Spotlight on Ivan Benavides Jr. as the new generation of instructors that will carry on the legacy of education and safety

For more than 25 years, Ivan Benavides Sr. has been a dedicated leader in Hunter Education, bringing vital training to the Spanish-speaking community in the Houston area. Starting in 1999 alongside Terry Erwin, he translated the entire curriculum into Spanish, ensuring access and understanding for new hunters. Ivan continues to hold one to three classes annually in Houston, and in 2023 he extended his impact by traveling to the Rio Grande Valley to help local instructors expand Spanish-language instruction there. His commitment has opened doors for many families and strengthened the connection between communities and safe, ethical hunting practices.

In addition to his growing role as a Hunter Education instructor assistant, Ivan Jr. is already setting his sights on the future. Now a senior at Sam Rayburn High School, he has shown from a young age a natural gift for teaching and helping others—whether it be taekwondo, shooting, hunting, or fishing. His determination to achieve whatever goal he sets has been a constant source of pride for his family. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree and ultimately join the Texas Game Warden Academy, combining his passion for the outdoors with his dedication to public service. As a Huntmaster with the Texas Youth Hunting Program, Ivan Jr. is already leading the next generation of hunters, and his commitment and character reflect the values at the heart of Hunter Education.

San Isidro Educator Enters the Hunter Education Hall of Fame

San Isidro ISD recently celebrated a special moment as Agriculture Teacher and Hunter Education Instructor Eric Ochoa was honored with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Hunter Education Hall of Fame Award. The recognition was presented by TPWD Hunter Education Training Specialist Brock Minton during the district’s teacher workday ahead of the new school year. Superintendent Mrs. Morris and Principal Dr. Olivarez were also present to recognize Ochoa’s outstanding contributions and commitment to educating students about safe and ethical hunting.

The Hall of Fame Award is one of the highest honors in the Hunter Education program, reserved for instructors who have gone above and beyond in service to their students, schools, and communities. Ochoa’s dedication to incorporating Hunter Education into his agricultural curriculum has given countless young people the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge about safety, conservation, and responsibility in the outdoors. His efforts have not only strengthened the program at San Isidro ISD but have also made a lasting impact on youth in Starr County.

Congratulations to Eric Ochoa on this well-deserved recognition! His leadership and passion for Hunter Education are helping to shape the next generation of hunters and outdoor stewards, ensuring that the values of safety, ethics, and conservation remain strong for years to come.

Texas Youth Hunting Program Field Operations Coordinator's Bowhunting Insights are Featured in the Ashby Bowhunting Foundation's Newsletter

The Ashby Bowhunting Foundation’s August newsletter features longtime bowhunter and instructor Bob Barnette, who shares valuable insight into bowhunting methods and teaching strategies that can benefit both hunters and educators. With years of field experience and a deep connection to bowhunter education, Bob offers practical knowledge that instructors can bring into the classroom to help students become more effective and ethical hunters. His perspective reflects not only a lifetime of hunting but also a dedication to passing on lessons that will guide the next generation.

One of the key questions addressed in the feature is, “Which strategies, given your experience, seem to work best to help bowhunters adopt this successful Plan A and Plan B system?” Bob emphasizes the importance of preparation and adaptability—encouraging hunters to always have a primary plan for their hunt but also a backup strategy when conditions inevitably change. Teaching students to think ahead, anticipate challenges, and stay flexible in the field is a crucial part of his philosophy, and a lesson instructors can carry into their own classes.

The interview also dives into Bob’s personal hunting style, asking, “What is/are your favorite bowhunting method(s): stands, still hunting, spot and stalk, pure stalking, or other?” His response highlights the variety of approaches a bowhunter can use, depending on the terrain, game, and conditions. By discussing the pros and cons of each method, Bob provides instructors with real-world examples to share with their students, helping them understand that bowhunting success often comes from matching the right technique to the situation at hand.

Bob’s feature in the Ashby Bowhunting Foundation newsletter is a reminder of how experienced hunters can enrich the teaching of bowhunter education. By addressing topics such as effective arrow setups, strategies for planning hunts, and different hunting methods, he provides instructors with tools to better prepare their students. His thoughtful answers not only strengthen the foundation of safe and ethical hunting but also encourage a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability—qualities that define successful bowhunters. See the entire interview and the rest of the newsletter at the link below.

Ashby Bowhunting Foundation Current News — Ashby Bowhunting Foundation

TWA Events - Texas Wildlife Association

If you are interested in upcoming Huntmaster certification opportunities click the link above to see a complete listing of TWA events including Huntmaster training courses. 

Submit Valuable Insights and Opinions Related to Hunter Education or Hunting Safety and You Could Be Featured in an Upcoming Target Talk

Adding to the excitement, both Sandy Mason and Myranda Baker had just come off another Hunter Education course in North Texas, where they taught alongside longtime instructor Bill Andrieu. With back-to-back classes and new instructors hitting the ground running, it’s clear the busy teaching season is upon us—proof that in Hunter Education, there’s no such thing as an “off-season”!

Vo Knows: Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference!

As the fall hunting season approaches and our classrooms get busier, I want to take a moment to share a couple of helpful reminders that will make your Hunter Education courses run more smoothly. One of the most important tasks at the beginning of class is to check your attendance roster carefully. Please be sure to have students sign next to their name when they arrive—this helps confirm their attendance and ensures that their name, spelling, and date of birth are all correct. If you notice any issues or updates that need to be made, don’t hesitate to reach out to us so we can get everything corrected in the system.

Another tool that can save you time and frustration is the QR code provided for your class. These are designed specifically for students who may not have registered properly online or who show up as last-minute walk-ins. By scanning the QR code, they can quickly register on the spot, keeping the process organized and allowing you to focus more on teaching and less on paperwork. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in how smoothly your class flows.

Please make sure to print your QR codes ahead of time and have them accessible at check-in—whether that’s on a sign at the registration table, taped to the door, or available on your phone or tablet. Using these tools will help prevent delays, reduce errors in student records, and give your participants a better experience from the very start of class. Thank you for all you do to support Hunter Education—we couldn’t make this program thrive without your hard work and dedication. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at instructor@tpwd.texas.gov. We’re here to help.

Kevin Vo, Hunter Education Course Administration Expert

TPWD Staff Explore the Role of Hunting in Conservation at Statewide “Hunting for Conservation” Event

TPWD staff from across Texas gathered in Austin for the recent “Hunting for Conservation” event, organized by R3 Coordinator Braxton Hicks in partnership with instructors from the Hunter Education team. They were also joined by Chris Mitchell, Director of the Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP). The training was designed to give participants a firsthand look at how hunting supports conservation and resource management, while also providing insight into the role of R3 efforts—Recruit, Retain, and Reactivate—in keeping volunteers and instructors engaged statewide.

The program brought together a wide variety of TPWD staff, including biologists, state park interpreters, administrators, and representatives from different divisions, offering them a deeper understanding of the hunting community and its impact on Texas’ natural resources. Through presentations and discussions, participants learned about the many ways hunting directly contributes to conservation funding, habitat management, and wildlife stewardship. Key programs like TYHP were highlighted as models for connecting youth and families with hunting opportunities, ensuring the next generation of conservation leaders is well-prepared.Midway through the day, participants enjoyed a lunch featuring a variety of game meats, giving many their first taste of wild protein and reinforcing the connection between hunting and sustainable food sources. This experience tied directly into the larger theme of the event—showing how hunting is not only an outdoor tradition but also a crucial component of conservation and natural resource use.

The event culminated at The Range at Austin, where attendees had the chance to participate in marksmanship training with a variety of hunting firearms. For many staff members, it was their first time handling or shooting, making it a memorable and eye-opening experience. By the end of the day, conservation leaders left with a stronger appreciation for the role hunting plays in managing Texas’ resources and the ability to share that knowledge with park visitors, colleagues, and communities across the state. Events like these help break down myths about hunting and strengthen the connection between all branches of TPWD and the hunting heritage they support.

Hosting the class at Cabela’s provided a fitting backdrop, as students were surrounded by the gear, resources, and excitement of the upcoming season. The session not only prepared participants for safe hunting but also connected them with the broader hunting community during an important seasonal kickoff. By leading this class, Vincent played a key role in ensuring that new hunters are both informed and confident as they join Texas’ hunting tradition.

Ranger Aric Brooks Teaches First Hunter Education Class at Livingston State Park

Huntsville State Park Ranger and newly certified Hunter Education Instructor, Aric Brooks, recently taught his very first class at Livingston State Park. The milestone event marked an exciting start to Aric’s journey as an instructor, where he put his training into action and introduced students to the fundamentals of safe and ethical hunting. His class provided participants with the knowledge they need to become responsible hunters, while also highlighting the important role parks staff play in supporting outdoor education.

Aric was joined by Cheryl LeJune, Area Chief from Tomball, who assisted throughout the day. Together, they guided students through core topics such as firearm safety, hunting ethics, and conservation principles. The class was filled with meaningful discussion and active participation, giving students the opportunity to ask questions and apply what they learned to real-world scenarios.

The successful session was a strong start to Aric’s work as a Hunter Education Instructor and a reflection of his commitment to helping others enjoy the outdoors safely. Congratulations to Aric on teaching his first class, and thanks to Cheryl for her support in making the day a success! With new instructors like Aric stepping up, the future of Hunter Education in Texas continues to grow stronger.

Game Warden Johnny Jones Assists in Training Future Hunter Education Instructors at Bass Pro San Antonio

Texas Game Warden Johnny Jones recently joined forces with Area Chiefs Nathan Dee and Charles Marcus to help train future Hunter Education Instructors at Bass Pro Shops in San Antonio. The session gave participants a unique opportunity to learn not only from experienced instructors but also from a Game Warden actively serving in the field. Johnny shared valuable insights about the role of Game Wardens, common infractions seen in the outdoors, and the importance of teaching hunters to stay compliant with state laws.

With the guidance of Nathan Dee and Charles Marcus, the class provided a strong foundation for these soon-to-be instructors, covering the skills and knowledge needed to effectively lead Hunter Education courses in their communities. The combination of classroom learning, real-world experience, and mentorship highlighted the collaborative spirit that makes Texas’ Hunter Education program so impactful.