A Season of Gratitude: Thank You, Texas Hunter Education Instructors

As we wrap up another remarkable year in Texas Hunter Education, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to each of you who continue to make this program one of the strongest in the nation. Your dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to safety have helped shape responsible hunters across the state. Because of your efforts, thousands of new hunters are better prepared, more confident, and more connected to our outdoor traditions.

Over the past year, instructors have gone above and beyond—teaching classes in small towns and big cities, mentoring youth in the field, and ensuring every student understands the importance of ethics, conservation, and safe firearm handling. Your service keeps the hunting heritage alive and thriving, passing it on to the next generation with pride and purpose. Simply put, Texas Hunter Education would not exist without you.

As we look ahead, we are excited for what the coming year will bring. New training opportunities, statewide events, updated resources, and continued collaboration will help us grow even stronger. With your partnership, we are confident that next year will be our best yet—one filled with continued progress, innovation, and meaningful connections across our Hunter Education community.

From all of us at Texas Parks and Wildlife, we wish you and your families a joyful holiday season filled with peace, laughter, and time outdoors. Thank you for everything you do. Best wishes to our entire Hunter Education family—here’s to an even brighter year ahead.

Welcome Chris Mitchell to the TPWD Hunter Ed Team

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Hunter Education Program is proud to welcome Chris Mitchell as the newest member of our statewide team. Chris joins us with deep roots in outdoor education and youth development, bringing a wealth of experience that will strengthen our mission to promote safe, responsible, and knowledgeable hunting across Texas.

Before stepping into this new role, Chris served as the Director of the Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP), where he played a vital part in expanding youth hunting opportunities, mentoring young hunters, and supporting volunteer-led conservation education. His leadership and dedication have left a meaningful impact on countless families and young Texans who were introduced to the outdoors through TYHP’s programs.

In his new position as the Regional Training Specialist for the Central/West Texas region, Chris will support instructors, volunteers, and partner organizations by helping coordinate trainings, providing resources, and assisting with program growth. His broad knowledge of hunter education, youth engagement, and field operations will make him a strong asset to instructors across this diverse region.

Please join us in welcoming Chris to the Hunter Education Team. We look forward to the expertise, enthusiasm, and energy he brings to the program and are excited to see the positive influence he will have on both our instructors and the communities we serve. Welcome aboard, Chris!

From Workshop to Woods: Fall BOW Participants Take the Next Step

What a great class of amazing women who attended the Fall Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop in Rockport at Camp Aranzazu. This year’s workshop brought together participants from all backgrounds—some brand new to the outdoors and others looking to build on existing skills—all united by a shared excitement to learn, grow, and experience what Texas has to offer. The energy, curiosity, and camaraderie these women brought to each session made the weekend truly special.

Our Hunter Education class was expertly led by a dedicated team of instructors: Cheryl LeJune, Area Chief from Tomball; Lynny Osenbaugh from Houston; and JD Wallace from Willis. Their knowledge, encouragement, and hands-on teaching approach helped create a welcoming environment where participants felt supported as they tackled new challenges. From firearm safety and handling to discussions on conservation and ethical hunting, these instructors played a vital role in empowering more women to enjoy the outdoors with confidence.

We are also excited to share that several of the women from the workshop were drawn for our December BOW Mentored Hunt—a fantastic opportunity for them to apply their new skills in the field. This experience will not only reinforce what they learned but also help build lasting connections within the hunting community. Stay tuned—there’s much more to come on the hunt in next month’s update.

Teaching Hunting and Safety: Armando Juarez Leads Another Great Class

From Safety to Stewardship: November Hunter Education Class in San Antonio

In November, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Hunter Education Instructor Team hosted an engaging class for over 30 enthusiastic students. The session provided participants with essential knowledge and hands-on experience, reinforcing the importance of safety, ethics, and responsible hunting practices. The excitement and curiosity in the classroom made for a lively and impactful learning environment.

A highlight of the class was a presentation by Game Warden K. Stuman, who spoke to students about the critical roles and responsibilities of Texas Game Wardens. Warden Stuman shared real-world examples and insights into conservation, law enforcement, and public safety, helping students better understand the broader impact of responsible hunting. His talk added depth to the class and inspired many students to consider careers in wildlife and resource management.

The class was led by a skilled team of instructors, including Area Chief Thom Griffith, Kevin Oliver, Rebecca Rosser, and Jamie and Larry McBride. Each instructor brought their own expertise and experience, ensuring that students received personal attention and guidance. From teaching firearm safety to ethical hunting practices, the team worked together to make the class both educational and enjoyable.

This November session showcased the dedication and skill of the San Antonio Hunter Education Instructor Team, helping to prepare the next generation of responsible hunters. By combining expert instruction with engaging presentations from professionals like Warden Stuman, the team continues to strengthen the hunting community in Texas. Their commitment ensures that students leave the class confident, knowledgeable, and ready to apply what they’ve learned in the field.

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Hunter Education Reaches the Community at the Mission Butterfly Festival

On November 1, 2025, Huntmaster Danny Santillan and Huntmaster/Hunter Education Instructor Ricardo Orozco volunteered at the annual Mission Butterfly Festival. This popular community event provided the perfect opportunity to connect with attendees of all ages while promoting responsible hunting and outdoor traditions. Their participation allowed the Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) to reach new audiences and highlight the importance of Hunter Education across the state.

At the festival, Danny and Ricardo staffed an informative booth where they educated visitors about the state’s Hunter Education requirements. They emphasized that Texans—along with out-of-state hunters—born on or after September 2, 1971, must successfully complete a Hunter Education course to legally hunt in Texas. Through hands-on demonstrations and friendly conversation, they helped festival-goers better understand the role of Hunter Education in safety, ethics, and wildlife conservation.

The booth also served as a platform to network and recruit volunteers for upcoming Hunter Education and youth hunting programs. Danny and Ricardo spoke with many interested individuals, sharing ways to get involved and make a difference in their local communities. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees expressing appreciation for the outreach and eager to learn more about hunting safety and conservation efforts.

By volunteering at events like the Mission Butterfly Festival, Huntmasters like Danny Santillan and Ricardo Orozco help ensure that Hunter Education continues to thrive across Texas. Their dedication strengthens the connection between the public, hunting, and wildlife stewardship while inspiring future generations to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly.

We also want to congratulate Ricardo Orozco on becoming the newest Area Chief in the South Texas Region. His dedication to learning, passion for Hunter Education, and commitment to community outreach have made a lasting impact on students, volunteers, and fellow instructors alike. From teaching classes to volunteering at events like the Mission Butterfly Festival, Ricardo’s outstanding service continues to strengthen the hunting community across South Texas. Thank you, Ricardo, for your leadership, energy, and unwavering dedication to preserving our hunting heritage.

Closing out the 25 - 26 Hunting Season

As we wrap up another successful hunting season, I want to extend my sincere thanks to each of you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to hunter education across Texas. Your efforts—whether in the classroom, in the field, or behind the scenes—continue to make a lasting difference in the safety and success of hunters throughout our state. Because of you, thousands of new hunters gained the skills and confidence needed to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

As a reminder, please take a moment to close out any remaining courses you conducted this year. Be sure to include both prep time and taught time when submitting your course records. These details are essential not only for accurate reporting but also to ensure that you receive proper credit for all the time and energy you invest in our program.

Your completed records directly support eligibility for this year’s Hunter Education Incentive Awards, and we want to make sure every instructor gets recognized for their outstanding work. Thank you again for everything you do—your passion and professionalism continue to elevate the Hunter Education Program and the outdoor experiences of Texans statewide.

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

DIVA WOW Founder Sends a Special Thanks to North Texas Training Specialist Randy Spradlin

On Saturday, November 1st, Randy Spradlin of TPWD and Judy Rhodes, Founder of DIVA WOW, hosted the White-Tailed Deer Hunting 101 Workshop at Cabela’s in Fort Worth, Texas. This free workshop drew an enthusiastic crowd on the opening day of deer season, filling the venue with excitement and energy. Participants ranged from fathers and sons, brothers, and families, to new Texans eager to learn about hunting and outdoor traditions. Many attendees were looking to introduce their children to the sport, making the event a true celebration of family and community.

The four-hour workshop covered everything attendees needed to know about hunting in Texas, including safety, ethics, wildlife identification, and best practices for a successful season. Randy Spradlin brought a personal touch to the event, engaging with participants and answering questions in a lively Q&A session. His hands-on approach made the outdoors accessible and approachable for newcomers while reinforcing key skills and concepts for more experienced hunters.

The event was not only educational but also inspiring, encouraging attendees to explore Texas’ rich hunting opportunities. Families left with practical knowledge, confidence, and a renewed excitement for the upcoming season. The workshop provided a safe and welcoming environment for learning, reinforcing the values of responsible hunting and stewardship of the outdoors.

Events like this White-Tailed Deer Hunting 101 Workshop showcase the impact of passionate instructors and community leaders. Thanks to Randy Spradlin and Judy Rhodes, participants were able to connect with mentors, gain practical experience, and foster a love for hunting that will carry into the future. Their dedication ensures that Texas hunting heritage remains strong and accessible to all generations.

Judy sent a summary of the event and a special thank you to Randy for making the event a success.

We also want to extend a special thank you to Judy Rhodes for her unwavering support of women in the outdoors and for preserving Texas’ hunting heritage through DIVA WOW. Since 1996, her organization has been creating opportunities for women and Texans of all ages to learn, explore, and connect with the outdoors. Judy’s dedication continues to inspire countless participants to embrace hunting, conservation, and the rich traditions of our great state.

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.