outdoor programs,” said Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries and current President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “We urge President Biden to swiftly sign this bipartisan affirmation of funding for these important outdoor enrichment opportunities.” Photo: Chuck Sykes also sat on the International Hunter Education Association-USA board and was recognized in June for his service to Hunter Education by IHEA-USA President, Eric Shanks with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
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Morgan Harbison, Mobile Range Operator, Recognized for his Efforts!
 During the 2023 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Hall of Fame Banquet in September, Morgan Harbison, C TX Hunter Education Specialist, was awarded "Committeeman of the Year" for the Junior Shoot-Out held as part of the Rodeo each year. To Harbison's left is Mary “Tinker” Lawson, Chairman of the Junior Shoot-out, joined by other members of the Hall of Fame Committee.
2022 SE TX HE Instructor of the Year
Brent Beamesderfer - Baytown, and Heidi Rao, SE Texas Hunter Education Specialist, finally hooked up to officially recognize Brent for his 2022 accomplishments. Brent became an instructor in 2007, an Area Chief in 2011 and a Bowhunter Education Instructor in 2022 He’s certified 2,336 students in hunter education. From the day he was certified, Brent began working with long-time Area Chief Instructors from his region, including John Meekins, Ken Grau, Duke Walton, and Gene Norton. He is working with his county to bring large outdoor expos to his community, introducing archery and all things hunting and shooting. He has been working on ideas and building partnerships to make his program even better, reaching more of the public and bringing the outdoors to his area. Brent was further blessed with another award in 2023 -- Nice whitetail, Brent!
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 My First Management Hunt" - Big Draw Ranch, Junction, Texas
"My story starts on April 30, 2023. My family and I were celebrating both Shelly & my birthdays and, while at the table, Shelly’s phone rings. She answered it and said, 'Here, Honey -- it's for you!' It was a huge surprise to me that Shelly had purchased a management hunt for my birthday in Junction at Big Draw Ranch...
...On Sunday October 1, I drove to Junction and, while driving, I took in the scenery and thanked God numerous times for the opportunity. As I arrived at Big Draw Ranch and entered the gate, I was overwhelmed with emotions – thankful, super excited & nervous. I met Tim Lassitor, Ranch Manager, and we became instant friends. Sunday evening, we went out to a stand to see what was moving and to get an idea of the direction they were traveling. We saw several nice bucks and does along with several nice axis bucks and does and red stags. Tim told me exactly what to be on the lookout for – a mature 9-yr.-old 7x7 typical whitetail buck..."
For a copy of Brent's full story, email TT publisher, steve.Hall@tpwd.texas.gov.
2022 N TX HE Instructor of the Year
Suzy Duffek - Dallas, received the 2022 N TX Hunter Education Instructor of the Year Award. At first, she tagged along with her husband, the late George Duffek, in the early years of the program, but she became more active and served as an integral member of the Grand Prairie Gun Club Team. She joined the instructor ranks in 1998. Without her, many on her team might have left the instructor ranks when the new ORS system was implemented, since she mastered the system from the start. "The Gun Club Team and I truly appreciate your dedication!" said Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Regional Specialist.
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NRA's Hunters' Leadership Forum
Rob Neilson, President, Ashby Bowhunting Foundation, was recently featured in NRA's Hunters' Leadership Forum with an article entitled "Bowhunting Education Effort Targets Quick, Clean Harvest," by Mark Chesnut. It highlights the effective partnership between TPWD's Hunter Education Program and the efforts by the Foundation to improve bow hunting success rates. The empirical data helps us improve selection, understanding and performance, primarily arrow penetration and lethality factors - ABF's 12 Factors."
TPWD and its proud partners like ABF and The Texas Youth Hunting Program continue to work to provide opportunity, education and success for all hunters, including new and physically limited bow hunters. Part of safe, legal and ethical bow hunting and regardless of physical ability, one needs to consider the 12 Factors that Affect Arrow Lethality, as described and developed by ABF.
Top Photo - See photo in Hunters' Leadership Forum article.
Bottom Photos: Rob and Dr. Ashby also joined Bob Barnette, TYHP Bowhunter Ed, and Immanuel Salas - TPWD R3 Hunting & Shooting Sports Coordinator at the annual Instructor Conference where Rob presented a "12 Factors" Workshop.
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Tree Stand Safety Reminder
If you plan to use a tree stand this season, hang it in your backyard, first, to check it for needed repairs and to oil anything that squeaks. Inspect the stand thoroughly!
Be aware that the #1 cause of hunter incidents in the U.S. is falls from tree stands. For tips on how to stay safe when using a tree stand, see our 90-second video: Tree Stand Safety.
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Navarro County 4-H "Whiz-Bang" Shoot in September
Morgan Harbison, C TX Hunter Education Specialist, and Mobile Sporting Clays Trailer Operator, hosted a total of 22,453 participants at 42 statewide events last year -- including Whiz Bang, 4-H, Ag Clays and National Skeet Shooting Association/National Sporting Clays Association and charity events.
 Ava Rodriguez prepares for her targets to be thrown during the Whiz-Bang
 A passing dragonfly observes as Lexy Guillen - Brazos County 4-H, takes her shot at targets during the Whiz-Bang competition held in Navarro County.
 Buddy Hall Memorial Skeet Shoot held in conjunction with the Lonesome Dove Fest got off to a great start but had to be called and cancelled due to dangerous weather with lots of lightening and wind. "We all chose to believe that Buddy Hall was up there sending us rain," said Morgan Harbison, Mobile Sporting Director.
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Go to: Texas Wildlife Association
Kristin Parma, on a social media post, said that anyone can now apply for hunts such as the amazing Mother/Daughter experience hunting for javelina (collared peccary) on the Paloma Ranch. This hunt featured unique activities in between hunting treks such as javelina-specific education and wild game meals. Kristin and other TWA Staff running both youth and adult hunts credit their amazing volunteers that assist on every hunt, in this case, women "who inspire young ladies and their mothers." She added, "Please share TYHP Facebook Page with those who you think may be interested!"
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Loma Alta Skeet & Trap - Dove Hunting 101 and Sporting Clays Practice
 Special THANKS to Las Juellas of South Texas who helped with the purchase of Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permits, Serve Outdoors - Matagorda Bay Chapter who provided hunting chairs/vests, and Mather's Farms who provided the BBQue.
Resaca de la Palma State Park - Public Land White-Winged Dove Hunt
 The "Blasting Babes" successfully harvested several limits and many more birds during their hunt at the park. Nearly two-thirds of this new Rio Grande Valley Women's Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Club are new to hunting, but they thoroughly enjoyed the experience! Thanks to Hunter Education Instructor, Vanessa Sanchez, and Area Chief HE Instructor, Junior Munoz, for their club/event leadership and coordination.
Ladies Mentored Dove Hunting 101 and Hunt - Chaparral Wildlife Management Area
Similar to the Public Hunting Opportunities offered to dove hunters in the Valley, Texas Parks and Wildlife staff held a Dove Hunting 101 for women of its own agency, particularly those who work with hunters (e.g., wildlife management area biologists) and/or are new to hunting).
TPWD Female Employee R3 Team in the Gulf Coast and South Texas Plains regions participated in "Safe Zones of Fire" exercises with Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator (photo), prior to practicing on real sporting clays. The following day, the participants went dove hunting. The women secured the proper licenses (e.g. hunting license and applicable endorsements, Annual Public Hunting Permits, HIP certification, etc.) prior to a successful hunt at the wildlife management area the day and half following the Dove Hunting 101 Workshop. Congrats to all!
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 Special THANKS to Hunter Education Instructors and TPWD R3 Women Program Leaders, Caitlyn Navarro - Artesia Wells, Game Warden, Jessica Pelzel - Victoria, and Mary Beth Foerster - Carrizo Springs, as well as Whitney Gann, Chaparral WMA Leader, who welcomed the participants and presented, too!
Lubbock Ladies Mentored Dove Hunt
Randy Spradlin, W TX Hunter Education Specialist, reported that Heather Johnson (TPWD migratory bird biologist – Lubbock) conducted a Dove Hunting 101 & Hunt near Lubbock in September. Hannah Belinne (r), a senior at Texas Tech, majoring in Wildlife Management, participated in the hunt that also included TPWD's R3 Women's Initiative in conjunction with Texas Tech’s Women’s Wildlife Association.
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Greenwood Gun Club August Hunter Education FIELD Day
A big THANK YOU to all that helped with the August Hunter Education Field Day! We certified a total of 17 students. It was HOT! Garrett Lewis set up the class schedule with Texas Parks & Wildlife and forwarded the information to Richard Brod for posting to the Greenwood Gun Club website.
 Rick Powell borrowed archery equipment, and non-firing firearms from Heidi Rao, SE Texas Hunter Education Specialist, and set up and taught most of the Skills Trail indoors. We then split the class into two groups -- one group shot compound bows instructed by Leonard Burns and Robert Leatherwood, the other group shot crossbows. After that, the students went to the rifle range where one class was instructed in black powder by Ken Springs while the other group was instructed by Coy Freeman and Roger Collins in .22 bolt-action rifles. Rick Powell (above) showed them how to safely hunt from a tree. Following that, the students ate lunch in the Archery Building. After a hearty lunch, students took the written test. My apologies to Bill Hunter. Because of my mismanagement, the blood trail was omitted. I expect the next class will likely be held next April.
THANK YOU ALL FOR A JOB WELL DONE! - Lewis Massingill - Brazoria
Long Acres Ranch - Hunter Education Instructor Course held in September
 "Another great class of Hunter Ed instructors, many of them teachers, at Long Acres Ranch in Richmond. Class was taught by Area Chiefs Kitty Haynes - Richmond (2nd from L), Scott Lightle - Katy, and Cheryl LeJune -Tomball (orange shirt), and assisted by Area Chief Applicant, Dawn Davis - Conroe (L). We want to give a special shout-out to Game Warden, Barry Eversole (R), for coming by to conduct the required interviews. We are looking forward to working with our new instructors."
Cheryl LeJune - Area Chief Hunter Education Instructor - Tomball
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Wildlife Hunter Education Courses
In preparation for dove season, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Wildlife Committee Hunter Education Instructor Team held two Hunter Education classes in August (12th & 26th) teaching 24 students. The Team garnered the TEAM award this past year because of the strong support and involvement in the Bexar County region. Thanks to Thom Griffith - Schertz (L - top photo; R bottom photo), Game Warden Kathleen Stuman (R) and the rest of the team for an outstanding effort!
North Texas HE Instructor takes off in 2023 - thanks to Area Chief, Lecca
"Hi Steve, I wanted to highlight one of the seven (7) INSTRUCTORS I trained this past February. Pictured is new Hunter Education instructor, Patrick Welborne - Carrollton, hosting his 6th course in the Dallas area since February. Keep it up, Patrick!" - Vincent Lecca, Area Chief, Driftwood
 Pat quickly held another course, saying "Another successful class at the new Mission Ridge in Plano. Several dads took class but did not want to be in the photo. Monica donated the snake skin to the event, and I had it framed just in time for class. Snake (rat) has been sighted near the TPWD location at Joe Pool lake. He can’t wait to get inside the new double wide home being installed at this time. Thanks Monica!"
Jose Garcia - Irving, Receives IHEA-USA 'Training Aid' Award
"Monica/Randy::
"I entered a IHEA-USA Teaching Technique Contest, and I won the Kifaru Antero backpack! Pretty cool!!!! This is the teaching aid/idea I sent to IHEA (see photos). Using a flashlight, shine the wall in semi dark room so that the first image is the pattern of a Cylinder choke. Step forward a few steps to show an Improved Cylinder choke pattern. A few steps closer will give you a Modified choke pattern. Finally a little closer to the wall will give you the Full choke pattern." - Jose Garcia - Irving
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 Meadow Ridge Outdoors - Nacogdoches
Game Warden, Timothy Walker, sent in this photo of a big August class they held at Meadow Ridge Outdoors - a premier range and location in Nacogdoches -- to kick start East Texans' enjoyment of the upcoming hunting seasons. Way to go!
Boerne HS Agriculture Science
Ag Teacher, Tanessa Sawyer, Boerne High School, annually invites Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, to her class to teach her students about the "Wildlife of Texas", in this case, the "Mammals of Texas". Steve always starts out the activity with a quiz about Texas wildlife at a level of challenge suitable for high school students. Here, students take their shots at figuring out how many bands are on a Texas armadillo; naming one of the four (actually five) types of skunks, which is the highly nocturnal mammal and which skulls represent herbivores or carnivores. Steve's favorite pelts are a "brown" black bear he skinned and a melanistic white-tailed deer skin donated to him by his friend and instructor, Tom Martine - Austin.
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Lonesome Dove Fest - Karnes City - Youth Day Friday
 The Lasershot "Dove Hunt" is popular with the high school students that come to Lonesome Dove Fest Friday every year. Headed up by Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, he covered such topics as bag limits, safe zones of fire, dove hunting laws and proper shooting skills. Brock Minton, S TX Hunter Education Specialist led the Skins, Skulls, Scat and Tracks (Wildlife) station!
 Each year, the Lonesome Dove Fest Pageantry Court takes part in the activities provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and its partners, including Shotgun, Archery, Hunter & Boater Education and Angler Education programs and activities. The annual event is going on three decades, and hunter education, shotgun shooting (mobile sporting clays) -- and the pageantry -- have been there every year! Here the 2023 court pose with Robert Ramirez, TPWD Archery, Angler Education & Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program Instructor.
 Fernie and Loree: "I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you and admire the work you are doing!" Chris Mitchell, TYHP Director
Bass Pro Shops Continue to Host Courses in Dallas/Fort Worth
 Charlie Preslar - Garland, Hunter Education Instructor and TSRA Foundation board member, and Brent Lay - Rowlett, taught at the Bass Pro Shop in Garland in late August. TSRA and TSRA Foundation are great supporters of the Hunter Education Program as is Bass Pro Shops - a big THANKS to all our supporters!
Hunter Education Courses Held at Airport Commerce Park in Austin
 John Davis - Pflugerville, holds several classes a month at the Airport Commerce Park facility each month during the busy season, and one per month during the off season. John has been instrumental in reaching students in Central Texas with both FIELD and CLASSROOM courses, and keeps the engines humming in Austin!
Texas State Fair - Hunter Education TSRA BB Gun Booth
Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Hunter Education Specialist, spearheaded hunter education outreach activities at the Texas State Fair in Dallas the last weekend in September. Hunter Education was part of an overall "Get Outside" presence by Texas Parks and Wildlife at the Show -- an annual presence. Thanks to folks like "Area Chiefs, Charlie Preslar - Garland (lead), and Jim Russell - Dennison, and to Texas Master Naturalists Matt DeLozier, Tony Vaughan, Jonathan Hilton and Bill Mahan, we reached 663 young shooters -- keeping busy all three (3) days!
 "Thanks for your contributions in providing our visitors with memorable experiences and stories that they will share for years to come. In 3 days, we engaged 5,076 participants with our "Get Outside" activities," said Kendrick Gray, TPWD Outreach & Recruitment Manager.
Youth Shooting Sports Event - M.O. Neasloney Wildlife Management Area
 Brock Minton, S TX Hunter Education Specialist, reported another year of success conducting hunter education skills and live-fire activities for schools at the Neasloney WMA. "Youth Shooting Sports Events" are a culmination of school hunter education curricula (e.g., Ag Science, Outdoor Education). Congrats!
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TPWD offers advanced hunter education and hunting opportunities through its Hunting 101 Program -- offering both species- and method-specific workshops designed to educate hunters who have completed basic hunter education. Workshops are held throughout the year, but are typically seasonal in nature. Click on Hunting 101 at Texas Parks and Wildlife's Hunter Education Page for more information. Many 101 Workshops are followed by hunts geared towards the new hunter -- either as part of the workshop or as an added opportunity such as through Texas Wildlife Association's *NEW* Adult Learn to Hunt Program.
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 Hunting 101s - Advanced Hunter Education & Hunting (2023-2024)
EXAMPLES: (Register at links embedded in titles of each open workshop!)
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October 7 - Canton - Turkey Hunting 101
- December 30 - 31 - Cactus Waterfowl 101 & Hunting * FULL
- December 31 – Jan 1, 2024 - Cactus Waterfowl 101 & Hunting * FULL
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February 2 – 4 – Cherokee Ridge (Alto) - Trapping 101
- February 23 – 25 – Coleto Creek (Victoria) Wilderness Survival * FULL
- October 22, 2023 - Kempner Game Processing * FULL
- December 2, 2023 – Eola Game Processing * FULL
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January 13, 2024 – Eola Game Processing
Please contact for Randy Spradlin for questions or more information.
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Frank Horak, Sr. - Irving
Frank Horak - Obituary
October 3, 2023 - A longtime hunter education instructor, Frank Horak, Sr. - Irving, passed away peacefully on October 3rd after a short bout with cancer. Frank served as president and Show Chairman of the Dallas Arms Collectors Association (DACA) for many years -- an organization that has been a key supporter of Hunter Education over 30 years because of his leadership and the involvement of others such as former instructor, Albert Ross Arlington (deceased) and many others. For example, DACA sponsored the muzzleloading station at Texas Wildlife Expo for all 18 years. Frank and many fellow instructors such as Charlie Preslar- Garland (see above courses) dutifully served nearly 3,000 black powder shooters at each of the annual Expos at the TPWD HQ in Austin. He led or assisted with many hunter education efforts such as his own DACA Show Hunter Education Courses, annual SAFETY event (see photo - muzzleloader station) sponsored by Dallas Safari Club, Boy Scouts of America summer camps, DIVA-WOW events, and many others. We will miss your smile, the most and your sharp wit. Hope you have joined the other DACA and DFW legacy instructors up in the Heavenly, happy hunting grounds, Frank!
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Rhonda Esakov - Georgetown
Obituary
A celebration of life was held on Saturday, September 30th in The Chapel of Ramsey Funeral Home, Georgetown, TX. Rhonda Esakov is survived by her husband, Bradley Franklin Esakov; her son, Bradley David Esakov; and brother, Kenneth Sorensen. Professionally, Rhonda was an enrolled agent at her company, Unique Business Services, doing tax preparation and accounting business. Rhonda was also an NRA Training Counselor-Instructor and a Hunter Education Instructor for over 20 years. She was awarded the IHEA Instructor of the Year. You will be missed, greatly!
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Charles :Scott: Vaca - Retired Game Warden
Obituary for Charles Scott Vaca
"Texas Game Warden Retirees, Families & Friends:
It is with a heavy, heavy heart that I report the passing of Charles Scott Vaca, 55, Texas Game Warden (Ret.) of Temple. Scott attended the 42nd Texas Game Warden Training Academy where he graduated on April 5, 1991. He retired from the Austin Headquarters in 2014" - L. David Sinclair
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Morgan Harbison, C TX: morgan.harbison@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-413-0194
Monica Bickerstaff, N TX (DFW): monica.bickerstaff@tpwd.texas.gov; 469-601-8349 c
Kevin Vo, Austin, Hunter Ed. Admin: kevin.vo@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-389-4999 (general); 512-389-8142 (direct); Email Support: Instructor@tpwd.texas.gov
Steve Hall, Austin, Hunter Ed. Coord: steve.hall@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-389-8140 w; 512-550-7330 c
Brock Minton, S TX: brock.minton@tpwd.texas.gov; 361-944-3617 c
Randy Spradlin, W TX: randy.spradlin@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-923-3509 c
Heidi Rao, SE TX (Houston): heidi.rao@tpwd.texas.gov; 713-829-1377 c
TPWD & Texas Hunter Education Partner Resources
Hunter Education Overview | Instructor Resources | Student Resources
Operation Game Thief | Texas Game Warden Association
Texas Youth Hunting Program | Texas 4-H Shooting Sports
Other Hunter Ed Resources
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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