In This Issue: Protecting Hunting Heritage, Awards, Courses & Events
Hunter Education Instructors Leticia and Leon McNeil - San Antonio, pose with Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator after Leon was honored as "Outdoorsman of the Year" by the Texas Wildlife Association Foundation in October in San Antonio. (See 'City Kids' below.)
Also in October, Texas Parks and Wildlife hosted the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies at the Omni in Corpus Christi. During the 'R3 & Communications' breakout sessions, I presented on what I coined the "Fourth R" - 'Responsibility'. We've been involved in teaching the 4th R since the inception of Hunter Education in Texas over 50 years ago. As much as we want QUANTITY (3Rs) of customers to come thru the hunting and conservation doorway in the future, I believe we must not forget about the QUALITY of customers that enter and traipse through the house.
|
 Simply put, our jobs in hunter education have largely been about RESPONSIBLE hunting & target shooting behaviors. Along with boating, angling, wildlife watching -- all resource USERS -- the fourth R is about being responsible stewards as we enjoy outdoor experiences, privileges & spaces with other users (Quality of Life!).
And while we are at it:
-
R5 - Resource - Conservation of species & habitats is the ultimate output of the R3 Model (Outdoor Recreation Adoption Model - see below).
-
R6 - Respect - We must show respect for the resource, self, landowners, other hunters, non-hunters and conservation agencies/organizations.
-
R7 - Restraint - We must not allow peer pressure and other factors to negatively influence the decisions we make while hunting (e.g., shooting beyond our effective range, taking poor shots; acting unsafely, illegally).
-
R8 - Role Model - Are we responsible 'role models' ourselves -- ambassadors for hunting, target shooting, conservation, guiding, mentoring, etc.?
Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator
Back to Top.
Leon McNeil, Champion of City Kids, Honored at TWAF Ceremony
In October, Leon McNeil was honored as "Outdoorsman of the Year" by the Texas Wildlife Association Foundation. Leon is a teacher and coach during the weeks, but on weekends and during the summers, he and his wife Leticia, and their adult mentors, have been introducing inner city kids to the outdoors for 28 years with City Kids Adventures in San Antonio. Attendees at the banquet were privileged to hear Leon's story -- one of overcoming insurmountable obstacles as a teenager, and ultimately choosing the right path to success. As Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, is fond of saying, "Leon is one of Texas's great 'pied pipers' who attracts and develops a kid's soul, character and passion for enjoying the outdoors responsibly." Perhaps the greatest of his and his wife's legacy is fostering leadership among the young men and women they take on outdoor adventures, who go on to counsel and lead the first timers to City Kids, then go on to achieve great accomplishments themselves.
 In accepting the honor, Leon recalled his 11th grade football coaches in high school helping him through a difficult, one-parent period in his life and positively influencing the decisions he would make. At Abilene Christian University, he had similar role models who prodded him to graduate along with playing football. One alumnus, who took Leon hunting and fishing, told Leon that if he graduated, he would give him a sporting dog pup. "Owning and training that dog changed my life!" said McNeil. "The persistence, dedication, discipline, health, well being, and other life factors are all there," he recalled, "just like we teach our City Kids who have to rise to a higher standard -- counseling others in an outdoor 'way of life' and making the right choices despite the many negative influences, especially in the urban environments."
 Hall said, "Leon likes to say, PAY IT FORWARD!" adding, He attracts many to hunting, fishing and the outdoors because he strives to provide the same opportunities afforded him by others when he was a young man." Their son, LeeCharles (Center), a college football star in his own right, returned home after college to continue his parent's legacy leading City Kids Adventures. Godspeed, McNeil family! Keep the Legacy going!
 Former Outdoorsmen and Women Celebrate with Leon McNeil
Last year's Texas Wildlife Association Foundation "Outdoorsman of the Year" recipient and former TPWD Executive Director, Carter Smith (Top R), and other former honorees were recognized alongside this year's recipient, Leon McNeil.
Back to Top
Texas Hunter Ed Instructor Assn
Email us at: info@texastheia.org
SAVE THE DATES
APRIL 26-28th, 2024
Y.O. Ranch Hotel and Hill Country Shooting Sports Center will host the Central Texas THEIA Conference in April next year. Please get it on your calendar NOW! Come help us celebrate your successes, attend the latest training seminars, and enjoy food and comradery with your fellow instructors from throughout Texas. SEE YOU THERE!
TPWD Staff Host: Morgan Harbison, Central TX Hunter Education Specialist
|
Back to Top
SE TX Hunter Education Specialist and Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program Coordinator, Heidi Rao, received her 25-year recognition at the recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Meeting held November 2nd in Austin. Presenting her plaque was the new TPWD Commission Chairman, Jeffery D. Hildebrand (L), and TPWD Executive Director, David Yaskowitz. Among her many accomplishments, she has received numerous honors from the International Hunter Education Association, including Professional of the Year, Safari Club top educator award and several NRA top women and youth education awards. Perhaps her biggest accomplishment, though, was having four boys (See below - A Family of Hunter Ed Instructors). Congratulations Heidi! Let' see you get to 30, 35, then 40!
|
All in the 'Hunter Education' Family
The youngest of Heidi's and her husband, John's, boys, Luke Rao, recently joined the ranks as Assistant Hunter Education Instructor -- in a family that teaches, hunts, shoots, fishes and camps together! Harris County Game Warden Derrick Lopez showed up to check out Take Me Outdoors Houston (see below), and Heidi just so happened to have extra Game Warden Interview form in her truck. Derrick interviewed Luke so he could complete his Assistant Hunter Education Instructor certification steps.
John (Retired Game Warden) and Heidi Rao have now recruited all four of their boys, who have helped with hunter education since they were very young. The eldest, Dominic, works for Lasershot because of the passion he gained since becoming an instructor. Like Dominic, Matthew, a college student in Arkansas, and JohnJohn, a high school student, achieved Eagle Scout rank and are part of a Houston-based Venture Scout Program Now, Luke, is achieving all of the above as well. Congratulations Luke! Welcome to the ranks!
|
Back to Top
Discovery Green - Downtown Houston and National Hunting & Fishing Day
The 14th annual Take Me Outdoors Houston (TMOH) event was a success! Estimated attendance was 1,745 individuals who enjoyed the event. This free, family-oriented outdoor festival happened on Saturday September 23rd at Discovery Green in Downtown Houston. This was also the 4th Saturday in September, when we celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day each year.
Heidi Rao, SE TX Hunter Education Specialist, who has coordinated TPWD and Hunter Education involvement in TMOH since its beginning, said "By introducing Texans, especially urban adults and kids, to outdoor recreation, our woods, waters, and natural places become more relevant and important to them -- recreation leads to conservation." She added "If they’re outdoors enjoying the natural world, they come to care about it, then care for it!" Many Area Chiefs and Hunter Education Instructors have been involved in TMOH over the years --THANKS to all!
Thanks to all the TMOH Exhibitors including Four W’s Outdoors, Harris County Precinct 4 Parks Department, National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Youth Hunting Program, Coastal Brigades, University of Houston Environmental Institute, Eddie Gray Wetlands Center & Baytown Nature Center, and TPWD -- Angler Education (Take Me Fishing), Buffalo Soldiers, Coastal Fisheries, Inland Fisheries, Brazos Bend State Park, Hunter Education, and Becoming an Outdoors-Woman!
There were two educational conservation and natural resource-themed demonstrations of live hawks and other raptors in flight by master falconer John Karger of “Last Chance Forever – the Birds of Prey Conservancy.” Kelly Rainer and 'Ian', a golden eagle, were present delivering the educational show with their usual impactful conservation message. Last Chance has showcased their raptors at TMOH every year, following their involvement at all 18 TPWD "Wildlife Expos" before that! THANKS John, Kelly and and Last Chance raptor handlers!
|
'Willard Franklin, Houston Hunter Education Instructor with 4W Outdoors, is a pied piper' in Southeast Texas for boating, fishing and hunting, Willard said, "National Hunting and Fishing Day was a success for us. We were at Discovery Green in downtown Houston and met the Flores family. We discussed fishing and hunting. I offered young Paco a chance to learn how to hunt and he was all over it. The first thing that they needed to do was take Hunter Education to get started. They took it the next day with Royce Engler (see below)."
|
The day after TMOH, Willard added, "This morning I got pictures from The Flores family who completed their Hunter Education course with Instructor, Royce Engler - Conroe. Now they are ready for some range time. What type of hunting do you suggest we get them into? Rabbits 🐇, squirrels 🐿️, ducks 🦆 or deer 🦌? Four W’s Outdoors hats and shirts are on order for them. Now they going to need some gear. Four W’s Outdoors non-profit introducing more Americans to the outdoors!"
Congratulations Paco and the Flores Family! Welcome to safe, responsible hunting and shooting!
|
 Back to Top
Photo: Jeanette (Front R)and Jeff Hood (Back Center), BOW Outdoor Cooking Instructors, among many other outdoor talents, poses with her participants at Camp El Tesoro, thanking Camp Chef for all they do for their courses at BOW.
"A total of 130 women attended the Fall 2023 BOW Workshop conducted October 6-8th at Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro near Granbury, TX. Around 50 dedicated, long-time instructors and staff ensured the participants learned lots and had a great time doing so! Heidi Rao, who was ill during the weekend workshop, has done an incredible job organizing BOW events, documenting every detail, and assembling an instructor cadre adept at carrying-on in her absence. As a result, Cheryl LeJune, Tomball, and I were able to pick up the reins and seamlessly lead the charge on Heidi’s behalf. We are all looking ahead to Rockport April 19-21, 2024, when we’ll do it all over again! I understand Heidi has already received emails."
- Monica Bickerstaff - N TX HE Specialist
|
"Heidi, Glad to hear the copies of the October 2023 issue of TEXAS OUTDOORS JOURNAL (TOJ) were so well received. I also appreciate you sending the photo of some of those in attendance. Please let me know a couple of months in advance of the Spring event and I’ll do it again. Plus, we will put that event in our Outdoor Calendar in TOJ and mention it on the Outdoor Calendar on TEXAS OUTDOOR NEWS radio. Even if it is already booked I will still let folks know of the program’s existence. Maybe more money and help can be found to put on a few more throughout the year. Keep me posted of any other events or ways in which my companies and I can assist."
Bill Olson, Texas Outdoor Journal, Inc. and Texas Outdoor News Radio
|
Back to Top
Venison Butchery Class and Volunteer Event Held in San Antonio
Photo: Butcher Kriss Abigail Paredes, Hunters of Color, Texas Ambassador Basheer Benhalim and TWA Foundation’s Outdoorsman of the Year, Leon McNeil (see above - City Kids) join others at the class.
San Antonio Food Bank’s (SAFB) "Casa Venado" and TPWD partnered to provide a "Venison Butchery Class and Volunteer Event" in mid- October. Casa Venado is the only on-site deer butchering and processor in the nationwide network of Hunters for the Hungry (HFH) partners.Their products go directly to SAFB which provided 212,739 venison-based meals to the community, feeding 55,771 people during last year’s hunting season.
The event was coordinated by Basheer Benhalim of Hunters of Color which works to welcome all people into the hunting space and was led by professional wild game butcher, Kriss Abigail Paredes. Kris taught a dozen participants how and why we process our own venison, then everyone transitioned to the processing line where they got some hands-on experience and directly contributing to SAFB.
To schedule volunteer days for your program or organization or book the SAFB classroom for a Hunter Ed/101 class contact info@safoodbank.org or visit the Casa Venado “Volunteer Opportunities” and tell them Hunter Education sent you.
To donate venison to HFH visit Feeding Texas HftH . If you’re an MLDP Landowner with a large cull event, their refrigerated trailers can be scheduled to collect donations. Remember that when you buy a hunting license you have an option to donate money to HFH, too! Thanks to everyone who make it possible!
|
Back to Top
"The Texas Wildlife Association and its longstanding Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) were excited to return to the beautiful Davis Mountains in September for two "Adventure Hunts" for elk! Range conditions were tough due to the drought, and weather during the hunts varied from extremely pleasant, to thunderstorms and fog, and, of course, some good ole’ fashion Texas heat. But our hunters, volunteers and staffers persevered and four youth were blessed to take beautiful bull elk! We are already looking ahead to next year!” - Braxton Hicks, TYHP
|
Hunters and parents included (above) Morgan and Andrew Butler, Kingsville, from the week one TYHP elk hunt, and (below) Dixie and Damon Downs, Nacogdoches, from the week two hunt.
The so-called Adventure Hunts are part of the "advanced hunt series" offered through TYHP to those who apply; meet the credentials of the hunt, get selected, then attend a mandatory Elk Hunting 101 training to prepare for the rigors of the hunts held in West Texas. Hunts for other species will continue to be added throughout the state in the future (e.g. waterfowl, etc.)
|
TYHP Director Shoots Big Bull in Colorado
"We hunted with the Costa Family on the Costa Ranch in Stonewall Colorado.The Costas are native Coloradans and have ranched and hunted in the Purgatory River Valley since the elder Costa emigrated from Italy in the late 1800s. I first hunted with the Costas in 2017 on a pronghorn hunt. Since then, the Costas have offered pronghorn hunts to me for friends and Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) volunteers. To date, seven (7) TYHP huntmasters and/or volunteers have hunted pronghorn with the Costas with 100% success. I hunted elk in 2021, with no luck. This year, however, on the second to last hunt, I was able to shoot this nice bull. Our guides, Greg and Paul Costa, are amazing hunters having grown up running the family ranch that has cattle, hunting and horseback riding. I hunted with a friend and we camped at Trinidad Lake State Park. Sadly, my friend missed the one hunt when the bull showed up." - Chris Mitchell, Director, TYHP
|
Back to Top
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)
Area Chief and TYHP Huntmaster, Ruben Rangel, Brownsville, guided young huntress, Bailey Stacey, on a recent nilgai hunt at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Bonita Green - Poteet, serves as the TYHP Huntmaster to this unique hunt, which a lucky few applicants get drawn for each year. Rangel said they watched a coyote stalking the nilgai before they were able to get into a good shooting position. Nilgai are considered fine eating and, as you can see, provide a lot of meat for the table. CONGRATS Bailey!
|
Resaca de la Palma State Park
Thanks, once again, to Area Chief, Junior Munoz, Aransas NWR, and to Las Huellas who paid for the student fees, drinks and hotdogs for each of the 17 participants. The Rio Grande Valley is a popular destination for hunters during the Special White-winged Dove hunts, and the Park opens for the seasons as a Annual Public Lands (APL) hunting opportunity in Texas. Way to go Junior, Resaca and Las Huellas!
|
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, held a student course for 12 young participants at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens in late October. TFFC, has long held hunter education as part of the Hatchery Facility, and it has a hiking trail and other areas that serve well for instructors putting up "Skills Trails". Luckily, the two-hour hunter skills and live-fire activities were held at the front end of the course, and the supplies were stowed just prior to the big East Texas rains that ensued. Students passed with flying colors! Thanks to Burnie Kessner (retired TPWD TX-NASP Coordinator), his wife, Leslie, and Tom Lang TFFC Hatchery Chief, for hosting the event, and for the Kessners in supplying the snacks. Two of Tom's four kids, also attended and passed. Congrats!
|
City Kids Adventures Hunt
Leon, Leticia and LeeCharles McNeil take City Kids Adventures (See article above.) on many hunts throughout the fall and winter on many ranches in Central Texas. In this case, the hunts were held on the Harrell Whitetail Ranch and Deer Creek Whitetail Ranch near Fredonia. Gary Riddle, Area Chief - San Angelo (background), and Volunteer, Greg Massari (foreground) instructed nearly 50 youth in shotgun shooting in between the Saturday morning and afternoon hunts, a tradition at most City Kids hunts, along with 3-D archery shooting. Below, the Kids take a break for lunch at the Deer Creek Whitetail Ranch. THANKS to to the ranch sponsors and to City Kids for providing stellar experiences!
|
Lonesome Dovefest - Karnes City
This group waited patiently for their turn to shoot 5-Stand during the second annual Buddy Hall Memorial Shoot held during the Lonesome Dove Fest in Karnes City. Buddy Hall was a profound supporter of the local community and had a passion for getting new shooters interested and started with a firm grasp of firearm safety and handling. Buddy lives on through all those to whom he taught as well as through the memorial shoot held to honor him each year.
Shooting Sports Mobile Trailer
Mobile Range Coordinator and Central TX Hunter Education Specialist, Morgan Harbison, pulls the targets and watches for breaks as a shooter attempts to shoot his targets during a round of 5-Stand at the second annual Buddy Hall Memorial Shoot. The event was unfortunately called due to strong winds and lightning but it was believed that Buddy was sending much needed rain to the Karnes County community.
|
Lee/Washington County Youth Firearms and Safety Field Day
Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek hosted another Youth Shooting Sports Event in October (Lee & Washington Counties). Brock Minton, S TX Hunter Education Specialist and volunteers instructed at the shotgun station during the two-day event which included archery, shotgun, .22 small bore, .243 large bore, muzzleloading, skills trail, skins & skulls, and Game Warden "Wall of Shame. (See below.)
|
 "Thank you so much for helping to make our Youth Firearms and Safety Day a success! Despite the unanticipated rain on Wednesday, we had 50 students from Giddings, Lexington, and Dime Box. Thursday we had 66 students from Brenham and Burton. All went well, and students all seemed to have a fun day! Instructors/Volunteers – a huge thank you for donating your time and abilities to help make this event possible! Overall we had 28 staff/volunteers across the two days. Most were there for both days. Thank you all!! Also, a big thank you to Lee County Wildlife Association – they were responsible for purchasing all the ammo and supplies this year. They also provided lunch on Wednesday. Also, a big thank you to Washington County Wildlife Society for helping to sponsor the event and providing lunch on Thursday." - Laura Sherrod, TPWD Wildlife Biologist
Chaparral WMA Youth Shooting Sports Event
Chaparral Wildlife Management Area hosted yet another Youth Shooting Sports Event in late October. A total of 62 youths attended the two-day event. Brock Minton, S TX Hunter Education Specialist (below) and Randy Spradlin, W TX Specialist, led the shotgun and hunter education activities. They were joined by other instructors, TPWD Wildlife Division staff, U.S. Border Patrol and the "Muzzle Stuffers" -- all teaching their expertise at the various stations. High schools from Charlotte, Carrizo Springs (24th year), and Boerne, Cotulla (25th year), participated in eight different shooting events - sporting clays, trap shooting, pistol, archery, .22 caliber rifle, .243 caliber rifle, muzzleloading rifle & muzzleloading pistol. A safety orientation was given prior to all of the shooting events. Thanks, once again, to the Wildlife Staff at the Chaparral WMA including hunter education instructor, Caitlyn Navarro.
|
BASS PRO SHOPS support courses throughout Texas In October
 Charlie Preslar - Garland (R) and another Garland Bass Pro Shops courses.
 Area Chief, Kirk McClelland, prepares for another one of his San Antonio Bass Pro Shops courses along with fellow Area Chief Charles Marcus - Helotes.
 Jose Garcia - Irving, held a SPANISH Course at Grapevine Bass Pro Shops.
 Ivan Benavides - Pasadena, and his son, Ivan Jr., an Assistant Hunter Education Instructor, held a Spanish course at the Pearland Bass Pro Shops.
"Fall Fest" at Mina Elementary
Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, was able to get out, himself, and cover a hunter education outreach event during Halloween season at an elementary school in Bastrop. Always at hit, his ten-question "Mammals of Texas" quiz, using the "Skulls, Skat, Skins and Tracks" Kit baffled kids and adults, alike, using many animals found in their own back yards (except for the black bear bonus question). It's amazing to know that more than 90% of participants taking the quiz answer grizzly or brown bear when the only Texas bear is the black bear. But that just goes to show the ignorance of most people regarding hunting, wildlife, habitats, and management efforts in Texas.
|
 Back to Top
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is proud to recognize Angelina County Game Warden, Timothy Walker ('Texas Cowboy' the photo), as its recipient of the 2023 Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies "Officer of the Year" award. Tim graduated from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Range and Ranch Management in 1998. He was accepted into the 47th Texas Game Warden Academy Class and graduated in 2001. Tim represents the true image of a devoted conservation law enforcement officer and understands the importance of leaving a legacy of conservation and a true love for the outdoors. He was featured in October Target Talk leading a hunter education course in East Texas! Congrats!
Retired Game Wardens with 572 Years of Service Get Together at Training
In late October, Region 5 & 8 hosted the "Retired & Special Game Warden" Annual Pistol Qualification at the Choke Canyon Training Facility just outside of Tilden. Current Game Wardens cooked steaks, and breakfast the next morning, for those that spent the night. There were others in attendance, but left before the picture and years of service could be documented. LOTS of old war stories were told (statute of limitations finally passed) and an amazing time was had by everyone!! Retired & Special Game Wardens are an amazing source of information, which is often over-looked. We appreciate the time to gather together, share stories, information, and spend time with our "other family". - Ronald J "Jeff" Benson, President, Trigger Reset LLC
 L to R: Arthur McCall, Marvin Tamez, Jeff Hill, Albert Flores, Kevin McDonald, Matt Robinson, Fernando Cervantes, Gus Sorola, Al Vielma, Jeff Benson, Norman Anthony, Scott McLeod, John LeLeux, Al Campos, Jon Brauchle, Henry Bolderamos, Mark Chapa, Jesse Garcia, and Jeff Carter.
Back to Top
Outdoor Recreation Adoption Model - Includes Hunters and Target Shooters
R3 - "Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation" Efforts Growing
R3 is a comprehensive, national strategy to ensure that the hunting and conservation heritage continues throughout North America and in Texas and remain RELEVANT (another important R!). The R3 National Action Plan is at the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports web site. Texas Parks and Wildlife and its partners produced a similar plan for Texas, the TPWD R3 Plan.
 Whether we talk about national or state strategies, action steps address four major threats to participation in conservation, hunting and target shooting: 1) Lack of Skills, 2) Lack of Awareness, 3) Lack of Motivation and 4) Lack of Access.
Back to Top
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
Back to Top
 "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.
|
