Dove Hunting's Top 10 REMINDERS

1. Establish SAFE ZONES OF FIRE and stick to them; COMMUNICATE positions with fellow hunters
2. MUZZLE CONTROL - Always point firearms in a SAFE direction
3. BE SURE OF TARGET - Proper ID; what is behind and in front of target
4. UNLOAD IMMEDIATELY when no longer hunting; store in case, separate from ammo when transporting firearms
5. KNOW GAME LAWS and observe them! - HE PROOF, BAG LIMITS, PLUGS, HIP and LICENSES

6. TAKE ONLY CLOSE SHOTS - well inside an effective range (e.g. 30 yards), practiced on the shotgun range

7. REDUCE WOUNDING LOSS - Mark downed birds, especially in thick cover, retrieve immediately and use sporting dogs to improve recovery

8. CARE of GAME MEAT - Ask landowner where to field dress doves; bring proper gear (e.g. vests, coolers, shears, knives, storage bags, etc.)

9. ETHICS & RESPECT - A) other hunters, B) non-hunters, C) landowners, D) self, and E) resource (habitat, wildlife) -- "leave place better than you found it!"

10. More CONSIDERATIONS - Take respectful photos/videos, especially posts on social media; avoid alcohol while driving/hunting; invite others to enjoy "poppers"!

To have FUN, you must be Careful, Capable, Courteous & Considerate - the 4 C's!

Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator

"50 in 50" Instructor of the Year

At the recent 2024 IHEA-USA Conference, an instructor in every state was recognized as IHEA-USA Instructor of the Year. This year's recipient for Texas is Area Chief Hunter Education Instructor, John Polasek, College Station. Through 2023, John has earned 8,767 incentive points, almost twice the Hall of Fame level! John was certified in 1989, and for 35 years, John hasn't slowed down a bit!   His passion for teaching others about safety and ethical hunting is unwavering. He serves on the Conservation Committee in College Station, and, for the past 17 years, has not missed volunteering at the Ranching and Wildlife Expo during the Houston Rodeo. He has led archery at the past three Harper Youth Hunts. He works with the Special Olympics and lives his passion in getting more people outdoors and enjoying a bit of nature therapy! He will receive further recognition and awards package from IHEA within the next few months. Photo: John shown here with a 2023 Instructor Conference award in Brownwood from Texas Hunter Education Instructor Association President, Debra Ferrell.

Jim Russell - 2023 Hall of Fame

Monica Bickerstaff, N TX Regional Specialist, presents Area Chief, James Russell – Denison, with his Hall of Fame plaque in recognition of more than 20 years volunteering as a Hunter/Bowhunter Education instructor. Russell earned 4,539 incentive award points through 2023, teaching Student and Instructor courses, attending instructor workshops and attending annual regional meetings/program updates. Congratulation Jim! 

Russell teaches the bulk of his courses at the Harber Wildlife Museum, Sherman, a partnership he established many years ago. Bickerstaff also took time to visit with the museum’s Curator, Keith McBrayer (see photo). A Texas Parks and Wildlife Department official "Certificate of Appreciation" signed by the TPWD executive director was presented by Russell to McBrayer and another one to Wildlife Museum Founders, Lacy and Dorothy Harber and are now prominently displayed in the museum’s entrance. It is well worth the trip to Sherman to visit the museum!

Randy Spradlin, W TX Hunter Education Specialist, and his hunter education instructor wife, Monica, experienced an unfortunate disaster in the form of a wildfire that burnt down their new house in Nugent. "They're still mopping up hot spots," said Spradlin after first arriving at the scene in early August. "When we got there this morning, we jumped on a couple areas flaring up and called in a truck. The fire, east of Abilene, burned over 500 acres, and our house is the only complete loss (within the large fire)."  He concluded, (The fire) started from a blowout on a tractor trailer (which) didn't stop. (The trailer) started several fires over a couple of miles."

Recovery donations being accepted by Texas Hunter Education Instructor's Association Attention: Wild Fire. Contact: Debra Ferrell - THEIA President

DOVE HUNTING 101

On average, Texas accounts for 30% of the total mourning dove harvest and 85% of the total white-winged dove harvest in the United States (US) each year. Approximately 300,000 hunters take to the field in Texas annually, resulting in a yearly economic impact of over $500 million.

Texas Dove Hunting Facts

Mourning Dove

• Texas leads US in mourning dove hunters & harvest
• Texas takes 4.4 million doves each year - 30% of the US harvest
• Texas also accounts for 30% of US dove hunters
• Mourning doves per hunter per season = 19; average doves per day = 5
• 2024 statewide population estimate of 34.3 million - 3rd highest on record

White-winged Dove

• Texas leads nation in white-winged dove hunters & harvest
• Texas takes 1.3 million white-wings each year - 85% of the US harvest
• On average, white-wings per hunter/season = 11; average doves per day = 3
• 2024 population estimate of 12.8 million - highest on record

Helpful Links:

• Dove Season Checklist and Hunting Licenses
• Outdoor Annual Online and Outdoor Annual APP
• Hunter Education and Hunter Education Certificate
• Texas Hunt & Fish (THF) APP (formerly My Texas Hunt Harvest)

Dove Hunting 101 - Austin; Sign Up NOW!

Hunters of Color is hosting a Dove Hunting 101 in Austin, for 20 participants.

Sept 11 - 5pm - 7pm; FIELD "Wing Shooting 101;  Capital Clays - Austin - For more information, contact Immanuel Salas

Sept 16 - 5pm - 9pm - CLASS

TPWD Hunter Ed Office - Airport Commerce Park

 REGISTER HERE (CLASSROOM) - Dove Biology, Safety, Game Laws, Hunting Techniques & Methods, and Cyber-scouting

In collaboration with Area Chief, Charles Marcus - Helotes, Hunter Education Instructor, Daniel Tidwell - Uvalde, Area Chief, Davis Rios - Uvalde (R), conducted a Big Game Scoring 101 Workshop at Bass Pro Shops - San Antonio. Students, many whom were hunter education instructors, learned Boone & Crockett Scoring techniques for white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and javelina (skull). "Three (3) new TPWD Biologists and ten (10) volunteers received certification to score big game for the Texas Big Game Awards program," said Area Chief, David Rios (L below), Certified Wildlife Biologist®; Senior Biologist - South Texas District 11, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

What can YOU do, and how are we trying to make this as easy as possible?

Four things:  

1. Mark September 1-7 on your promotional and social media planning calendars.

 2. Visit GunStorageCheck.org 

 3. Starting September 1, use our plug & play promotional materials, including social media posts, videos, and more to spread the word to your audiences.

 4. Share #GunStorageCheck, NSSF and Project ChildSafe posts on Facebook, Instagram and X!  And, MAKE SURE IT'S SECURE these hunting seasons!

Photo: Mary Steelman took home first place (top senior) in Muzzleloading.  She also took top honors in the Hunter Responsibility Exam category!

"Last week, the Central Regional Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) NRA event was held at the Benton County Quail Barn in Bentonville, Arkansas.  We brought our small contingent from Texas - Parisa Gieck (junior), and Mary Steelman (senior). We had talked some with others that had been to previous regional events, and we had ourselves attended the Texas North YHEC events held at the Arlington Sportsman Club- only once for Parisa, but several times for Mary.  The events we attended were always a lot of fun, and we heard lots of good things about the regional contest.  Let me just say - WOW!" - Scott Steelman

"Parisa Gieck earned the event's Sportsmanship Award, having been nominated by three of the nine directors.  She earned it - even though she struggled with some of the events, she always had a smile and a great attitude, said Steelman, "The prizes were incredible.  Mary came home with an in-line muzzleloader and a new hunting chair, and Parisa came home with a new rifle.  HOA individual winner received a Henry Golden Boy!"

BIG CONGRATS to Mary and Parisa!

Big Bend Sportsman Club - Alpine

Presidio County Game Wardens, William "Bo" Hancock (with hat in photo below, welcoming West Texans to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department booth), Conner Sumbera and Eric Wilmarth (photo helping youngster at Lasershot Booth), participated once again in the Big Bend Sportsman Club Annual Fundraising Dinner in Alpine. The Club sponsors scholarships, youth and family shoots and a variety of conservation events and activities in West Texas. Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator was able to join them this year and brought the Lasershot Shooting Simulator and his Texas Wildlife Quiz featuring "Skins, Skulls, Scats and Tracks" -- a popular "Safari in a Box" activity teaching families about the wildlife in their back yard. Great show in West Texas in the heat of the summer! Thanks for your great community work Game Wardens!

Rio Grande Valley Course

Gabe Lozano, HED Instructor Edinburg, demonstrates a blood trail as part of his field course at Coyote Arms Shooting Center in Edinburg in August. Skills trail activities focus on the five goals of hunter education: 1) be safe, 2) be legal, 3) take a good shot, 4) take care of game (from recovery and field processing to table) and 5) be ethical and present a good public image. Gabe has been an active instructor in the Rio Grande Valley and reaches a lot of families and youth who enjoy his classes.

Kid's Wildlife Conservation Day

Dominic Rao led his first hunter education class in August, in conjunction with the 5th Annual Kids Wildlife Conservation Day in Houston.  Expo activities also included archery, BB gun range, to Angler Education, and Fishing’s Future. Hard working Texas Brigades cadets from various camps were present to promote and recruit new youth into the outdoors: Coastal Brigade, Bass and Ranch Brigades. The Texas Youth Hunting Program was also there supporting this event and encouraging youth hunting opportunities across Texas.

Hello Teachers and Coaches:

Welcome to the start of the 24-25 school year and National Archery in Schools (NASP) Archery Season.

New Equipment Grants - Available to the first 20 schools - contact Travis Glick for grant applications due from August 15- April 15 each year. A total of $1,500 of the total cost of a NASP equipment kit is available to successful applicants. Reactivation Grants - This grant for $400 off the cost of equipment orders of $800 or more is for schools who are doing or have done archery in the past and need to order some gear to help enhance their program. The grant is for NASP- specific equipment only. TPWD CO-OP Grants - These grants range from $5,000-$100,000 (See below!) and can be used for things such as gear, supplies, travel, etc. To learn more visit TPWD web site - CO-OP Grants.

Shooting Sports Texas

Are you a new gun owner who wants to become more comfortable with your firearm or an experienced target shooter looking to hone your skills? Perhaps you're a hunter preparing for the next season, or maybe you're looking for a new sport or way to enjoy recreational time with friends and family. Sign Up for Shooting Sports E-Newsletter and Updates.

Photo: Morgan Harbison, C TX Hunter Education Specialist and Mobile Sporting Clays Manager, looks on as TPWD Outreach Manager, Kendrick Gray, practices his sporting clays before the dove season.

Photo: Melisa Felty, Conservation Education Manager, practices with her 9mm alongside Hunter Education Coordinator, Steve Hall, during a recent Outreach & Education staff meeting near Creedmoor. Thanks JB & Kelly Kolodzey for hosting at their 4-H lodge and facilities, including hands-on shooting sports.

Helpful Links:

• TPWD Shooting Sports website
• TPWD Shooting Sports Facebook page
• WhereToShoot.org
• TPWD fundamentals course, firearms and ammunition and shooting skills

After the award ceremony, Alli took a photo with her Captain, Marco Alvizo (L) and fellow trainers at the Game Warden Training Academy, Lt. Rachel Kellner, Program Coordinator, Game Warden Training Center and Game Warden II, Emily Slubar (R), Guadalupe County.

From TPWD News Release; August 23, 2024. Contact: news@tpwd.texas.gov

AUSTIN - "Hatten was a graduate of the 57th Texas Game Warden Academy class in 2012 and has been serving Val Verde County as a licensed Texas Master Peace Officer ever since. During her 12-year tenure as a Texas Game Warden, Hatten has made significant contributions to the law enforcement community, serving as an instructor for fellow wardens and officers through multi-agency trainings.

She serves as a firearms instructor at the Texas Game Warden Academy, providing leadership and guidance to game warden cadets and her colleagues statewide. She is also an Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training instructor and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement instructor, where she can impart knowledge and skills to law enforcement professionals, relying on her invaluable experience. Additionally, Hatten serves as a field training officer for the agency, playing a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of game wardens.

In 2021, Hatten was selected through a rigorous process to join the highly selective Texas Game Warden Rural Operations Group (ROG), a highly trained tactical response team. As a member of this specialized team, she plays an integral role in supporting her community and the state by providing a security presence and specialized tactical response in Texas’ diverse eco-regions and marine environments. The group provides support to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and emergency response organizations that do not have the equipment, personnel or capabilities to provide such a response. 

This achievement, and the value she places on mentoring fellow law enforcement officers, underscores her unwavering dedication to protecting Texas's natural resources and ensuring public safety."  

Garth William "Bill" Robinson Jr.

posted by Lake Shore Funeral Home

Retired Warden, "Bill" Robinson, 83, "a dedicated and courageous Dad, Husband and Texas Game Warden," passed away on Monday, August 5th.

Bill was born on Christmas Day, 1940 in Waco, to Garth and Juanita Robinson. Bill graduated from Midway H.S in 1959. After H.S., Bill sold cars for Bird Kultgen Ford in Waco, before joining the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as a Game Warden in 1966, fulfilling a lifelong passion for wildlife conservation and law enforcement. During his distinguished career, Bill was known for his unwavering dedication to protecting Texas’s natural resources and ensuring the safety of its citizens. He received numerous commendations and awards for his exceptional service, served as the President of the Texas Game Warden Association from 2000 to 2003, and retired as the Chief of Fisheries Enforcement. During his distinguished career he served in the Marble Falls and Kerrville regions and taught at the Game Warden School in Austin.

Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, said, "Bill use to help me teach hunter education at Onion Creek Ranch near Buda, and one time, during opening weekend of dove season, Bill spoke to the class and then indicated he needed to 'get back outside to check some more dove hunters' in the pasture next to the Lodge."  Hall continued, "Bill came back inside and told the class he had to write some over-the-bag-limit citations -- using the incident as a teachable moment to the principles taught at the course."  Hall chuckled, "The class was glad he did since the person getting the ticket was an owner of a local restaurant and had some trays of fajitas left over from his dove hunting 'party'.  The students chowed down while taking the final test. "Best exam ever," quoted one of the students, "Thanks Warden!"

Obituary Here

Dexter Harris

Dexter Harris, Lockhart, born to the late Ike and Inez Harris in Arkansas, passed away on August 18, 2024. He wore many hats in his lifetime including an Airforce Veteran, a Mason, and of course a Texas Game Warden. Dexter was a dedicated man who served selflessly for almost 30 years with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The most important hats he wore were those of his beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His passing will leave a void in the hearts of those who knew him and his family. Including his wife, Judy Harris, daughter, Susan Hinds with her husband Robert; sons, Phillip Harris and Paul Harris with his wife PK. He is also survived by four grandchildren, including the eldest granddaughter who he helped raise, Lana Daniels, Kyle Harris, Emily Harris and Hayden Hinds; and one great grandson, Cade Issac; along with many nieces and nephews. Dexter is preceded in death by his sister, Doris Henry and his parents.

Many thanks to Dr. Scott Tolan, Dr. Terri Quebedeaux, Dr. Arjun Mohandas, Felicity Winnett RPh, and Compassus Home Care for their devoted care of Dexter and the continued support of his family.

The family welcomes donations to be made in Dexter's name to the American Heart Association.

Obituary Here