Photo: Longtime friend, Dave Oakes, Dave Oakes Seminars, a "professional speaker, author and problem solver," takes a selfie with me, after our presentations in Florida.

In May, I presented the "4th R" -- Responsibility" at the Florida Hunter Education Instructor Conference. (In April, I presented the '4th R' at our own THEIA Hunter Education Instructor Conference.)

The '4th R' has always been the 'bread-n-butter' of Hunter Education! In the presentation, I highlighted the success of our efforts to plant ethical seeds and build Character within hunter education, hunting and target shooting circles. I reminded instructors of the importance of continuing the 4th R as part of the current Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) movement!  "We can't simply recruit and retain 'warm bodies'. Our customers must behave safely, legally and ethically if we are to succeed in maintaining our hunting, target shooting and outdoor heritage." I added, "As Hunter Educators, we must continue to focus on QUALITY of our customers (4th R), while our agencies work on QUANTITY (R3) strategies to keep our, mission, programs and 'business model' strong for years to come." I concluded, "Remember, with RESPONSIBILITY comes more R's -- RESPECT, RESOURCE, RESTRAINT, etc." And, remember, too, the 4C's of Responsibility (our decal) -- Careful, Courteous, Capable and Considerate!

Bill Cline, Florida Hunter Education Coordinator, his regional staff, and their VOLUNTEER instructors were such gracious hosts! Jae Ellison, Director of Education, International Hunter Education Association (IHEA)-USA, joined us, presenting on IHEA-USA initiatives such as Learn Hunting. Jae and Dave are highly sought for their expertise in education, leadership, and communications. Bill, himself, is a leader at the national level, and former IHEA-USA board member who presented "50 Years of Hunter Education in Florida" -- very similar to our Texas "50 Years" history and presentation I made several years ago at our conference.

Bill Cline, Florida Hunter Education Coordinator, his regional staff, and their VOLUNTEER instructors were such gracious hosts! Jae Ellison, Director of Education, International Hunter Education Association (IHEA)-USA, joined us, presenting on IHEA-USA initiatives such as Learn Hunting. Jae and Dave are highly sought for their expertise in education, leadership, and communications. Bill, himself, is a leader at the national level, and former IHEA-USA board member who presented "50 Years of Hunter Education in Florida" -- very similar to our Texas "50 Years" history and presentation I made several years ago at our conference.

Social Media - Susan Rios - Uvalde

Area Chief, Susan Rios, said, "Social media provides a platform for the Hunter Education community to 1) reach a wider audience, 2) engage with supporters, 3) promote classes, 4) raise awareness, and, most importantly, 5) educate the public. Social media also offer opportunities to 6) build relationships with stakeholders, 7) share the positive impact of Hunter Education, and 8) develop a greater sense of community through free platforms. With over 5 billion people using social media, worldwide, it is the most impactful way to share news and information about the classes, R3 initiatives, and the virtues of supporting our hunting heritage in a positive way."

Conference Pledge of Allegiance

Thanks to Scoutmaster, Kevin Marquardt, and his local Troop 111 from Kerrville for posting the colors at our THEIA Instructor conference!  Thanks, too, to THEIA board member, Doug DuBois, Jr. - Austin, for giving the invocation prior to the Awards Banquet. Honoring God & Country, are part of the fabric of Volunteerism in America and the Texas Hunter Education Program. These actions serve to remind us of the rights, liberties, freedoms, and privileges we have in this great country and state, and the responsibilities we have as citizens to protect our values. Thanks to all conference participants!

Texas Game Wardens

A BIG THANKS goes out to Kerr County Game Wardens, Carson Wardlow and Dustin Barrett, and Gillespie County Game Warden, Joshua Sako, who presented at this year's 2024 Conference in Kerrville. Joshua presented on game wardens' use of drones in law enforcement saying that many wardens, statewide have been trained in such technologies.  More and more, computers, drones and social media play bigger roles in securing the information needed to make proper arrests when enforcing game laws. Carson and Dustin also were on hand to address general game law questions from volunteer instructors -- a popular presentation at the annual conference!  Thanks to all for coming to the conference!

2023 Honorary Legacy -

Don Steinbach - Round Top

Texas Ag Extension Honoree, Don Steinbach, in accepting his Legacy Award, said, "Steve, as I recall, the first discussion you and I had was about PR dollars that TPWD, at that time, was unable to totally match the available federal dollars."  Don continued, "From that discussion was a recognition that we (Texas Ag Extension 4-H and Wildlife & Fisheries) had begun to expand the opportunities around the 4-H .22 rifle contest which had a long history before I got there. We were sponsored by Folgers Coffee Company (FCC) and (my boss) Charles Ramsey (Former Kerr WMA Manager) enlisted my help in managing and conducting the contest at the shooting range in the basement of the ROTC building. After a couple of years in that role, I envisioned a broader 4-H Shooting Sports Program, so I asked help from my friend, Tom Davison, 4-H Foundation (Chair) who had just finished raising the funds for the Brownwood 4-H Center. Tom invited NRA's Wayne Sheets to come to the 4-H Center and put on the 1^st 4-H Volunteer Training for Shotgun Shooting. That resulted in Tom serving on NRA Shooting Sports Committee and me serving on the NRA Hunters Committee." Steinbach summarized, "It did not take many years for us to develop (an extremely effective and impactful partnership!)"

From the initial 1993 PR funding discussion, Don put a partnership together in 1994 with Steve Hall, TPWD Outreach & Education Director, that resulted in the hiring of folks like Tamara Trail, Larry Hysmith and Denise Harmel-Garza to run their 4-H Sport Fishing & Shooting Sports Partnership, training Extension Agents and 4-H Volunteers in TPWD's angler and hunter education programs. Trail moved on to the Texas Wildlife Association to help further develop and expand what would become components of their Conservation Legacy Education  and Hunting Heritage Programs and Partnerships (e.g., TYHP and ALHP). Harmel-Garza and Hysmith stayed with Extension, the former a TPWD Hunter Education Hall of Fame inductee and the latter an inductee plus a Legacy Award Winner along with Steinbach. Hysmith continues as the main point of contact for the longstanding (4-H) Hunter Education Initiative and 4-H Fisheries and Wildlife Programs.

Legacy Awards - Troy & Kathy Harrison

"The Harrison's, from Pasadena, have taught many courses in Southeast Texas near Houston. Troy was certified in 2011 and Kathy in 2012.  They’ve collectively certified 3,395 students and earned 7669 points. They continue to be very active, offering classes and building partnerships, especially with Bass Pro Shops where they hold most of their classes and outreach.  Troy was inducted into the Texas Hunter Education Hall of Fame in 2017 and Kathy in 2022. They have incorporated the Laser Shot as a hands-on component of firearms safety and handling. Congratulations Team Harrison!" - Heidi Rao, SE TX Hunter Education Specialist

Legacy Award - Bill Tatsch, Jr.

"William “Bill” Tatsch Jr. - Arlington, has been an instructor for approximately 40 years. He began his involvement teaching Hunter Education in programs for scouts in the Longhorn Council. One Sunday afternoon when Bill stopped by a local shooting range to get in a bit of target practice he was asked if he was a volunteer Hunter Education Instructor. Hence, he began a longstanding relationship teaching public courses at the range monthly.  Bill volunteered for TPWD’s fall expo in Austin until it was discontinued in 2008. That same year he was inducted into the Texas Hunter Education Hall of Fame. He taught 3,175 students and has earned 7,345 points. Today. Bill adds the Legacy Award, as well as the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, to his extensive collection. Thank you for your dedication to Texas Hunter Education!" - Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Hunter Education Specialist

2023 Hall of Fame - Brent Beamesderfer

"Brent Beamesderfer - Baytown, became a Hunter Education Instructor in 2007, a Bowhunter Education Instructor in 2022, and an Area Chief in 2011. He's taught 2,497 students has earned a total of 5,132 points since that time. From the day he was certified, Brent began working with other Area Chiefs in his region. He works within 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.  Congratulations, Brent!" - Heidi Rao, SE TX Hunter Education Specialist

2023 Hall of Fame - Richard Wright

"Richard Wright - Lake Jackson, became a Hunter Education Instructor in 2003.  Since then, he’s certified 1,862 students and earned 4,553 incentive points He is well-respected in his community, serving Brazoria County for many years. Richard was one of those instructors who became known as the Hunter Safety Guy" in his community. Many congratulations for your long-time dedication and service to Hunter Education, Richard!"

Heidi Rao, SE TX Hunter Ed Specialist

2023 Hall of Fame - Charles Edenfield - Saginaw

"Charles Edenfield - Fort Worth, teaches multiple courses throughout the year at Shoot Smart Gun Range. He was certified in 2017 and has taught 1,734 students and earned 4,748 incentive award points. Charles is joining the ranks of Texas Hunter Education Hall of Fame Award inductees. Thank you and congratulations, Charles!" - Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Hunter Education Specialist

2023 Bowhunter Ed Instructor of the Year

Laurie Aubin - Deer Park

Laurie Aubin was certified as a Hunter and Bowhunter Education Instructor in 2021 – and since then she’s certified 185 hunter and bowhunter education students and earned 443 incentive points. She is a Professional Educator at Pasadena Memorial High School, PE Teacher, Outdoor Educator, Coach, and even a bus driver, transporting her students to hunter education-related events – including the state NASP/IBO tournament each year.  In archery, Pasadena Memorial has a strong team and advances to NASP Nationals each year – which is where she is right now – at NASP Nationals in Utah with her team! Go get ‘em, Laurie –way to represent bowhunters and archers in the hunter education program!

2023 SE Region Instructor of the Year - Scott Lightle - Katy

"In 2019, Scott traveled nearly 4 hours from Richmond to Mission Tejas State Park in Grapeland to become a certified instructor. Since, he’s certified 573 students, earned 1337 incentive points, and has taught many instructors as an Area Chief! He brought TPWD programs to Long Acres Ranch, almost 800 acres of outdoor educational and recreational opportunities just south of Houston.  He’s coordinated and hosted angler, boater, hunter and bowhunter education, NASP, SAR, the annual Houston Safari Club-sponsored HED class, and Beyond-BOW.  He is now a BOW Instructor, teaching hands-on and outdoor programs. He has a team and leads a group of archers each year to the state tournament. He is the only Texas instructor to bring a team to the national Student Air Rifle Program Tournament. He spends a lot of time at the “ranch” because his vocation is truly his avocation!  Scott exudes passion to share the outdoors with everyone he encounters!  He is unable to join us this weekend because he is hosting the annual TPWD Angler Education Area Chief Conference.  A true heart of a volunteer!  Congratulations Scott!"  - Heidi Rao

2023 North Texas HE Instructor of the Year - Travis Tidwell

"Travis Tidwell - Ben Wheeler was certified as an instructor in 2014. He teaches most of his courses at Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens. He has certified more 930 students and earned 1,765 incentive points. He is the area’s point-of-contact for many of the public queries in Northeast Texas. He loans much of his and the Center’s equipment to other instructors seeking training aids (e.g., inert firearm set and a variety of 3D targets). Tidwell has been instrumental in assisting in the coordination of Hunting 101s and regional instructor meetings at TFFC. Thank you, Travis!"

N TX Hunter Education Specialist, Monica Bickerstaff

Eddie Kleppinger 'New Generation' Instructor of the Year - Kali Umphenhour

"Kali Umphenhour - Midlothian, 7th/8th grade Outdoor Education teacher, Walnut Grove Middle School, became a Hunter Education Instructor in 2022. Since then, Umphenhour has certified over 177 students and earned 354 points in her first year. Additionally, she certified almost the same number of students in Boater Education - teaching the Outdoor Tomorrow Foundation’s Outdoor Adventures Curriculum. Umphenhour’s frequent communication with the Hunter Ed Staff, demonstrates her dedication to keeping her students safe and legal!"  - Kevin Vo, Hunter Education Administrative Assistant (conference); as presented by Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Specialist, at Walnut Grove MS

2023 Partner Award - Laser Shot - Stafford, TX

Dominic Rao, Houston, was on hand at a recent Hunter Education Instructor Course at Long Acres Ranch to accept the 2023 Texas Hunter Education Partner Award on behalf of Laser Shot.

"In 1999 during the Vendor Reception at the annual IHEA conference in Buffalo, NY, Terry Erwin, Steve, and I met Paige Menard and Alan Winslette, who had a computer, projector, specialized camera, and real firearms modified with lasers. They were “shooting” real wildlife on screen to teach ethical hunting, proper shot placement, and wildlife ID. This interactive technology was ahead of its time. Since then, Laser Shot, a Stafford/Houston-based company, has been a long-time partner of Hunter Education, not only across Texas, but throughout North America and worldwide. Their unwavering support has helped staff, instructors, and the public learn all things Hunter Education through hands-on, virtual training. In 2020, they hired my son, Dominic, then 18 years of age, due to his lifelong knowledge of firearms, safety, handling, hunting, and communication skills (I may have something to do with that – tee hee!). As an active Assistant and now Texas Hunter Education Instructor, he’s been to Germany, SHOT show and across North America promoting hunting ethics, education and training using state-of-the-art technology.  My family is certainly glad that TPWD Hunter Education Program and Laser Shot crossed paths back in the late nineties!  Congratulations and thanks for your continued support!" - Heidi Rao, SE TX HE Specialist

Professional Educator of the Year & TPWD Staff Recognized

(L to R) Hico FFA President, Tom Kuiper, Ag Science Teachers, Eric Kale and Josh Sanders, N TX HE Specialist, Monica Bickerstaff, FFA Secretary, Reegan Brister, and FFA Incoming President, Caroline Langley.

Hico FFA members, their families and guests gathered to recognize this year’s chapter award winners. Among those recognized were Ag Science Teacher, Eric Kale, "2023 TPWD Hunter Education Professional Educator of the Year" and N TX Hunter Education Specialist, Monica Bickerstaff, who was honored with the Hico FFA Appreciation Award given to a person "who puts many hours of work and dedication into the Hico FFA students.” The award’s presenter said, “This year’s recipient has always been willing to help our FFA program. She has talked to many of our wildlife education classes, written tests for our wildlife contests, and assisted with every spring judging contest Hico has hosted." The presenter added, "Recently, Monica went out of her way to drive to Austin to pick up a Laser Shot system for our wildlife classes. Her commitment to our chapter does not go unnoticed!”

Debra Ferrell - Ladonia

"Certified as an instructor in 2017, Debbie has taught an even 1,000 students and earned 2005 Incentive Points (2023 totals). She teaches many courses at Cabela’s in Allen along with serving as current president of the Texas Hunter Education Instructor Association (THEIA). Congratulations on reaching the Knife Incentive Points level, Deb!"

- Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Hunter Education Specialist

Bob Barnette - Dallas

Note: Accepting the award for Bob while at the conference was Chris Mitchell, TYHP Director.

"Bob has taught 598 students and earned 2,056 Incentive Points in his involvement as a volunteer instructor, predominantly through his work with Texas Youth Hunting Program events. As North Texas Field Operations Director, Bob is integral to both Hunter Education and TYHP. He is especially avid as a TPWD bowhunter education instructor. His efforts result in his reaching the Knife Incentive Points level. Congratulations Bob!"  Monica Bickerstaff, NX Hunter Education Specialist 

Jeryl Williams- Athens

"Jeryl became an instructor in 2011. In the 13 years since, he has taught 771 students and earned 2090 incentive Points, qualifying him for the Custom Buck Knife Incentive Award. Congratulations Jeryl!  Jeryl lives in Jewett in the heart of Central Texas north of Austin and has made "Hunter Safety" a reality for the people in his community. Thanks, Jeryl, for all you achieve on behalf of Hunter Education!"

Monica Bickerstaff, NX Hunter Education Specialist

Sherry and Harry Odell - Edna

"Shirley and her husband, Harry, were certified in July of 1998 at the Victoria Electric Coop - and were in my first Instructor Course in that area of Southeast Texas!  Since then, they have collectively taught 1,021 students and earned 3,728 Incentive Points, filling the Hunter Education demand in the Greater Victoria area. They are both active Huntmasters and conduct many youth hunts each year, continuing the heritage. They earned TYHP Volunteers of the Year at the prestigious Texas Wildlife Association Convention, just prior to the Covid years.  Many congratulations, Shirley and Harry!" Heidi Rao, SE TX HE Specialist.  Photo Below: Shirley and Harry show off their President's Lifetime Achievement Award (25 years of Service and/or HE Hall of Fame).  A total of 102 Texas Hunter Education Instructors qualified and received the prestigious, national VOLUNTEER award!

"Worser" Awards from THEIA

Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, and Heidi Rao, SE TX Hunter Education Specialist, were both "stuck" with "worsers" through the generosity of an Area Chief (Heidi's Award) and a staff member (Steve's award).  For their donations to THEIA, Steve and Heidi must take their worsers to any and all hunter education functions this year and provide a Power Point at the 2025 Hunter Education Instructor Conference with photos of their worsers, starting with this one at the Hunter Education Instructor held at Long Acres Ranch in May.

Air Rifle Basics

Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, taught a Student Air Rifle Program Primer at the BOW Workshop held in Rockport at Camp Aranzazu in April. SAR will become more important for hunter education instructors going forward for two main reasons:

• To teach live-fire exercises within hunter education courses, either indoors such as a gymnasium or hotel conference room, or outdoors in virtually any setting that allows use of pellet rifles. (Note: Be sure to check local ordinances and public land restrictions that would disallow such use!)
• To teach a lifelong, outdoor pursuit within school curricula (i.e. Its own local, state, and national program promoting responsible target shooting). SAR mimics the successful National Archery in Schools Program, curriculum, standardized equipment, and procedures ("11 Steps").  NASP instructors can easily employ SAR as the twin-sister program in PE and outdoor education coursework. Use as a live-fire exercise indoors or outdoor at student courses, especially where small-bore and shotgun target shooting is disallowed. (Note: Be sure to check local ordinances re: non-allowance of pellet rifled outdoors). Contact your regional specialist (see far below) if you would like to see a training at your school district or if you are a volunteer wanting to use such in your hunter education live-fire exercises and/or partner with your local school. SAR equipment is also available for loan from the specialists!

PT Outdoors - Team of the Year

At the recent SCI Houston - sponsored TPWD Hunter Education Course (below) hosted by PT Outdoors, many from the team were on hand to pose with their 2023  Team of the Year Award.

Photo: PT Outdoors team members include (L to R) Kevin Jackson, Clinton Narcisse, Felipe Cervantes, Kenneth Bown, David Keck, Matthew Stall, and PT Leader, Daniel Billings.

Daniel Billings, PT Outdoors (L) with Ryan and Doug Brown, said, "Proud to see our young hunters growing up and what they are doing. Ryan Brown took the Hunter Education course with PT Outdoors, then participated in a Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) hunt in Bay City with PT team member & Huntmaster, Kevin Jackson - Galena Park. Ryan shot his first deer then made it onto the big stage, singing the National Anthem at a Houston Astros baseball game. (See photo below.) HECK YEAH, WE’RE PROUD! Glad to share our heritage and see these kids growing up and enjoying LIFE!"  Billings added, "One of the reasons Ryan had such a huge impact on me and the PT team, is that he had a speech impediment which 'choir helped him overcome.' At our usual TYHP Saturday night campfire, Ryan commented 'BEST DAY EVER!' without missing a beat. And, as usual, there wasn't a dry eye around the fire that evening. Ryan is an awesome kid, and finding comfort in the outdoors was a huge win for us all!"

Hunter Education Instructor Course - Long Acres Ranch, Richmond

Area Chief HE Instructor, Cheryl LeJune - Tomball, looks on as guest, Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, introduces the new instructors to the 3-D Model white-tailed deer used in shot placement exercises -- all part of the five program goals:

1. Be Safe
2. Be Legal
3. Take a Good Shot (proper shot placement)
4. Take Care of Game (from field to fork), and
5. Act Ethically (public image, unwritten laws, etc.)

Long Acres Ranch - HE Outreach

"Working with fellow Hunter Education Instructor, James Page - Katy (photo) - Long Acres Ranch, volunteers from Texas Agrilife Extension, 4-H, Master Naturalists and Hunter Education (myself) came together to teach 8th graders from Wright Jr High (Lamar Consolidated ISD) everything about Northern Bobwhite Quail. The outreach event included external anatomy, internal anatomy, and a habitat game for the students. The students had lots of hands-on activities with the quail and learned a greater appreciation of what it takes to survive in the quail world." - Cheryl LeJune - Area Chief Tomball.

Hog Hunting 101 - Columbus

Photo:  Lucky hunter, Barbara Woodworth - Lockhart, took this 220+ pound hog with a Mossberg .243 rifle. Barbara and her guide/mentor Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, dressed the animal in the field so they could lift it into a UHV with assistance of ranch guide, Blake Bird. Later, under light at the barn, the two skinned and quartered the big pig, providing a lot of meat of Woodworth and her family. She chose to process the animal herself -- way to go! A special THANKS to Tom Skidmore, A6 Ranch Landowner, and Blake Bird for hosting!

Hunter Education and Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow Program Instructor, Laura Andersen - Rockport, helps Hog Hunting 101 participant, Mischelle Diaz - Austin, sight in her .243 rifle in preparation for the hunt. Of course, the most popular session at species-based Hunting 101 workshops is target shooting (live-fire) activities. Next rated session is the biology and management of the species, in this case, wild hogs, taught by TPWD biologist, Lee Williamson. Species workshops also include hunting gear and techniques, as well as where and when to hunt the animals in Texas.

NRA Convention - Dallas TX May 2024

In partnership with the NRA and the Student Air Rifle (SAR) program, Hunter Education Specialists, Monica Bickerstaff (N TX), Randy Spradlin (W TX), Brock Minton (S TX), Heidi Rao (SE TX) were joined by volunteer instructor, Monica Spradlin - N Richland Hills, and Royal Rangers leaders and certified SAR Instructors, Stan Lewis and Darrel Freeman, to promote SAR during NRA’s hands-on Youth Day activities organized by David Halbrook, National Manager, Community Engagement Division, National Rifle Association. Many youngsters and their parents came to the SAR station, many shooting the featured SAR air rifle, Umarek® .177 Embark Air Rifles. The mini-SAR range was set up to promote the program being incorporated into more and more school programs throughout the country.

L to R - Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Hunter Education Specialist and Heidi Rao, SE TX Specialist, assist two youngsters in shooting the Umarex® .177 Air Rifles used in the Student Air Rifle (SAR ) Program in Texas. Hunter Education staff members are certified SAR Instructors and train teachers as SAR instructors in schools throughout Texas. The SAR Program will follow the trail of the National Archery in Schools Program in Texas, giving youngsters a chance to learn firearm safety, discipline, and other values while enjoying a lifelong sport.

N Texas Regional Meeting - June 8 - Muenster

• PenTex Energy, 11799 US-82
  
• 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

LAST CALL to REGISTER!

https://tpwd.elementlms.com/course/hunter-education-hunting-101-optional-free-167/

Please come to our annual North Texas Meeting to get updated on the latest program information and to share thoughts and ideas with your fellow instructors. Contact Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Regional Hunter Education Specialist, at monica.bickerstaff@tpwd.texas.gov.

August TWA Hunter Education Courses

"We are planning a week long Hunter Education series of courses, at the Texas Wildlife Association Headquarters. The concept is basic Classroom Course from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and a Field Course from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. We are providing the classroom, range (using Gamo air rifles) and hunter skills trail. We've also recruited a top-notch group of hunter education instructors from Central Texas" - Chris Mitchell, Director, Texas Youth Hunting Program; cmitchell@Texas-wildlife.org

August Big Game Scoring 101

* August 24th - 10AM to 6PM

* Bass Pro Shops San Antonio

Area Chief, David Rios, Texas Parks & Wildlife biologist. has set up a Big Game Scoring Workshop in San Antonio just in time for the hunting seasons this fall. Each participant will receive a scoring kit and learn to measure and score big game animals in Texas.  You must register here: REGISTRATION LINK