Outreach Events and Incentive Points

As Halloween approaches, there’s no better time to remind you that one of the easiest—and least spooky—ways to earn incentive points as a volunteer Hunter Education Instructor is by participating in outreach events. Whether it’s community festivals, outdoor expos, school demonstrations, or local hunting and fishing shows, these events give you a chance to share your passion for hunting and safety while introducing the public to the value of hunter education. And unlike haunted houses, there’s nothing scary about it—you’ll walk away with both smiles and incentive points toward awards.

Outreach events are a fun, low-stress way to get involved beyond the classroom. They’re also a great way to build “treats” for your points tally while avoiding the “tricks” of having to find more time-consuming opportunities. Instructors often say they enjoy the camaraderie with fellow volunteers and the chance to connect with families, young hunters, and even future instructors in a relaxed setting. Every booth you staff and every question you answer earns you points, helping you creep closer to milestone awards.

Even better, you’ll earn 3 points per hour for every outreach event you support—including the prep time, just like when you teach a course. That means your time spent gathering materials, setting up, and talking with folks all counts toward your incentive total. A few hours here and there can add up quickly, so don’t miss out on the chance to make those hours work double duty—impacting your community and boosting your points.

And remember—the ultimate prize is sweeter than candy corn, induction into the Texas Hunter Education Hall of Fame. While it may sound like a big, ghostly goal, every outreach event brings you one step closer. Each activity adds to your legacy, strengthens our program, and earns you credit for your dedication. So don’t be a “scaredy-cat”—sign up for your next outreach event, earn those points, and watch your path to the Hall of Fame light up like a jack-o’-lantern!

Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Event Returns This Fall

Mark your calendars: the next Texas Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) event is coming up October 31 – November 2! BOW events continue to expand and draw more participants every year, offering women of all experience levels a welcoming chance to try hunting, fishing, shooting, and other outdoor skills. Held at scenic getaway venues across Texas, these weekends are not just learning opportunities — they’re memorable experiences in nature where instructors can make lasting impressions.

For volunteer Hunter Education instructors, helping at a BOW event is a terrific way to give back and earn incentive points. Whether you teach a session, assist with logistical support, or help coordinate activities, your hours count—just like teaching a Hunter Ed class. That means your commitment during the BOW weekend will add toward your outreach or class incentive totals.

We’re also excited to announce a new expansion in the program. Venessa Wallace, the new East Region Training Specialist, will be launching a series of Beyond BOW classes. These follow-up sessions allow participants to build on what they learned at their BOW event and continue developing outdoor skills and confidence over time. It’s a great step forward in continuity and engagement for new outdoor enthusiasts.

If you’re a Hunter Education instructor interested in getting involved — teaching, helping out behind the scenes, or simply volunteering to earn points — we’d love to have you on board. For more details, or to sign up, please contact Venessa Wallace at (713) 829-1377 or venessa.wallace@tpwd.texas.gov.

TPWD Hunter Education Thanks Fred Chaney for 30 Years of Service

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Hunter Education Program proudly says “Thank you for 30 years!” to longtime volunteer and Area Chief Fred Chaney. Fred has been a cornerstone of hunter education and youth shooting sports in Texas, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to the next generation of hunters.

Fred first became involved in hunter education in 1995, while already volunteering as a 4-H Shooting Sports coach in Glascock County. His dual commitment to both hunter education and youth shooting sports provided hundreds of young people with safe, responsible instruction in firearms handling, hunting ethics, and outdoor skills. Over the course of his career, Fred taught more than 1,100 hunter education students and helped guide over 2,000 youth in shotgun shooting. His efforts not only ensured safer hunting practices, but also created opportunities for young people to grow in confidence, responsibility, and sportsmanship.

Under Fred’s leadership and coaching, his 4-H students went on to achieve remarkable success. He developed a state champion shotgun team and helped nurture individual state champions over the years—proof of his ability to inspire excellence and perseverance both on and off the range. Beyond competitive accolades, Fred’s greatest impact has been instilling values of safety, responsibility, and respect for the outdoors into the lives of countless youth and their families.

One of Fred’s proudest recent achievements is the development of a dedicated shotgun range in Glascock County for 4-H Shooting Sports. The facility is an impressive testament to his vision and commitment, featuring three skeet fields, four trap fields, and one sporting clays field. This range not only provides a safe, high-quality training space for young shooters but also stands as a lasting contribution to his community that will benefit generations to come.

As Fred steps back into a well-deserved retirement, TPWD celebrates his decades of service, leadership, and passion for educating young hunters. His deep knowledge, friendly mentorship, and steady commitment will be greatly missed, but his legacy lives on in the many students, families, and communities he has touched.

Thank you, Fred, for 30 years of remarkable service to hunter education and youth shooting sports in Texas!

Pictured: Randy Spradlin with Fred Chaney

9th Annual Dove Hunting 101 Hosted in El Paso

The El Paso Skeet and Trap Club (EPST) proudly hosted its 9th Annual Dove Hunting 101 Workshop on September 27, offering local participants a unique opportunity to learn safe and responsible hunting skills while enjoying one of Texas’s most popular hunting traditions.

EPST Board members—Richard Leos, President; Ernie Harbison, Vice President; and Kevin Clark—rolled out the red carpet for attendees, ensuring that everyone felt welcomed and supported. Their efforts, along with the club’s commitment to education, created an engaging and safe learning environment both on the range and in the field.

This year’s event brought together eight hunters for a memorable hunt at the 7X Feed Lot in Clint, Texas, graciously hosted by landowner Raul Zambrano. Zambrano is a dedicated supporter of local youth programs and volunteer instructors, opening his property each dove season to help new hunters experience the outdoors in a safe, supervised, and educational way.

Area Chief Mike Legarretta, El Paso, played a leading role in coordinating the workshop, inviting Game Warden Riley Sheridan to join the event. Sheridan gained valuable hands-on experience in presenting game laws and refining her program delivery skills—an important step in developing her outreach as a wildlife law enforcement professional. The workshop also benefited from the expertise of Venessa Wallace, TPWD’s Educational Specialist, who traveled across the state to coordinate Beyond BOW (Becoming an Outdoors-Woman) activities in the El Paso area and to lend her support to the Dove Hunting 101 program.

Perhaps the highlight of the day was seeing new hunters succeed in the field. Pictured (above) is Santiago O., proudly displaying his first hunting harvest—a milestone moment that reflects the spirit of the program: building knowledge, fostering confidence, and creating unforgettable memories for the next generation of Texas hunters.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the El Paso Skeet and Trap Club thank all the volunteers, landowners, and partners who made this year’s Dove Hunting 101 possible. Their dedication continues to open doors for hunters young and old to connect with Texas’s outdoor heritage.

Women's R3 Event Taught by Future Game Warden

In early September, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Female R3 Employee Program hosted its latest Hunter Education class at the Game Warden Training Center. The Female R3 initiative is designed to engage TPWD female employees from across the state in outdoor activities that are central to the agency’s mission. This unique program not only strengthens employees’ understanding of hunting and conservation but also provides them with first-hand experience they can carry into their work and communities.

The two-day Hunter Education course included both classroom instruction and hands-on activities, offering participants a comprehensive introduction to hunting and firearm safety. In addition to reviewing the standard coursework, attendees completed a skills trail and participated in live-fire exercises with both archery equipment and rifles. These practical sessions gave participants confidence and valuable experience in handling outdoor equipment under expert supervision.

A highlight of the class was a special session with Lt. Rachel Kellner, who spoke to the group and fielded questions about her experiences in the field. Her insights and encouragement added a meaningful layer to the training, inspiring participants to further explore and embrace hunting and outdoor traditions.

The event was made possible through the leadership and instruction of dedicated Hunter Education staff and volunteers: Cheryl LeJune, Area Chief – Tomball; Shelby Summerville – Seguin; Monica Bickerstaff, Area Chief – Perrin; and Venessa Wallace, HE Specialist – East Texas. Thanks to their efforts, participants walked away with new skills, deeper knowledge, and an appreciation for how hunting connects to the broader mission of TPWD.

We are also proud to announce that Hunter Education Instructor Shelby Summerville (pictured here) has been accepted into the Game Warden Academy and reported on October 1st with the new class of cadets. Shelby has been an outstanding instructor, and her dedication to outdoor education, safety, and conservation makes her an excellent candidate for the academy. We wish her the very best as she takes this exciting next step in her career.

Texas Hunter Education Area Chief Meeting

Earlier this month, the East Texas Hunter Education program hosted its East Region Area Chief meeting at Bass Pro Shops in Spring, Texas. The gathering brought together Area Chiefs from across the region for an evening of collaboration, updates, and planning. Area Chiefs had the opportunity to meet with Venessa Wallace, their new Regional Training Specialists, ask questions, share insights from the field, and discuss exciting program changes that will shape the future of Hunter Education in Texas.

The meeting also served as a valuable chance to strengthen connections within the Hunter Education community. Area Chiefs play a key role in supporting instructors, promoting safe hunting practices, and helping the program grow. By meeting face-to-face, participants were able to exchange ideas, address challenges, and ensure that Texas continues to lead in providing high-quality Hunter Education opportunities. Despite there being no coffee available at the meeting it was still very productive.

If you’re a certified Hunter Education instructor who has ever considered stepping up to serve in a leadership role, now may be the perfect time. Becoming an Area Chief is a rewarding way to contribute to the program while mentoring and supporting fellow instructors. Those interested in learning more about the process are encouraged to reach out to their Regional Training Specialist for details on how to get involved.

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

As instructors, it’s important that we stay on top of the latest hunting regulations so we can pass accurate information along to our students. One of the most significant updates this year is that all turkeys harvested in Texas must now be reported, no matter the season or method of harvest. This new requirement applies statewide and is intended to help biologists and wildlife managers collect better harvest data to support turkey populations into the future.

Reporting is designed to be quick and convenient. Downloading the Hunt Texas app only takes a few minutes, and once it’s installed, it doesn’t take long to get familiar with the reporting screen. After a hunt, it’s just a matter of logging in, selecting the appropriate options, and submitting the harvest details — something most hunters can do in less time than it takes to put away their gear.

It’s also important to remind hunters that tagging requirements still apply regardless of which license was purchased. Tags must be properly attached immediately after harvest, and the online reporting page must also be filled out. These steps are not interchangeable; both are required to stay in compliance with state law.

As instructors, we should emphasize to our students that taking a few extra minutes to report is part of responsible hunting. Accurate reporting helps ensure that Texas Parks and Wildlife has the information it needs to make sound wildlife management decisions for the benefit of hunters now and in the future. Let’s do our part to spread the word and set the example in the field.

🦃 Quick Tip: Turkey Harvest Reporting

Tag It – Immediately tag your turkey after harvest, no matter which license you purchased.

Download the App – Install Hunt Texas.

Report Online – Fill out the harvest report within the app.

Do Both – Remember: tagging and reporting are both required.

Practice First – Open the app before your hunt to get familiar with the reporting screen.

Thanks, Sandy, for a great submission and important reminder

Using the Reports Tab on the ORS Instructor Dashboard

For Hunter Education instructors, the Reports Tab on the left-hand menu of the ORS Instructor Dashboard is a powerful tool that can simplify your course management. This section of the dashboard provides access to a variety of useful information, including courses you’ve completed, student rosters, and detailed student information — all filtered within a date range you specify. Learning to navigate these features can save time and help keep your course records organized and accurate.

One of the most helpful features of the Reports Tab is the ability to review student rosters. This allows instructors to check for errors, such as misspelled names or missing information, before contacting your Regional Training Specialist for help with correcting errors. 

The Reports Tab also gives you access to course-specific details, making it easy to quickly find information about any course you’ve taught. Whether you need to reference a past class, verify attendance, or pull information for reporting purposes, these tools make it simple to locate what you need without digging multiple pages.

Overall, the Reports Tab is designed to help instructors stay organized, maintain accurate records, and manage their courses more efficiently. By familiarizing yourself with these tools, you can save time, reduce administrative headaches, and ensure that your students’ information is always correct and up to date. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in running smooth, professional Hunter Education courses.

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

Special Partnership Hosts Basic Hunter Education Class in Olmito, Texas

A special partnership between U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) Game Wardens, and Rio Grande Valley Hunter Education instructors recently came together to host a Basic Hunter Education class at the Brownsville Border Patrol Station in Olmito, Texas. The class attracted a mix of experienced, intermediate, and novice hunters, all eager to prepare for the Special South Texas White Wing season starting September 5, 2025. Participants gained valuable knowledge on hunting safety, firearms handling, and wildlife conservation under the guidance of dedicated instructors and law enforcement professionals.

During the class, TPWD Game Wardens answered questions on daily bag limits, dove identification, and the process and requirements for becoming a Texas Game Warden. Their real-world experience provided students with practical insights into wildlife management and law enforcement in Texas. This hands-on instruction complemented the classroom material and helped hunters better understand the responsibilities and regulations associated with the sport.

Hunting 101 Course at Harris Ranch

The Hunting 101 course held at the Harris Ranch in Cline, Texas, offered students a hands-on opportunity to learn safe and effective hunting with pistols, including both large-bore and rifle calibers. The weekend of September 26 provided a comprehensive training experience that combined classroom instruction with field practice, giving participants the skills and confidence needed to hunt responsibly and safely.

The course was led by Area Chief David Rios, Hunter Education Instructor and Wildlife Program Educator Daniel Tidwell, and South/West Regional Training Specialist Brock Minton. Together, they guided students through everything from firearm safety and handling to practical shooting exercises, ensuring that each participant left the weekend with a solid foundation in pistol hunting techniques.

Students spent significant time learning about proper shot placement, safe firearm handling in the field, and understanding the unique challenges of hunting with pistols. The curriculum emphasized not just accuracy, but also situational awareness, safe positioning, and ethical hunting practices, ensuring that participants are prepared for real-world scenarios.

A special thanks goes to Mike Harris (landowner), John Sewell (ranch manager), and the entire Harris Ranch staff for their continued support in making this course and hunt possible year after year. Their dedication to providing a safe and well-maintained hunting environment allowed students to practice their skills in a realistic and controlled setting.

The spike-only hunt component of the course offered students the chance to put their classroom knowledge into practice. Not only did it provide a productive field experience, but it also helped the ranch with herd management, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement that combined learning with conservation efforts. Participants left with both memories and practical hunting experience that will serve them well in the future.

The weekend’s success was further enhanced by Susan Rios, who assisted in course development, and Jake, the Blue Lacy ranch dog, who ensured no scraps went to waste. The combination of expert instruction, quality facilities, and hands-on hunting experience made this Hunting 101 course both educational and enjoyable. Students gained confidence, learned valuable safety skills, and experienced firsthand the rewards of responsible pistol hunting in Texas.

Hunter Education Instructor, and Area Chief candidate, Ricardo Orozco Has a Busy September

September was a busy and productive month for Hunter Education Instructor Ricardo Orozco, who has been actively teaching and performing important outreach in the Rio Grande Valley. On September 19, 2025, Ricardo, along with fellow Hunter Education Instructors and Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) Huntmasters Nacho Perez and Danny Santillan, participated in the 3rd Annual Bentsen Outdoor Skills Showcase in Mission, Texas. The trio engaged both new and experienced hunters, promoting the TPWD Hunter Education program and the Texas Youth Hunting Program while networking and discussing the positive impact of hunting, conservation efforts, and Texas game laws. They also encouraged volunteers to get involved and promoted participation in the TYHP program.

Each year, Ricardo expands the learning experience for his students by incorporating his criminal justice background into Hunter Education instruction. At Weslaco East High School, he certifies students while emphasizing firearm ethics, safety, game laws, and conservation. This year, students had the unique opportunity to hear from three local TPWD Game Wardens, who are not only stationed in the Rio Grande Valley but are also natives of the area. The Wardens discussed careers within TPWD, clarified misconceptions about game laws, and provided valuable insight into the responsibilities of their roles. Ricardo extends special thanks to Game Wardens Corona, Cuellar (Cameron County), and Mares (Hidalgo County), noting that Game Warden Cuellar is an alumni of Weslaco East High School.

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Ricardo held another Hunter Education class at Bentsen State Park in Mission, Texas. A Sam Houston State University alumni with a career in criminal justice, Ricardo ensures that students also learn about trespassing laws, game law definitions, and penalties for violations, helping them understand the legal responsibilities of hunters. The weekend class successfully certified 12 students ranging in age from 9 to 45, providing both new and experienced hunters with practical knowledge to hunt safely and responsibly.

Ricardo would like to extend a big thank you to Roy Rodriguez of Bentsen State Park for his support and to Nacho Perez, his assistant Hunter Education Instructor, for helping make the class a success. Through his teaching, outreach, and dedication to combining law enforcement knowledge with Hunter Education, Ricardo continues to make a meaningful impact on students, volunteers, and the future of safe hunting in Texas.

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.

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.