In This Issue: Meet New HE Coord., HE Staff Retiring, Events & More
New Texas Hunter Education Coordinator Hired!
Matthew (Matt) Smith is on-boarding as the new Texas Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education Coordinator!
Matt moved to Texas in 2021 following a 25-year military career where he served as a Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army Special Forces Green Berets. Matt taught survival, marksmanship, and self-defense training around the world and has been a Texas hunter education volunteer instructor for the last few years. He is a husband and proud father of two children -- a son who recently graduated from college and is commissioning into the Army as a helicopter pilot, and a daughter just starting her college career in Colorado as a graphic artist. His wife, Leigh, loves the outdoors, and together they have proudly raised their family in the American woods and on its waterways. Matt is an avid target shooter, hunter, and angler with a strong commitment to preserving natural resources and protecting the public trust for future generations.
As hunter education coordinator, Matt's initial goals are to:
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Train & Qualify More Volunteers as Area Chiefs and instructors of both basic and advanced coursework (e.g., Hunting 101, Student Air Rifle, etc.).
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Continually Improve the System such as automating supply orders and providing for a new electronic final exam (e.g., random, 250-question pool).
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Preserve the Legacy that is the Texas Hunter Education Program (e.g., 53-year history, Target Talk communications, Incentive Point System, Field and Internet Course Integrations, national leader, quality and quantity.
Matt looks forward to meeting and greeting all of you at the upcoming THEIA Hunter Education Conference including the Friday evening Area Chief Meeting, Welcome Session on Saturday and at the Instructor Awards Banquet & Ceremony!
Please WELCOME Matt to the best and most historic conservation education program in North America and in Texas since 1972. Beginning in June 2025, Matt also will take over the duties of Target Talk!
Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator
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Wow -- After 27 years, we have another veteran hunter education staff member retiring to a life after an effective, satisfying, and long career. Mostly, though, we will all miss having you in the decision making and activities, alongside us -- whether it be in hunter education and target shooting, or Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW). Your presence is always full of smiles, confidence, competence and FUN! Thanks for gracing Texas, and TPWD's Hunter Education and BOW programs!
"To all the amazing people who I have had the privilege to work with, travel, shoot, trap, hunt, fish, laugh, cry, and create once-in-a-lifetime memories with – these have been the BEST 27 years of my professional life as your Southeast Texas Hunter Education Specialist and statewide Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Coordinator! I will be retiring in May and want to share some of my memories over the years. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without YOUR help, support, dedication and passion working with me throughout the years!"
 "Since 1998, I’ve traveled across the U.S. and Canada, developing many partnerships and building relationships in the name of hunting and conservation. I started “Take Me Outdoors Houston” in 2009 after the annual Wildlife Expo ended. We've hosted wildlife workshops ranging from alligators to big game, promoted hunting and outdoor safety to groups ranging from elementary schools to flying to offshore rigs via helicopter to speak to oil and gas employees. I’ve taught firearm safety to Rodeo Clowns, hosted Hunter Education classes at the Sam Houston (horse) Raceway, conducted National Archery in the Schools and Student Air Rifle Programs, served as a Texas Youth Hunting Program Huntmaster and partnered with so many other incredible organizations along the way."
"I will be just as busy in retirement. John, my retired TPWD Game Warden husband of 25 years and I have four boys, and many of you have watched them grow! Dominic (23) - tallest - is a Hunter Education Instructor, and the Hunting Program Manager for Laser Shot Simulations in Houston, traveling the world teaching firearm safety and selling systems to hunters, law enforcement agencies and military. Matthew (21) - R - will graduate (2026) as a Razorback from the University of Arkansas with an Animal Science Degree and is applying to Vet School to work with cattle and horses. JohnJohn (18) will graduate this May and is headed to Texas A&M with a biology major, then headed to medical school to become an orthopedic specialist. Luke (16) - L - Assistant Hunter Education Instructor, and will be a sophomore at Clear Lake High School and plays football. He also spends many days shooting and reloading.
I am blessed to have my entire family loving the outdoors and being avid hunters and shooters. I plan to continue teaching firearm safety and introducing more people to hunting and the shooting sports. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again down the road…If you’d like to reach out to say hi – my email is below."
raolynheidi@gmail.com
- Heidi Rao, SE TX Hunter Education Specialist
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Rao to Lead Her last Outdoors-Woman Workshop in Rockport in April!
 In April 2019, Rao (Upper L) led another successful Becoming an Outdoors - Woman Program at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine.
"Since 2010, I’ve coordinated 31 statewide Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshops across Texas, including the first-ever VIRTUAL BOW in 2020, introducing women to hunting, shooting, camping, and many other hands-on basic outdoor skills. The Texas BOW program is the best thanks to the dedication of our VOLUNTEERS -- many of YOU!"
Heidi, WE WILL MOST CERTAINLY MISS YOU - your leadership, passion and joy !!!! -- in the day-to-day, but know you will be around and will continue to work with you and your family members SIDE-BY-SIDE!
OUTDOORS WOMAN & HUNTER EDUCATION STAFF & INSTRUCTORS
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May 2-4, CAMP ARANZAZU, Rockport
The Texas Hunter Education Instructor Association (THEIA) is, once again, sponsoring the annual Hunter Education INSTRUCTOR CONFERENCE & AWARD CEREMONY.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. - TPWD Executive Director (photo). David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. spent much of his career at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, holding both faculty and administrative positions over the past 20 years. He previously served as Health Research Inc.'s Senior Executive Director; Associate Director for Research, Policy, and Development; and was founding Endowed Chair for Socioeconomics. On October 5, 2022, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission took action to hire David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. David; his wife, Carolyn Walker; and their son, Max, enjoy all the outdoors has to offer. Yoskowitz is also an avid fisherman, hunter, camper, backpacker, implementer of native grasses and plants, and slowly becoming a birder. He'll be right at home in Rockport -- Welcome "Dr. Y" READ MORE
AWARDS and INCENTIVES: Instructors will be recognized for excellent service in 2024 and for long-term service (top incentive awards) to Hunter Education.
LINK To REGISTER: THEIA
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INCENTIVE & INSTRUCTOR AWARDS to be presented at Conference!
'WC' Marek Reaches 2000 Points
2022 "Legacy Award" Recipient, and Hunter Education Team Leader, Monica Sobotka – Morgans Point Resort, presents Wilton (WC) Marek, Jr. – Temple, his earned, etched ‘Chuck Buck’ knife in March, since WC is unable to make the May conference.
After years of bringing scouts to Sobotka's hunter education courses, WC was invited to become a team member. Together they have since taught hundreds of Texans in the greater Central Texas area. Sobotka credits Marek with being the team’s IT subject matter expert, taking care of registrations, records and metrics. Congratulations WC!
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Agenda: Go to THEIA Web Site for more information.
Friday - 7:00 pm - Area Chief Meeting
Saturday - 8:00 am - "A New Era"
9:00 am - Seminars/Breakout
1:30 pm - Seminars/Breakout
5:30 pm - Awards Banquet
Keynote Speaker - Dr. David Yoskowitz
Awards Ceremony - Hunter Education
Incentive, Instructor and Legacy Awards
8:30 pm - Silent Auction
Sunday - THEIA Annual Membership Meeting
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 Thanks to Kalkomey and GSM Outdoors for their Sponsorships!
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TX - National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) Coordinator, Travis Glick, reported that just over 5,000 archers representing 236 teams comprised of 4th-12th grade students traveled to Bell County Expo in late March to compete in this year’s State Bullseye Championship Tournament. Additionally, close to 1500 archers competed in the IBO 3D Challenge running in conjunction with the Bullseye Tournament. Archers competed for a total of $48,000 in scholarships money and individual and team trophies award to winning archers. Thanks to Hunter Education Partners/Instructors such as Scot McClure, Outdoor Tomorrow Foundation (primary tournament sponsor), Texas Youth Hunting Program N TX Field Director, Bob Barnette, Dallas, and Hunter Education Volunteers! Below: Matt Smith, new TPWD Hunter Education Coordinator, and Kevin Vo, Hunter Education Admin. Asst., assisted Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator (retiring coordinator) with calling the High School Bullseye Competition for 2 days.
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 Hundreds of family, friends and school administrators attended the two-day event in support of their young archers. Glick coordinates the annual event with assistance from his fellow Community Archery Team, Hunter Education Program Staff, TPWD personnel representing the agency’s State Parks, Communications, Wildlife and Law Enforcement divisions and countless volunteers from across Texas.
Increased participation in Texas NASP has grown to the point to moving the tournament to a larger venue (San Antonio - exact location to be announced). We'll need to accommodate more competitors - that simple. "A good problem to have!" Glick proudly states that the 2026 tournament "could potentially become the second largest NASP tournament in the world!"
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 Inaugural NRA Trainers' Symposium
The NRA Education and Training Division invites all NRA trainers to attend the Inaugural Trainers' Symposium on April 26-27 at the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings in Atlanta, Georgia. We have exciting seminars from industry leaders, such as A Girl and A Gun, Mantis, Next Level Training, and more!
Mark your calendars -- seminars will be held Saturday from 2pm to 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Admission to both the Symposium and the Annual Meetings is FREE for all NRA Members!
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to develop and improve as an instructor and as a businessman! Learn from the best, discover tips, tricks, and techniques to enhance your skills, and connect with top-tier industry leaders. Plus, we've got amazing raffle prizes for Symposium attendees, including brand-new products from Mantis, Next Level Training, Scalarworks, and more! Every NRA Trainer who attends will also receive a complimentary credential renewal -- a total bonus!
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26th Annual Ladies & Youth Spring Clinic March 2025
Members of DIVA Women Outdoors Worldwide (WOW) and their cadre of volunteers conducted one of its many annual events, this time at Elm Fork Shooting Park in Dallas. The organization boasts "A Dynamic and Diverse Outdoor Sisterhood Thriving on the Spirit of Introducing Women to the Great Outdoors!"
More than 140 women and youth received hands-on instruction in safely shooting shotguns, handguns, .22 rifles, black powder, modern sporting rifles and archery. TPWD’s own Director of Communications Mischelle Diaz (pictured) and Marketing Manager, Janis Johnson, participated in the day’s events. N TX Hunter Education Specialist Monica Bickerstaff was on hand to answer questions about hunting and shooting opportunities and provided various TPWD publications highlighting shooting, fishing and "Get Outside" activities available in our state.
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Among the many of volunteers assisting with the clinic were Hunter Education Instructors, Jose Garcia – Irving, Brent Lay – Rowlett, and Charles Preslar Jr. – Garland, shown here assisting a young man learning black powder for the first time. The trio have been assisting with DIVA events for over two decades. Muzzleloading is extremely popular at outreach events, since most kids in today's generation have little to no knowledge of the history of firearms, nor use of muzzleloaders to secure freedoms, trap and fight wars. Mostly the training focuses on the use of muzzleloaders for taking game, such as during "Muzzleloader Hunting Seasons". Texas has such a season after the general season. Other events held in "Kids Zone" at Diva's Spring Clinic included axe throwing, and fly casting and BB guns/slingshots for youth age 9-14.
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Hunter Education Instrutor 'Meet & Greet' - "Valley Team"
In February, Area Chief Fernando (Fernie) Rocha hosted Rio Grande Valley's 2025 Hunter Education Instructor "Meet & Greet" at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in Mission. 2024 accomplishments were highlighted and some of the 2025 scheduled events were shared with the attendees. These include several TPWD Community Events, Hunter Education Instructor Courses, TYHP Huntmaster Training (April 11-12), Adventure Hunting 101 Workshop (April 26), and the THEIA Hunter Education Conference (May 2-4) in Rockport. A huge thank you to Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park Ranger / Lead Interpreter, Roy J. Rodriguez for allowing us to host our meeting at the state park grounds and for sharing his knowledge of the park's rich history!
 L to R: Nacho Perez, Fernie Rocha, Rick Orozco, Loree Rocha, Danny Santillan, Wilbur (Rusty) Shriver, Roy J. Rodriguez - Bentsen State Park Ranger, Juan Chavez, and Mark F. Ayoob
Hunter Education Student Course - Cabela's Buda
"Great day upping the number of young female hunters receiving their Hunter Education Certifications today! This was part of a Girl Scout Gold Award Project (see Magnolia's email to Instructor below) - learning about conservation, wildlife, hunting and safety by completing Hunter Education starting at age 9. Thanks to Comal County Game Warden, Samuel Padgett, for answering questions and providing additional knowledge to these future hunters! Thanks, too, to Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Youth Hunting Program and Cabela's for their support!" Vincent Lecca, Driftwood - Area Chief (R)
 About my Gold Award Project: "Her Hunt Course"
"Two of the three parts of my project will look very familiar to you (Mr. Lecca), as it consists of a "Classroom" plus "Field Experience" path to earning Hunters Education certification. These in-person elements will connect approximately 10-20 young women (ages 14-24) to wildlife conservation to address what Texas Parks and Wildlife has called "the looming conservation crisis." A couple of parents (particularly for those under 18) will join the field experience.
In the third part of my project, I will create media that will be hosted on the Trinity Oaks website, their social media, and a special Instagram account I created for the project. The "sustainability" element of a Gold Award is intended to extend life as well as leverage the impact of a Gold Award project to reach a broader audience for a longer period of time ..."
"... Again, I cannot express enough how much your support means. The Hunter Education course (is) key to the whole project, and I am thrilled that we are bringing other young women like me confidently to a lifetime in the field, enjoying wildlife conservation as licensed and ethical hunters!" Very respectfully, Magnolia
Hunter Education Student Course - San Marcos Freeman Ranch
"Attached are photos from my hunter education class held at the Freeman Center outside San Marcos. We certified three adults and seven minors. Many parents attended with their children to gain further insight into safe, legal and ethical hunting while shepherding their sons and daughters with fatherly direction. It was a good class with a lot of interaction. We were a little challenged in the afternoon with the effects of the high wind on our skills trail and live-fire activity, but it got us out of the classroom and into Mother Nature!" - Doug DuBois, Jr. - Austin (R)
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Hunter Education Student Course - Trail Life in Fort Worth
 "This course was Hunter Education Instructor, Myranda Baker - Burleson (R), first class as an instructor. The students and parents will now make application to go on a Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) hunt this coming fall! " Congratulations all! - Sandy Mason HE Area Chief, TYHP Huntmaster
Hunter Education Student Course - Garland Bass Pro Shops
 Hunter Education Instructors, Charles Preslar - Garland, (L) and Mitch Strobl (R), a new Texas Hunter Education Instructor, teamed up to deliver a student course in the DFW area at the Bass Pro Shops - Garland
Hunter Ed Instructor Course - Austin Rifle Club, Manor
Longtime Hunter Education Instructor, Maurice Dowdy - Lago Vista, takes Julissa Gonzales, new instructor candidate, through 'live-fire" exercises used in basic Hunter Education FIELD coursework. Julissa was able to shoot several .22 rifles at silhouette targets plus familiarize herself with and shoot both .410 and 20 gauge shotguns, this one a popular .870 pump shotgun. Along with a "Hunter Skills Trail" provided by Hunter Education Coordinator, Steve Hall, participants also took an exam and reviewed Ethics "Teaching" -- the components of the basic FIELD course.
New instructors reviewed "Program, Policies and Procedures" along with Texas Hunting Accident Reports, Target Talk communications and Instructor Resources, including the Instructor Manual and "Top Ten" Teaching Strategies. All instructors should take the time to review and use these resources as part of their basic and advanced (Hunting 101) hunter education coursework. Congratulations to all new instructors! Most in the group below plan to teach hunter education to boy scouts at Lost Pines near Bastrop, withing the Capitol Area Council.
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Austin Rifle Club hosted a new instructor course in late March, thanks to Area Chief, Thomas "Buck" Seitz (R) and Maurice Dowdy - Lago Vista (L) who volunteered to hoist the Hunter Education banner at their club. L to R (Kneeling): Michael Reuland, Mark Marshall, and Jared Bruno; (Standing): Dowdy with Alfonso Fernandez Aldaz, Brian Moore, William Agnell, Zachary Crislip, William Bryson, Julissa Gonzales and Seitz. A big THANKS to Austin Rifle Club for sponsoring these new instructors!
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Sellmark Corporation Instructor Course - Mansfield N TX
 N TX Hunter Education Training Specialist Monica Bickerstaff (blue) taught an Instructor course at the Sellmark Corporation in Mansfield. The applicants were from as far east as Huntsville and as far west as Shallowater. Game Warden, Marshall Mohr, conducted background interviews for the applicants. Sellmark’s President, Darrell Mitchell (R) and Government Sales Manager, James Reeve (Center), attended the course. Reeve conducted a facilities tour at the training’s conclusion. THANKS, Sellmark -- welcome to the Texas Hunter Education Program ranks!
Texas A&M's Conservation Principles & Role of Hunting Course
Department of Rangeland, Wildlife & Fisheries Management
 Larry Hysmith, Texas AgriLife Extension, State 4-H Office, is the 4-H Natural Resources Program Leader, and has been a Legacy Hunter Education Instructor and Hunter Education Program Partner since the mid-1990s. He is trained in programs that include all of the 4-H Shooting Sports qualifications, National Archery in Schools Program and Student Air Rifle Program Trainer. Here he takes the Texas A&M Wildlife Students through archery as employed in the NASP Program. Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, and Braxton Hicks, TPWD Hunting and Shooting Sports R3 Coordinator were on hand for outdoor activities. As part of classroom activities, Hicks presented the current R3 Strategies including the efforts to enhance hunting and shooting sports efforts in Texas.
 James Cathey, Ph.D. CWB, Associate Director, a Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow and Hunter Education Instructor, takes the participants through air rifle activities as part of the "lab exercises" in the course that he started -- to put into practice the principles of conservation, the hunting heritage and the shooting sports for wildlife and natural resource students at Texas A&M University. GREAT Job, Jim!
"Becoming an Outdoor Super Senior" - Richmond
The 3rd Annual Becoming an Outdoor Super Senior (BOSS) Lady was held in Richmond in March. Hosted by Long Acres Ranch and James B. Harrison Foundation, the event was open to 'eighty ladies', ages 55+, interested in expanding their knowledge of everything outdoors. From camping to air rifles, outdoor cooking, woodworking, kayaking, fishing, archery, geo-caching, and other topics, participants learned how much fun it is to get outside and trying something new. Staff at Long Acres Ranch, the volunteer instructors and participants all had a great time! - Cheryl LeJune (L front) Hunter Education Instructor - Tomball. Hannah Muegge, Hunter Education Instructor and Student Air Rifle Program Trainer volunteered to take the group selfie! SMILE!
 "BOSS Lady is a wrap! I had the pleasure of leading Air Rifle 101 with Cheryl at Long Acres Ranch, introducing some fabulous ladies to firearm vocabulary, parts of the rifle, safe firearm handling, and basic shooting fundamentals. Afterwards, they had the opportunity to engage in live fire using the Umarex Embark - the air rifles we use in the Student Air Rifle Program-SAR. While SAR was designed and created for formal education programs in the school, I just love the informal and outreach opportunities it can provide! These ladies did an outstanding job and impressed even themselves at their natural sharpshooting abilities. The rain couldn’t stop our parade, we had a great time."
Thank you all! #shootingsports #studentairrifle #outreach - Hannah Muegge
Professional Educators Making a Difference - Conroe
Peet Junior High School Wildlife (Hunter Education) Courses
"I certified 148 students this year at Peet Junior High. I also wanted to brag on some great young people helping one of my special needs students in learning his firearm carries. Even when they think no one is watching, they are still kind-hearted. The student even passed with almost a perfect score! Enjoy your weekend!"
- Venessa Wallace - Willis
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Nilgai Hunting 101 Held in Rio Grande Valley
Gabriella Gracia, who also was joined by her sister, Haley, took this nice blue bull nilgai during a Nilgai Hunting 101 and Hunt held at Laguna Atascosa NWR in Cameron County in March in the Rio Grande Valley. The Texas Youth Hunting Program Hunt featured Huntmasters and youth specifically selected from the Valley per an agreement with the refuge that the hunt be free to the participants and that participants must come from the Valley itself. The hunt demonstrates the ingenuity and passion of Huntmasters from throughout Texas. Many pop-up blinds were used to hunt the open range, wily beasts.
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Area Chief Hunter Education Instructor Ruben Rangel, Brownsville, led the hunt which was comprised of youth from the Rio Grande Valley. Cesar Joaquin Rodriguez took this nice bull. The hunt participants learned everything from safety and ethics to sighting in of a big bore rifle, where to shoot on these animals that originated in India, and field dress and process the meat -- which is prized by many Texans for their shear size, their wariness and their tasty meat. Congratulations to the 9 young hunters, most of whom shot their first nilgai.
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BARI TRAINING
Basic Air Riflery Instructor (BARI)
Saturday, April 26, 2025; 9am-4pm
Long Acres Ranch; 2335 Williams Way Blvd; Richmond TX 77469
No Cost for Training, REGISTER HERE
(BARI Certification upon completion!)
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Wilderness Survival - Upcoming in April; Need Volunteers!
Save the dates: April 11-13, 2025
Santa Anna Hunting Club - 200 N Santa Anna Mountain Rd, Santa Anna, TX
 A great opportunity to fine tune those outdoor skills or volunteer!
Attn: Hunter Education Instructors - A Map & Compass Instructor is needed for Saturday morning. Materials and equipment are provided. The workshop needs volunteers to assist with set-up for rotations and help cook. We are short staffed this year due to the retirement of volunteers.
REGISTER HERE - WILDERNESS SURVIVAL
For information contact randy.spradlin@tpwd.texas.gov or 512-923-3509
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2025 IHEA-USA Annual Conference - May 12-15, Jekyll Island, Georgia
Theme: Hunter Education - Yes We Can!
Hello Hunter Education Community
The International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) - USA is very excited to its Annual Conference this year at beautiful Jekyll Island, Georgia! We are meeting between May 12th - 15th at the Jekyll Island Convention Center.
As we get closer to May, you can expect to hear more about the week and we will add to the Conference Webpage with details on hotels and registration, but please save the dates and put in your travel requests ASAP. While we look forward to seeing you all in person this May as we have several practical, experiential education items on the agenda we believe will help you with field days and instructor training events, we will continue to offer an online option for other members of your staff and your volunteers. As an international organization, it is our intention to create the most inclusive experience in our industry by providing access to the event from anywhere in the world. We stand by this commitment to your volunteers and your teams while also appreciating your challenges with managing annual budgets.
Alex Baer - IHEA-USA Executive Director
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Arlington Sportsman's Club - May 31st and October 11th, 2025
Want to go to the National NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) July 20-26th in Bentonville, AR? You need to first participate in a local or state YHEC event. Or, do you just want to have a fun day of shooting and responsibility challenges? Here is your chance! There will be two Texas North YHEC events in 2025 at Arlington Sportsman's Club in Mansfield, Texas. On May 31st, Texas North Local YHEC will host an event with Rifle and Shotgun plus Wildlife ID and Orienteering challenges. On October 11th, the North Texas event will include Archery, Rifle, Shotgun, plus Responsibility Exam, Skills Trail and Orienteering Challenges. REGISTRATION and information at texasyhec.com - May 31st event.
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ABOUT YHEC Recognized as the most comprehensive youth hunting program anywhere in North America, the Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) is NRA's graduate studies program in outdoor skills and safety training for young hunters. The program is conducted under simulated hunting conditions to provide the best practical environment for reinforcing and testing a young hunter's skills. Visit yhec.nra.org or email yhec@nrahq.org for more information about YHEC.
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Participants must be 18 years old or younger and have taken a Hunter Education Course or the NRA online Hunter Education Course. Parent or guardian permission is required. No prior experience needed, but participants must be able to safely handle and shoulder firearms.
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Support for TYHP
Tentative dates for the Texas Wildlife Association Sportsman’s Celebration Banquets
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Alpine – Thurs, Jul 24
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Victoria – Fri, Aug 1
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San Angelo – TBD
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Amarillo – Fri, Aug 22
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College Station – Thurs, Sept 4
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Lufkin – Sat, Sept 13
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Kingsville – Sat, Sept 27
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New Braunfels - Thurs, Jun 19
To volunteer, contact:
Nicole Vonkrosigk - 719-645-1007; nvonkrosigk@texas-wildlife.org
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Huntmaster Training Schedule
https://tyhp.org/huntmaster-certification-training-schedule/
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John Dea (January 1945 - March 2025)
SERVICE - April 12, 1pm - T6 West Texas
Obituary
John Dea, a longtime Area Chief Hunter Education Instructor from Lubbock, was certified in 1987, and reached all levels of participation, including receiving his "Legacy Award" in 2021 (See photo).
A gathering to celebrate John Edward Dea's 80 years of life will be held at T6 West Texas on April 12, 2025, at 1:00pm, with his service to begin at 1:30pm, followed by a reception and fellowship. John Edward Dea, born January 28, 1945, to John and Pauline Acker Dea in Tucson, AZ, was known by many for owning and operating Dea Window and Door Company, as well as his lifetime of dedication to volunteering, educating, advocating for, mentoring and support of others through Boys Scouts of America, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Wildlife Association, Lubbock Police Department, Vet Star, Veteran Affairs, Texas Veterans Commission, and T6 West Texas Vet Center. John is survived by his children, Shelli (Greg) Dea, Ty (Shelly) Cranford, Clay Cranford; grandchildren, Austin (Shyan) Cranford, Ashley (Kevin) Campbell, Tyler Cranford, Liam Lagro; siblings, Michael Dea, David (Claudia) Dea, Dee (Gary) Herricks. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Pauline Dea.
In Hunter Education, John helped with the development of the Hunter Skills Trail and is featured on the Hunter Skills booklet developed in partnership with Texas AgriLIfe Extension. He also was instrumental in the Youth Hunter Education Challenge and taught federal aid staff in Northern New Mexico. He also hosted the NW Texas Steel Shot Workshop back in the 1990s. This was in addition to the hundreds of students and new instructors he taught in the Panhandle region. He was always "Hunter Education's 'GO-TO' guy in the Panhandle" for the late Terry Erwin and Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinators (1987 - Present).
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Transitions Abound!
As we say GOODBYE to longstanding Hunter Education Staff and WELCOME new staff to the fold, I want to assure you that I will be here to continue handling your calls, supply orders and emails. I especially like when you personally stop by Airport Commerce Park in Austin to say, "Howdy!"
For those of you who plan to attend the Annual Hunter Education Instructor Conference (See article above), I will be presenting information about the Online Registration System and other program procedures that will help you do your job more efficiently. I am privileged to serve the Hunter Education Program and YOU, the Hunter Education Instructor!
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Matthew Smith, Austin, Hunter Ed. Coord: matthew.smith@tpwd.texas.gov, 512-389-8739 w; 512-704-8905 c
Kevin Vo, Austin, Hunter Ed. Admin: kevin.vo@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-389-4999 (general); 512-389-8142 w; Email Support: Instructor@tpwd.texas.gov
Monica Bickerstaff, N TX (DFW): monica.bickerstaff@tpwd.texas.gov; 469-601-8349 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
Daniel Stedman, Shooting Sports Coordinator: daniel.stedman@tpwd.texas.gov; 512-413-0194 w
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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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