In This Issue: Deer Season! BOW, City Kids, October Events & More
Thankful for TPWD Career!
Photo: Susan Howard, from the popular "Dallas" television series and John Schneider from "Dukes of Hazzard," get last-minute instructions from Steve Hall, Outreach & Education Director, during the 1995 Texas Wildlife Expo Celebrity Shoot.
When we think back on our careers, I wonder about fate and the choices we made that got us HERE, to this PLACE in life!
Upon graduating from Colorado State in 1981 with a BS degree in wildlife biology, I was desperate to go to work in my field. After applying for positions with the Colorado Division of (Parks &) Wildlife (CDW), and Wyoming Game and Fish, I landed a job with the American Sportsman's Club (ASC) as 'Colorado Services Manager'. What a great job! I served as publisher of the Sporting World Magazine (CO), patrolled private lands, took hunting and fishing property reservations, conducted wildlife management projects, taught HUNTER EDUCATION and hunting & fishing clinics, hosted kid's events and put together Christmas dinners, among other gatherings -- all on CO private lands leased by the club. I learned a hard lesson, though, several years later, when ASC went under. Continuing on, I took a temporary fisheries job with CDW during the days and bar-tended and janitor-ed at nights -- "a starving biologist", my siblings called me.
Having been a VOLUNTEER CDW hunter education instructor since college, I took great interest, one day, at a CDW job posting entitled "Assistant Hunter Education Coordinator" with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD). I applied, flew to Austin, Texas, and, to my amazement, Darrell Holt, Hunter Education Coordinator, hired this "Colorado boy". (I must admit I thought they would never hire outside Texas.) I hit Texas during a January cold spell, but soon, great people, mostly volunteers, would take me under their wings. "My avocation became my vocation." And, as they say, it took me a while, but I finally made it to Texas!
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Photo: In 1986, Steve Hall (L), Terry Erwin, a Navasota volunteer instructor, and Darrell Holt (R), conducted an in-service "Program Orientation, Teaching Methods and Procedures" HE Instructor Workshop on a windy day in Brownwood. Terry was later hired as Hunter Education Coordinator with the passage of mandatory hunter education in 1988. Steve became the Education Director. Holt would pass in 1989, after battling sickness the five years prior.
 Nearly 40 years later -- what a career it has been! I retired in 2011 to serve as executive director with the Texas State Rifle Association, and then with the International Hunter Education Association - USA. However, I came back to TPWD in August 2015 to serve as Hunter Education Coordinator, a position I managed for 22 years prior (Terry Erwin). In a few days, I will receive my 35-year TPWD service award. It will be nostalgic for me to think back upon all of the great people, programs and events such as Becoming an Outdoors Woman (all 31 years); Texas Wildlife Expo (all 17 years); POINT disability hunts (all 16 years), and Texas Youth Hunting Program "Super Hunt" (all 22 years come this January).
Awash with gratefulness, thanks for the memories, friendships and passion in hunter education and its many sister programs here at TPWD! I plan to retire, once again, May 5, 2025, to be able to make the THEIA Hunter Education Instructor Conference at Camp Aranzazu, Rockport, May 2-4th - SAVE THE DATES! Look for upcoming job announcements and more info. in the upcoming Target Talks!
Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator
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Ron A. VanderRoest Named Texas Game Warden Colonel
AUSTIN –After a competitive search, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) named Ron A. VanderRoest colonel of Texas Game Wardens, the agency’s law enforcement division.
As the Law Enforcement Division Director, VanderRoest will oversee and represent a talented and dedicated force of more than 550 game wardens, 135 non-commissioned field staff and 28 law enforcement offices across the state, providing a vision and setting the tone for law enforcement “off the pavement.” Additionally, he will contribute to the overall leadership of the agency and partner with other conservation agencies, first responders, state emergency management and key constituents within and beyond TPWD to further the mission and contribute to public safety for the people of Texas. READ MORE
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A meeting of Texas urban outdoor partners was convened by David Buggs, Director II, with Texas Parks and Wildlife. On hand to assist Buggs with facilitating the meeting was Taniya Bethke, Director of Operations, with the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports - a national R3 Partner and Leadership organization. The purpose of the meeting was to enhance partnerships, efforts and strategies to IMPROVE OUTDOORS PARTICIPATION FOR ALL -- Making Connections for Future Generations! Each partner came away with several new partners who will be working together even more efficiently to connect with those who know little about the outdoors or need a hand to get involved. Thanks to all who attended, especially those below who all incorporate hunter education and youth & mentor hunting programs into their organizational efforts and programs.
 (L to R) Hunter Education Instructors & Partners who attended the recent Urban Outdoors Engagement Forum hosted by Texas Parks and Wildlife included Partners, Ernal Mayberry - Hoodneck, Scot McClure - Outdoor Tomorrow Foundation, Outdoor Adventures, Christopher Allen, CEO/Founder, Hoodneck, Braxton Hicks - TPWD R3 Hunting and Shooting Sports Coordinator, Willard Franklin - CEO, 4 W's Outdoors, Leon McNeil - Founder/Leader (along with his wife, Leticia, also present at the meeting) and Teacher, City Kids Adventures - San Antonio and Chris Mitchell, Director - Texas Youth Hunting Program.
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Empowering Women in the Outdoors - A Successful Three-Day Dove Hunt!
- Heather Johnson, TPWD, Region 1 Migratory Game Bird Specialist
 L to R: Mallory Lindsey, Maggie McDonald, Courtney Barron, Alexis Wyss, Kelli Bashaw, Kaitlyn Johnson, Anne Davis, Heather Johnson, and Piper (dog).
"In an ongoing effort to promote outdoor skills and foster a sense of community among novice hunters, TPWD Biologist, Heather Johnson, and Texas Game Warden, Mallory Lindsey, have been organizing seasonal hunting opportunities for women in the Texas Panhandle for the past four years. This past weekend, they hosted another highly anticipated three-day dove hunt, which brought together a group of first-time hunters from Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas Tech for an immersive outdoor experience.
The event began with a focus on education and safety. The participants learned fundamental skills essential for any hunter, including firearm safety, proper gun handling, and bird identification. Heather and Mallory ensured that these first-time hunters felt confident with these skills before heading to the field. The women practiced on clay pigeons, allowing them to develop their aim and comfort with shotguns, a crucial preparation for the real hunt ahead.
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Heather Johnson emphasized that these events are about more than just teaching women how to hunt—they’re about cultivating a lifelong appreciation for wildlife, conservation, and sustainable land management practices. As hunting traditions continue to evolve, providing opportunities like this one helps ensure that future generations of hunters will carry on Texas' rich outdoor heritage.
By the end of the weekend, the women had learned not just how to hunt but also how to engage with wildlife management in a meaningful way. Their newfound skills and confidence will surely lead them to future hunting excursions and deeper connections with the natural world."
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Texas Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) - Camp Aranzazu, Rockport
Area Chief Hunter Education Instructor, Kitty Haynes - Richmond, demonstrates fire-making skills during her 'Survival' session at a Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop held at Camp Aranzazu in Rockport the first weekend in October. Another workshop is scheduled for April 2025 at the same camp. Email a request to receive email updates.
 BOW Workshop featured Keynote Speaker and Presenter, Chad Waligua with Able Outdoors. Chad gave a gun dog demonstration for all BOW participants using his champion 8-year-old black labrador retriever, 'Vegas'.
Chad Waligura also took time out during the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman weekend to join shotgun instructor, Jimmie Caughron, at the target shooting range. Chad is Owner and Co-host (along with Ashlee Lundvall) of Able Outdoors and his mission is to show others how to 'adapt' and head (back) outdoors. Chad says "When I was paralyzed at age 17, during the summer of 1986, after diving into a pool, it was the one thing I knew I could never give up. Three months later, I was back in the woods with dad, re-learning how to hunt again. It wasn’t easy for me and there were more failures than successes, but they showed me what I needed to do to be ready for the following season." The quote Chad uses to inspire others at his web site is, "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature, and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be…” – Anne Frank
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 Jimmie Caughron is shown here with students during an advanced shotgun course at the BOW workshop held in Rockport. Brock Minton, S TX Hunter Education Specialist, assisted Caughron with set up and the shooting sessions.
 Area Chief Hunter Education Instructor, Junior Munoz - Aransas NWR, serves double-duty at most BOW Workshops, teaching his other love, saltwater fishing, with fellow instructors Renan Zambrano (L) and TPWD Staff Member, Robert (2) Ramirez (not in photo). Be looking for their help at the spring BOW in April as well as the THEIA Hunter Education Instructor Conference May 2-4, 2025. "Hunter Education Instructors got to fish, too!" chuckled Munoz!
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The Student Air Rifle (SAR) Program recently held its national tournament during the last weekend in October in Festus, Missouri. The only participating school from Texas was Long Acres Ranch (Home) School, Richmond, Texas. Congratulations to schools and individuals who competed in this national tournament. It is the goal of Texas Parks and Wildlife to greatly expand its SAR efforts, recruit more schools and eventually get to an win national competitions --but first things first! If you are interested in signing up your school for teacher training, please email steve.hall@tpwd.texas.gov. It is especially a great 'add-on' program for Texas National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) schools and teachers!
 "Waking up feeling thankful for this amazing team and our work this past Saturday with the Student Air Rifle Program-SAR. Hosting our second National championship was such a joy. We had teams from AR, AK, KY, MO, OK, and TX. We heard from multiple coaches who expressed how shooting sports helps their students shoot for success on the range and in life. High five to Sherri Fulbright Rawe for her coordination and leadership!" - Jake Hindman, SAR Executive Director
Plans are underway for the Texas State Championship prior to the 3rd National Championship in October 2025!
 SAR National Championship Teams
High School: 1st - Howe Schools; 2nd - Twindly Bridge Charter; 3rd - Jefferson High
Middle School: 1st - Howe Schools; 2nd - Hurley R-1; 3rd - Chouteau-Mazie
Elementary School: 1st - Hurley R-1; 2nd - Chouteau-Mazie
YOU can directly support SAR Program -- Go to GUNBROKER.COM.
Bid early, bid often, bid high! It's for the kids!
 SAR Program & Tournament Staff included (L to R) Tamie St. John - Instructor Manager, Jake Hindman - President & CEO, John LaRowe, Development Manager, Sherri Rawe - Tournament Manager, Macy Wolf - Marketing Manager, Pam Rowe - MO SAR Program Coordinator, and Lisa Seyer - Office Manager.
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"This is exciting!
In an effort to improve cultural acceptance of gun ownership, hunting, fishing, trapping, and target shooting, Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation has created the first-ever Public Service Announcement (PSA) that informs the general population that hunters and target shooters are primary funders of conservation.
Over the next few months our PSA will be distributed to a network of 11,000 radio and television stations across the United States. The PSA is expected to receive more than two hundred million impressions and $5,000,000 in earned media making it the largest effort to reach the general population with a positive message about how hunters and target shooters fund conservation that we are aware of.
While it is important to reach the general population with this positive message, we also want to reach HATS™ themselves so they can share it with their friends, family, co-workers, and customers. That's where you come in. Please watch the following 60-second PSA and, if you like what you see, share it on your personal social media accounts. Additionally, we ask that you work with your company's communication team and have the PSA sent out in your company newsletters, post it to your website, and promote it on your company social media accounts."
PSA at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGTFwx6a5Mg
Peter Churchbourne, Managing Director, NRA
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November Wild Game Month
Fairfax, VA - On Friday, November 1, 2024, the National Rifle Association of America and its members will celebrate the start of the second annual “Wild Game Meat Donation Month” to encourage all hunters to donate extra venison or other game meat to help provide meals for those in need.
Giving and sharing are always in season, so now is the perfect time to do your part by donating wild game to organizations that process and then distribute it to the less fortunate in your area. The NRA is pleased to take the lead on celebrating the second annual “Wild Game Meat Donation Month.” READ MORE at Outdoor Wire
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Longstanding 25+ Year Partnership - Lonesome Dovefest in Karnes City
 (L to R) The original partners, Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, and Benny Lyssy, Karnes County (KC) Commissioner Pct 2, are joined by TPWD Deputy Director, Craig Bonds and Executive Director, David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. (receiving check), Sean O’Brien, former KC Commissioner Pct 3 and KC Rotary Club President, David Wiatrek, KC Commissioner Pct 1 elect, KC Rotary Club secretary/treasurer (donating check), Wayne Gisler, KC Road & Bridge Engineer and Robert Owen, TPWD Outreach & Education Director. Lonesome Dovefest annually reaches over 200 to 250 high school students on its Friday youth day with an average of 15 conservation and target shooting activity stations including Lasershot, Skins/Skull/Scats/Tracks, Archery and Shotgun Shooting.
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Randy Spradlin, W TX Hunter Education Specialist, who gets the most "Windshield Time" (as he puts it) of all regional hunter education staff, went on a "Walk-About" in September and October in West Texas, and reported, "We had busy months out west. First, we pulled Gary Vaughan, Area Chief & Regional 2018 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, out of retirement to assist Scurry County EMS in conducting a Hunter Education Instructor Course in Snyder. Russell Thomas, Scurry County EMS Director, and others are stepping up to fill Gary’s shoes. The county hosts classes throughout the year at the EMS training facility. I made the trek through the Permian Basin and continued to El Paso with a stop in Midland for a regional instructor’s meeting. Thanks to Game Warden Captain, Phillip Byrd, for hosting us at the Region 1, District 2 office in Midland."
 Richard Leos, El Paso Skeet & Trap welcomed participants to the range.
"The annual Dove Hunting 101 was hosted this year by El Paso Skeet and Trap Club. Thank you, Richard Leos! A total of 18 participants harvested over 250 birds at the 7X Feed Lot in Clint -- the 5th year of the workshop and hunt."
Randy Spradlin (L) recognized Raul & Amy Zambrano (Amy not in photo) with TPWD Hunter Education Certificates of Appreciation. Assisting with the hunt and presentation were Game Warden Captain, Ray Spears, (Region 1, District 1) and retired Game Warden and Area Chief, Mike Legarretta (R). The 7X Ranch is a multi-generation operation. The 7X Feed Lot & RZ Cattle Company supports local youth participating in Wildlife and Outdoor Adventure’s classes at local schools, and 4H Shooting Sports Chapter participants, allowing them and their families entry to the dove hunts. Thanks, again, to Raul and Amy Zambrano!
"After assisting with the 101, Mike Legarretta conducted a Hunter Education course at Franklin Mountains SP – Tom Mays Unit in their recently-constructed Interpretive & Education Center. Thanks to Cesar Mendez, Park Superintendent, for hosting."
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"Some 500 miles east, Kelly Godfrey, Hunter Education Instructor and founder of Texas Women’s Outdoors hosted a Dove Hunting 101 near Abilene with Western Wing Outfitters. Game Warden, Amelia Springer, attended the hunt, conducting firearm & field safety instruction, bird identification tips and reviewing game laws prior to the hunt. She also completed license checks and firearm inspections for the group, discussing and demonstrating how to act if approached by a Game Warden afield. Sounds like a comprehensive 101!"
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 "As west Texas is a large territory, a couple hundred miles north of Abilene in Lubbock, Hunter Education Instructor, Heather Johnson, TPWD Migratory Bird Biologist & Regional R3 Coordinator, conducted a Dove Hunting 101 for TPWD's R3 Women Employees." (See Heather Johnson article in this TT.)
"That same weekend, Hunter Education Instructor, John Stewart - Midland, conducted his first Hunter Education class at Trinity Oaks. West Texas SCI sponsored the class with a sizeable grant for Hunter Education and outdoor hunting and shooting activities facilitated through Trinity Oaks. We are looking forward to seeing the photos and details about their upcoming Dove Hunting 101 workshop and hunt!"
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"If the 1300 miles driving wasn’t enough with the El Paso trip, I traveled to Rockport to assist with TPWD’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program Photo: Randy Spradlin (R) who taught Waterfowl 101 and helped with Workshop logistics, with Brock Minton who taught map & compass and shotgun skills. The three-day BOW event hosted over 125 participants from as far away as California.
To add a few hundred more miles to the odometer, I finished the month with a Hunter Education Instructor Course in Abilene."
 On a personal note, thank you to those that reached out about the fire and house destruction. Monica and I are so GREATLY APPRECIATIVE of the spoken and financial support from our Hunter Ed family. It’s a slow process, but we’re cleaning up and plan on rebuilding when we can."
Randy Spradlin - W TX Hunter Education Specialist
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NORTH TEXAS
 Charlie Preslar - Garland, held another course at Bass Pro Shops in October. Charlie and his team host many courses and events in N TX -- Way to go!
SOUTHEAST TEXAS
Oct. 13th - Waterfowl/Shotgun 101 - James B. Harrison Foundation & TYHP
"A total of 12 of 15 participants who completed the workshop registered with the Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) after learning about the organization at the workshop. If you know a landowner wanting to host TYHP Waterfowl Hunts, please contact TYHP Executive Director, Chris Mitchell - New Braunfels
 Hunter Education Instructor, Hannah Muegge - Boling (L) of James B. Harrison Foundation hosted and facilitated the event, including a Shotgun 101 taught by Area Chief Hunter Education Instructor, Kitty Haynes - Richmond (photo below), Waterfowl 101 provided by TPWD Biologist, Jon McLeod (R), and Waterfowl Laws and Regulations provided by TPWD Game Warden, Barry Eversole - Angleton, with additional support from TPWD Regional Hunter Education Specialist, Heidi Rao - Houston, TYHP East TX Field Operations Coordinator, Briana Nicklow, and TYHP Huntmaster/Instructor, David Baxter - Houston (orange hat). Big kudos to a great group effort!
- Immanuel Salas, TPWD Target Range Grant Coordinator
A total of five youth and their parents/guardians formally attended the combo Waterfowl/Shotgun 101 and Hunter Education FIELD COURSE hosted at the James B. Harrison Foundation to prepare for a Texas Youth Hunting Program Waterfowl hunt later in the year. The five are Dylan P., Kasen Mc., Kynlee Mc., Natalie H. and Connor S. who completed the requirements for HE Certification required to go on TYHP hunts. and received their Hunter Education certifications. Joining them were Jack D., Bo D., Jorge G., Beau M., Alain P., Colton P., Mario R., Micah S., Timothy S. and Duncan W.
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Spanish Course at Bass Pro
"My son, Ivan Benavides, Jr., Pasadena, and I (lower left) and Rick Powell - Orange (lower right), held a Spanish Hunter Education Course on October 6th at the Bass Pro Shops - Pearland. We had a total of 60 Students! We had some who had already taken a prior course, but they wanted to take it again in Spanish. Harris County Game Warden, Derrick Lopez (below), related his job duties to the students, and the most common mistakes he sees in the field, some that lead to citations given to dove and deer hunters."
Ivan Benavides, Sr. - Pasadena
Note: The Benavides have traveled extensively throughout Southeast and South Texas (Rio Grande Valley) to teach Spanish courses -- a valuable service! Thanks, both Ivan's, and Rick, for breaking down barriers in Hunter Education!
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Baytown Texas Nuture Nature Festival - October 12th
 The PT Outdoors crew attended the Baytown Texas Nurture Nature Festival. We were able to share info about Texas Youth Hunting Program, Hunter Education and how PT Outdoors works with both to educate and promote the outdoors. We had our Daisy Educational Red Ryder Range (below) onsite and briefly educated hundreds of children and adults about the importance of firearm safety. Participating members were (L to R) Hunter Education Instructors, Kevin Jackson, Daniel “PT” Billings, David Keck, and Felipe Cervantes, all TYHP Huntmasters, too! Numerous future participants were gained from the event for both Hunter Ed classes and TYHP Hunts. It was a very successful event.
SOUTH TEXAS
Three Generations - An Edwards County TYHP Hunt
On another Texas Youth Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) youth hunt in Edwards County, I had a TYHP (nostalgic) moment at registration with a dad and his son along with grandpa with a photo of grandad and son from a TYHP hunt 20 years ago which I was lead Huntmaster on - Ranch Hand, Gillespie County.
- Doug DuBois, Jr. - Austin TYHP Huntmaster & Hunter Education Instructor.
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 Dobbs Run TYHP Hunt in Edwards County in October 2024
Weslaco High School - Ricardo Orozco Teaches Hunter Ed in High School
 Just in Time for Bird Season: In late September, Hunter Education Instructor Ricardo Orozco - Harlingen (L), certified 22 of his students from Weslaco East High School. Mr. Orozco is a criminal justice teacher who incorporates Hunter Education into his curriculum and expands the student learning by discussing the legal system, game laws, crime elements, gun safety, ethical conduct and offense categories.
 In late October, Orozco (R) also conducted a course at Resaca de la Palma State Park in Brownsville. The class was sponsored by Las Huellas, a Rio Grande Valley conservation organization that hosts numerous youth events in South Texas. A BIG THANKS to Las Huellas for providing lunch, t-shirts and student certifications. Congratulations to all students who completed hunter education!
CENTRAL TEXAS
New Braunfels Week-long Course
Steve:
"You may recall Texas Wildlife Association hosted a "Hunter Education Week" back in the summer. We ultimately certified 97 Hunter Education students and six (6) new instructors.
During one of my classes, I asked where people were from. Taylor Young, father of Jackson Young (see photo) told me his family came from El Paso. They made a vacation of it -- visiting sites in and around New Braunfels!" Wow --that is a loonnnggg waayyyy! Way to go!
Instructors for the week-long course included:
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Ron Roberts - Austin – Two Basic Courses
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Taylor Heard - San Marcos – Basic Course - "His first! Great job!"
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Paul Silva - Luling – Basic Course, Orange Inert Firearms
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Mike Bira - San Marcos – Field Course
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Chris Mitchell - New Braunfels – 4 Field Courses; Instructor Course
Chris Mitchell, Director, Texas Youth Hunting Program
cmitchell@Texas-wildlife.org
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Two Interpreters' Services used in Gidding Hunter Education Course
 Hearing impaired student, Carole Bendele (bottom third from right) joins interpreters, Kristin Huettel-Garcia and Shawn Whitley, Communications by Hand, LLC, in celebrating their graduation from a Hunter Education course taught in mid-October in Giddings at Lee County AgriLife Extension Office. Special THANKS to Greg Pleasant - Giddings (back L), former TPWD Wildlife Biologist, who hosted and taught ethics, simulated live-fire and game laws portions of the course. Special THANKS, too, to the Lee County Wildlife Association for refreshments and for sponsoring payment of all young students attending the course. Lee County is good to its fellow citizens/Texans -- way to go!
A poem by Hunter Education Instructor, Mike Bira - San Marcos
Youth Deer Hunter’s Poem
- Early morning ride
- Listen to your guide
- Learn to hide
- Keep eyes open wide
- Deer spied
- Aim, dead-eyed
- Bullet flied
- Deer died
- Back strap, chicken - fried
- Family meal needs satisfied
- Hunter’s pride
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Hunter, Athina Guerrero, and observer, Makayla Hernandez, young ladies who attended the City Kids Adventures hunt featured below, took this nice buck in October at the Holt Ranch in Blanco County. Congratulations to all who joined the deer hunt! Meat from 32 deer will provide an entire urban community much "needed, satisfying family meals" for City Kids!
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In October, Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator (R) was able to join City Kids Adventures on one of their many annual hunts -- this one at the Holt Ranch in Blanco County. Hall and Area Chief HE Instructor, Jimmie Caughron - Ballinger, provided shotgun shooting as a noon-day activity prior to the afternoon hunts.
 City Kids Adventures is a 30+ year-old, 501c3 organization located in San Antonio, Texas. The organization is led by Leon McNeil, a middle school teacher, who is also a well-regarded South Texas quail hunting guide. Leon’s partner and co-leader of the organization is his wife, Leticia McNeil, who is also a teacher.
*SPECIAL* City Kids Documentary
The McNeil's son, LeeCharles, shown here receiving shotgun instruction from Jimmie Caughron, has been involved in the program since he was a child. He now serves as lead, taking over for his father, Leon, to ensure that City Kids Adventures continues to have a positive impact on the lives of inner-city children. Besides hunter education, hunting, target shooting and shotgun shooting, City Kids also go salt water fishing, kayaking, boating, biking, ATVing, hiking and traveling to far-away places such as Colorado, Washington D.C. and even Alaska. City Kids stay in the program long-term, learning skills such as punctuality, communications, respect, care-giving, counseling and leadership when they get old enough to give back to the other kids. According to Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, "City Kids is the best inner-city, outdoor recruitment and retention model for inner-city Texans. In a word, it teaches RESPONSIBLITY through outdoor adventures!" He added, "But, it takes high-energy, passionate folks like Leon, Leticia and LeeCharles to sustain and nurture such a program!"
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 Blanco County Game Warden, Sam Smith (above), and Special K9 Unit Game Warden, Dustin Fleming - Fredericksburg (below), joined City Kids for Saturday's activities including letting the Kids know what a game warden does, and demonstrating skills of K9s like PIPER, who showed off her keen sense of smell when sniffing 'lost' persons in the woods or responding to general commands.
 A total of 32 deer were taken on the City Kids Adventure Youth Hunt -- a record! Thanks to the Holt Ranch for hosting yet another fabulous outing in support of urban youth who otherwise have difficulty finding opportunities to hunt and go outdoors!
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Brock Minton, S TX Hunter Education Specialist, once again, made the rounds beginning with the semiannual, three-day Youth Shooting Sports Event at the Chaparral WMA put on in mid-October. Created in 1996 as a partnership between the Wildlife Division, spearheaded by David Synatzske (See 'In Memory' below), and Communications Division, spearheaded by O & E Director, Steve Hall (1990's), Over 130 youths from six schools participated in this year’s event. Activities included Sporting Clay, Trap, Pistol, Archery, Large & Small Caliber Rifle, Muzzleloading Pistol & Rifle, and Careers, given by Game Warden recruiters.
S TX Hunter Education Specialist, Brock Minton, instructs at the sporting clays station at the Chaparral WMA in October. Jimmy Caughron, played Range Safety Officer and trapper at the station which was attended by schools from Carrizo Springs, Devine, Cotulla, Boerne, Laredo, Nixon, and Crystal City.
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M.O. Neasloney WMA conducted their annual October Youth Shooting Sports Event near Luling for 125 students from Ezzell, Nixon-Smiley, Hallettsville, Schulenburg, Gonzales, Navarro, Seguin, and Yoakum Schools. Students participated in many hunter education and target shooting events including shotgun, rifle, pistol, archery, air rifle, skills trails, intro. to firearms and firearm safety. Here, students use the Student Air Rifle (SAR) Program Umarex Embark ® air rifles at the air rifle station, taught by S TX Hunter Education Specialist, Brock Minton.
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Lee/Washington County Youth Shooting Sports Events by Laura Sherrod
 "Thank you for helping make our Lee/Washington County Youth Firearms & Safety Field Day a success! We ended up with a total of 133 students over the two-day event. Tuesday, we had 73 students from Giddings, Lexington, Dime Box, and St. Paul Serbin. Wednesday, we had 60 students from Brenham and Burton."
 "Students participated in stations including a skills and safety trail, skins/skulls/track identification, the Operation Game Thief trailer, archery, shotgun, .22 pistol, .22 rifle, muzzleloader, and .223 rifle. All went well, and students all seemed to enjoy getting out of the classroom and experiencing the event!"
 "Students learned about safe, legal and ethical shots; practiced identifying animal scats, signs and tracks, and followed a blood trail along the Skills & Safety Course (above). Muzzleloading Rifle (below) was also a favorite of the students since most had never fired such a sporting arm, nor even seen one, in many cases."
"Instructors/Volunteers – HUGE thank you for donating your time and abilities to this event! There is no way such an event could have run without you! There were 37 of you over the two days; some of you for both days. I’d also like to say a big thank you to Lee County Wildlife Association and the Washington County Wildlife Society by sponsoring the entire event and providing lunch each day!
We are planning to continue the Lee/Washington Youth Firearms and Safety Field Day next year, but we will be moving it up a bit. Please SAVE THE DATES - October 1st (Lee County) and October 2nd (Washington County), 2025!"
Laura Sherrod, Wildlife Biologist – Lee County
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Michael Jay Morse - Pearsall
Sheriff & Retired Game Warden
"Michael Morse went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 7th in San Antonio. He was born November 20, 1958, to Charles Morse, Sr. and Beatrice (Bea) Galindo. He attended Lampasas High School where he played football, along with baseball where he was a catcher. After high school he worked in a machine shop with his father. He then became a police officer and worked for the Lampasas Police Department. In 1993 Mike graduated from the game warden academy and was stationed in Rio Grande City, Starr County, where he worked until transferring to Frio County. Then, in 2011, Mike reached the rank of game warden captain where he oversaw Region 5, District 1 before retiring in the fall of 2019. In 2020, Mike ran and won the office of Frio County Sheriff where he worked until he passed." Mike was a big supporter of Hunter Education during his years as a game warden. The TPWD and Hunter Education communities will miss Mike, dearly. Rest in Peace!"
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David Synatzske - Boerne
TPWD Wildlife Biologist
Dec. 2, 1949 - Oct. 16, 2024
Obituary
"David had distinguished 39-year career with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, retiring in 2012. In 1982, he relocated his family to Cotulla after being promoted as Area Manager of the Chaparral WMA. As a father, he recognized the vital role of youth in the future of natural resources and organized numerous events specifically for young people during his time at the Chap, including youth shooting sports and his involvement with Brigades.
A lifelong hunting enthusiast, he shared his passion with his children and later several grandchildren. He traveled extensively to support their various academic and athletic endeavors. Saturdays were spent yelling for his beloved 'Aggies', particularly during baseball and football seasons.
David is survived by his wife, Cheryl, of Boerne, daughter, Stacey and husband Gary Kanak of New Braunfels, son Brian and wife Cara of Celina; daughter Kimberly and husband Travis Hanebrink of Paducah, KY, and six grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Parks Youth Shooting Sports Events at www.texas-wildlife.org/ways-to-give-TWAF (select TPWD Youth Shooting as restriction). Donations by check can be mailed to TWA Foundation, 6644 FM 1102, New Braunfels, TX 78132. (Note TPWD Youth Shooting Events in Memo)
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Morgan Harbison, Law Enforcement Academy Cadet 512-413-0194 - Central Texas Hunter Education Program Specialist/Mobile Shooting Range - VACANT
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
Heidi Rao, SE TX (Houston): heidi.rao@tpwd.texas.gov; 713-829-1377 c
Randy Spradlin, W TX: randy.spradlin@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-923-3509 c
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Texas Hunter Education Resources
Hunter Education Overview | Instructor Resources | Student Resources
Texas Hunter Education Instructor Association
Texas Youth Hunting Program | Adult Learn to Hunt Program
Texas State Rifle Association | Texas 4-H Shooting Sports
Operation Game Thief | Texas Game Warden Association
National Hunter Education Resources
International Hunter Education Association | Learn Hunting Adult Mentor Program
NRA PROGRAMS & Services | NSSF Hunting & Ranges | Hunters Connect
National Bowhunter Education Foundation | Ashby Bowhunting Foundation
National Archery in Schools Program | Student Air Rifle Program
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