HUNTER ED NEWS - MAY 2025

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In This Issue: More Staff Retiring, Volunteers Celebrated, Events & More


Coordinator's Column - "Family Time!"

sarah

This is my last month, officially, with good ole' Texas Parks and Wildlife.

In 'retirement' I will stay busy with our collective mission. (Can't ever rest!) I am joining the NRA team, providing customer support for the NRA Online Hunter Education Course. I also will stay active as a VOLUNTEER instructor and outdoor education teacher in both Colorado and Texas, God willing!

Mainly, I am going to spend more time with my kids and grandkids and family & friends -- continuing to join with and introduce them to the outdoors -- responsibly hunting, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching! It should be a great chapter!  Keep in touch! [email protected]

Photos: I get to spend more time with daughter, Sarah, and her boyfriend, Sam (shown here at Sarah's Ph.D. celebration, along with my wife, Karen) and with son, Ryan, grand kids Keelan "KJ" and Rylee, and daughter-in-law, Kelsey (below).

Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator

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Monica Bickerstaff Retirement "On the Horizon"

"With our hunting gear packed and our dogs in their dog boxes, my husband, L.D., and I began our travels west to participate in the 2004 Kansas pheasant season opener. While on the way, my phone rang. It was the call I had hoped for – the call offering me the newly created assistant hunter education coordinator position with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. My immediate task was to submit my handwritten letter of acceptance, a task completed via fax machine from a truck stop just off Interstate 70. With that I began what would be more than 20 years of public service in hunter education administration."


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"Reflecting on those years, I realize how blessed I am to have been given such an incredible opportunity to have an impact on so many lives and get paid for it too! Little did I realize when faxing my acceptance letter just how rich I would become, not from the salary, but from the countless blessings bestowed upon me in return. No dollar value can be placed on the satisfaction I have gained knowing that I played a part in instilling in a new hunter or shooter the confidence that they can break that first target or can successfully harvest that wild game. Nor can a dollar value be placed on the lifelong friendships I have made through the years and the heartache I’ve felt when learning of the passing of a treasured volunteer or colleague having touched my life personally and professionally. To my hunter education family I say, thank you!"

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Monica

Photo:  L.D. with a nice Kansas buck.  He and Monica are longtime bowhunters, pheasant hunters and hunter education instructors in Kansas and Texas. Hunter Education Staff wish them the best as they head to retirement!  Like Steve and Heidi, Monica will not disappear, but stay involved in the firearm business and teaching others hunting and firearm safety!

"So, what’s next for me? I plan to pick up my bow, clean the rust from my traps, head to the practice range with one of my firearms and/or pull the fly rod tucked safely away in my closet and finally put it to use! Who knows, I might even relearn to play my flute or return to knitting, crocheting, sewing and cooking – the options are endless!" - Monica Bickerstaff, Hunter Education Specialist


Dear Steve:

"I wanted to pass along my thoughts on Monica's retirement. Over the past several years her support and taking time to help out directly with projects have been invaluable. Monica's always been available to answer my questions, help with finding resources, and just been there to listen to one of my hair-brained ideas.

-- From taking time to hold a private Bowhunter Instructor Course for our team; to helping contact other TPWD employees and making our Youth Safety Day go flawless in Burleson; to team teaching seniors at Tarleton State University; to our last-minute need for class materials; to being the voice of reason when a topic didn't work quite right. -- I know everyone's been able to have her help throughout our region, but Monica has always been that one person to which I could talk. Monica has gone beyond the responsibilities of her job, and I'm most definitely better at what I do for the program because of her. 

I hope she and her family fully enjoy her retirement, and maybe she'll have some time to help us guide on hunts now."   - Sandy Mason Area Chief, Joshua 


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"Bowhunter/Hunter Instructor, Myranda Baker - Burleson, and I held our last event in April, today -- the "Spring Wingding at Dinosaur Valley State Park" in Glen Rose. Local affiliations and groups, from birds and animals to bees and other organizations, had an 'education day'. This was our second year at the event presenting information on Hunter Education and Youth Hunts. We also fielded a lot of questions from the Outdoor Annual (e.g., fishing & licenses). Turnout was around 250 in our area."

- Sandy Mason - Area Chief & TYHP Huntmaster - Joshua

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Celebrating Volunteer Hunter Education Instructors

We are proud to recognize YOU --THE VOLUNTEER! TPWD Executive Director, David Yoskowitz, Ph.D., penned an open letter April 20th recognizing the many hours and excellence poured forth by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department VOLUNTEERS, including Hunter Education Program volunteers who have been at it since 1972 -- over 50 years!  Congratulations to all who STAY YOUNG! 

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Houston Area VOLUNTEERS met at Houston Safari Club Foundation Convention in Jan. 2024 to discuss program accomplishments & strategies with SE TX Regional Specialist, Heidi Rao (R) and Steve Hall, Hunter Ed. Coord. (back left).


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Rockport Becoming an Outdoors Woman a Blast!

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Photos: Hunter Education Administrative Assistant, Kevin Vo, handled BOW registration and related tasks throughout the BOW weekend. Here he is joined by Hunter Education Instructor & BOW CPR Instructor, Krista Liewald - Cypress, and her buddy, "BOW-Cephus". Below, Area Chief Hunter Education Instructor, Kitty Haynes - Richmond, teaches Survival at BOW, something she has taught for over 30 years in the Hunter Education program.

To Loyal BOW Volunteers, Instructors, Supporters & Friends:

Kitty

"I can’t thank you enough for the heartfelt sendoff at Camp Aranzazu!  It was a great Becoming an Outdoors - Woman (BOW) Workshop back in April.  Y’all sure do know how to throw a surprise and make one feel the love! You have all been there through thick and thin, highs and lows, and stepped up whenever you were called. I have some of THE best memories and laughs from our twice-per-year BOW “family” reunions, and I thank you all for that! Please know how MUCH Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Staff and I APPRECIATE each and every one of you!

My last event will be the annual Hunter Education Instructor Conference and Awards Banquet – back at Camp Aranzazu, the first weekend in May. I know our paths will cross again – especially since I know where all your fortes are and where your interests lie – along the trails and somewhere OUTDOORS!!

Now enjoy your break from being “VOLUN-TOLD” for a while! 😊

So blessed ~ your friend," - Heidi Rao, HE Specialist & BOW Coordinator 

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Bow Instructors, Volunteers & Supporters (e.g., Friends of BOW)

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Camp Aranzazu Staff, along with BOW Instructors, Volunteers, Supporters and Participants, surprised (L to R) Monica Bickerstaff, Steve Hall, Brock Minton, and Heidi Rao with CAKES and other gifts to celebrate their upcoming retirements!


Jimmie

Area Chief Hunter Education Instructor and BOW Shotgun Instructor, Jimmie Caughron - Ballinger, who retired as W TX Hunter Education Specialist with TPWD over a decade ago, also was recognized by Jeanette Hood - Ft. Worth (background in blue), board member of the Friends of BOW, for his many years with the Department and with BOW. Jeanette said, "Jimmie has been there for us so many years, as both a TPWD Staff Member and Volunteer Instructor!" She added, "He coached so many of us BOW participants on hitting a clay bird, many for the first time!  He has been such a blessing to BOW in fulfilling its goals for hunting, the target shooting sports, fishing, boating and other outdoor activities."

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See YOU at May THEIA Instructor Conference!

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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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SAR Highlights - Long Acres BARI Training in April

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In late April, Long Acres Ranch in Richmond hosted another Basic Air Rifle Instructor (BARI) course certifying teachers and volunteers as instructors of the Student Air Rifle Program. "We had a great group of teachers and volunteers from school districts, home schools and 4-H," said Cheryl LeJune, BARIT (BARI Trainer) and Area Chief - Tomball. Along with LeJune, the course was led by Hunter Education Instructors and BARITs, Hannah Muegge - Boling, and Area Chiefs, Scott Lightle and James Page - Katy, who head up Long Acres Ranch Education Programs. "Participants came from as far away as Lewisville and Corpus Christi. We are looking forward to hosting the first Texas state Student Air Rifle Tournament at Long Acres Ranch on October 8th!" added LeJune. More information to follow in future Target Talks. Said Muegge, "I got a personal invitation/request from my friend at NRA to set up a SAR booth for their Youth Event during the 2026 NRA Annual Meeting which will be back in Houston."  Yeah!

Photo: New instructors practiced their coaching techniques by role playing as a student, an instructor and a peer reviewer as they went through the steps involved in "Taking the First Shot!"


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NEW SAR Certified Basic Air Rifle Instructors (BARIs)

L to R: Amber Routhier, Cody Hanzik, Hannah Muegge (BARIT),Travis Hanzik, Cheryl LeJune (BARIT), Bruce Henry, Tony Alvarenga, Grant Bowman. James Page (BARIT), and Jin Lu


SIGN UP FOR NEXT SAR TRAINING!

SAR Basic Air Riflery Instructor (BARI) in DFW Coming JUNE 17th!

For those of you in North Texas wanting to get started with the Student Air Rifle Program at your school, especially in time for the Texas STATEWIDE SAR Tournament on October 8th at Long Acres Ranch. COME - attend the training at the Arlington Archery Center on June 17th! Training will certify schoolteachers and volunteers as BARIs. 

REGISTER at SAR LINK HERE, TODAY!

https://sarinstructor.org/ClassView.aspx?cid=159

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Texas Shooting Sports Events Upcoming

AG Clays Tournament June 8-10th - Sign Your Team Up TODAY!

National Shooting Sports Complex, San Antonio

Go to TPWD Shooting Sports Page for more information:  

Ag Clays Target Shooting — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

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Photo: June 2024 Ag Clays Tournament featured plenty of team smiles!

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TYHP Nilgai Hunt A Hunt of a Lifetime

Sal Del Ray National Wildlife Refuge

Lead Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) Huntmaster and Area Chief, Fernie Rocha (L holding banner), along with his fellow Hunter Education Instructors, Ignacio (Nacho) Perez, Ricardo (Rick) Orozco, Danny Santillan, Mark F. Ayoob and Volunteer/Cook: Robert Garza, hosted a nilgai hunt in mid-March. 

Rocha said, "The Rio Grande Valley Team specifically led an Exotic/Deer/Hog Youth Hunt at El Sal Del Rey National Wildlife Refuge. In collaboration with TPWD & USFWS Game Wardens, our group of young hunters and parents were introduced to the refuge’s unique history and array of wildlife to including the majestic nilgai, (the largest Asian antelope from India). Hunters and parents were extremely grateful for the opportunity to hunt in such a beautiful and unique part of Texas. A special thank you to Wildlife Refuge Specialist, Scot A. Edler, Wildlife Biologist, Robert Perkins (not shown) and the rest of Sal Del Rey Refuge Staff for providing us the opportunity to share this special hunt with our youth and their parents."

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cole

"Good day team,

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out and express my sincere gratitude regarding the opportunity my 15-year-old son Cole and I had this past weekend at the Sal Del Rey National Wildlife Refuge. Cole was selected to participate in the Texas Youth Hunting Program nilgai hunt.

When we arrived, we were welcomed by Fernie and his team who are a wonderful group of men who seem to know each other well and truly enjoy one another’s company and were eager to invite the hunters and their guardians into the group. After setting up camp and covering some ground rules we were able to get out to the blinds Friday night. We were partnered with Rick, who teaches criminal justice which is something that presses into Cole’s aspirations of working with conservation management including the possibility of becoming a game warden. On our way to the blind we saw a (Plain) chachalaca. Once we were in the blind I was able to just sit and take it all in. What a beautiful place. While in the blind Rick pointed out some quail that had been nesting near the blind and Cole really enjoyed taking pictures of them. As dusk set we returned to the truck, and on our way back, we were fortunate enough to have a rattlesnake cross our path. We watched it for a minute and took a few pictures. Living in Texas all of my life this was the first time seeing a rattlesnake in the wild, what an exhilarating experience!..."  


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..."After the initial shot we sat there for a minute taking it all in. Cole and Danny were convinced the bull was down and I did not know what to think. When Cole turned around and looked at me with the excitement in his eyes of the accomplishment of what just happened will be a memory I will cherish the rest of my life. After a few more moments we walked over and discovered that with the placement of the shot the bull jumped and turned 180 degrees and hit the ground without taking another step..."

..."I truly cannot put into words how much I appreciate the opportunity and experience provided by TYHP and specifically the Sal Del Rey National Wildlife Refuge team. The TYHP program is the only way Cole can hunt, as I did not grow up hunting and my experience revolves around our TYHP experiences. Having experienced individuals that are willing to share their knowledge and teach Cole and myself how to hunt and harvest an animal is amazing. As I mentioned Cole aspires to become a game warden and these experiences are helping prepare him for his future goals. He has signed up to be on one of the Brigades this summer to expand his learning experiences. Again, thank you for all that you do specifically for this hunt including educational programs and State Parks where we frequently camp. On our way back home to North Texas, Cole and I had several conversations one of which revolved around an idea he had of a TYHP Youth Ambassador. I thought it was a neat idea so I thought I would share it with you."  Hugh Bolton, TYHP Nilgai Hunt Parent

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West Texas - Outdoor Women & Hunting 101s

April kicked off with more than 100 participants leaving their marks on Rockport at Camp Aranzazu for Heidi’s last Becoming an Outdoors Woman before her retirement (see article above). With Heidi, Steve, and Monica and, soon, Brock, retiring to spend more time with their families, fishing and hunting, I guess I will be the lone veteran hunter education staff member left to assist Matt Smith, the new hunter education coordinator, Daniel Stedman, the new shooting sports coordinator, and whomever is hired next, within this great legacy program. I'm looking forward to the future, and whatever changes and enhancements are ahead!

- Randy Spradlin, W TX Hunter Education Specialist


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Wilderness Survival 101

Following BOW, Elena Stearns at Santa Anna Hunting Area, hosted their 8th annual Wilderness Survival 101 for 19 Texans who registered at the TPWD Hunting101 web page. They learned basics of fire building, map and compass navigation, shelter construction (see photo - Estrellita and Jacinto next to their survival shelter), basic knot tying and much more. 

Gary Glass, Hunter Education Area Chief – Eola, taught flint-and-steel, fire basics and how to make char-cloth. His wife, Kathy, Area Chief and Texas Hunter Education Instructor Association Treasurer, along with Gary Riddle, Area Chief – San Angelo, made sure the participants were well fed. Thanks to Owen’s Game Processing - Ballinger, for providing axis deer sausage and burger!


Don Voxuan, a participant from a past Wilderness Survival Workshop, joined the group on Saturday to share his experiences from a two (2) week trek in Alaska. Don enthusiastically answered questions and emphasized several of the major points taught throughout the course.

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Hi Randy!

"Thank you again for inviting me to the presentation and Q&A session. It was a delightful surprise to see so many thoughtful questions throughout, and I truly appreciated your support in keeping things running smoothly.

Some questions raised during the session really made me reflect, like why I only encountered single wolves (and why they seemed indifferent to me), or why bears were active during deep winter when we often assume they're hibernating. Thanks to the internet, I explored these curiosities and gained new insights about these majestic creatures. Your class's inquisitiveness was both refreshing and inspiring.

There also were questions that stuck with me were about fire, water, and food. I feel I didn't fully explain why food wasn't a major concern for me during my one-week adventure. In such a short time frame, starvation wasn't a threat; instead, I often felt thirstier than hungry. Snacks like "energy" jellybeans and peanut butter squeeze packs were sufficient to keep me going, and I only built a fire once—to boil water."


Texas Women's Outdoors - Concan

Also in April, Hunter Education Instructor, Kelly Godfrey – Commanche, founder - Texas Women’s Outdoors (TWO) hosted a second annual weekend of outdoor classes at Neal’s Lodge in Concan. Equipment for several classes was provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife for firearm safety instruction, shotgunning, archery and angler education.

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Texas Trappers and Fur Hunters Association News

The Texas Trappers and Fur Hunters Association (TTFHA) held its Spring Rendezvous in Childress in late April.  Mike Bodenchuk – President, was recognized for his assistance with the 31st Trapping 101 held in partnership with TPWD's Hunter Education Staff and Program.  TTFHA established an education committee to assist instructors and promote trapping throughout the state.

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Barnette & Rocha Lead Adventure Hunt Trainings

As the 2024/2025 hunting season winds down, the Texas Youth Hunting Program has been busy ramping up training opportunities, including a series of Hunting 101 courses entitled Adventure Hunt Skills Workshops. These Workshops prepare youth and parents for participating in TYHP Adventure Hunts, which are advanced hunting opportunities for older youth who already have experience as hunters.  

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TYHP Adventure Hunts are more challenging experiences due to the species hunted (including elk, pronghorn, nilgai, aoudad, and mule deer), the terrain in which they live, and the methods and strategies involved, such as spot-and-stalk and calling.  The Workshops provide foundational information about these animals, gear that may be required or recommended for such strenuous hunts, and how to plan and prepare for hunts of this nature.  Additionally, students are provided info about other learning resources available and receive guidance on how to plan their own hunts outside of TYHP.  

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Thus far Workshops have been held in New Braunfels, Dallas (Above Photo 1), Colorado City (Above Photo 2), and Athens (below) with Bob Barnette, TYHP Field Operations Coordinator – North Texas as the Instructor.  Also TYHP Huntmaster, Fernie Rocha, held a workshop in Pharr (see article below). 

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TYHP will lead two more Workshops, in Richmond and Cotulla, to round out the 2025 schedule.  Approximately 150 youth, and nearly as many parents, will receive this training in 2025!


Adventure Hunting Skills 101 Held in Rio Grande Valley

In late April, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Team hosted an Adventure Hunting Skills 101 Workshop. Students were introduced to a variety of hunting skills and field techniques which will prepare them for successful experiences on Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) "Adventure" Hunts. - Fernando (Fernie) Rocha TPWD Area Chief (Hidalgo County) & TYHP Lead Huntmaster

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A Big THANKS to TPWD Hunter Ed Instructors & TYHP Huntmasters, Danny Santillan, Ricardo (Rick) Orozco, Mark F. Ayoob, Ignacio (Nacho) Perez, and, once again, my wife, Loree R. Rocha - Fernie Rocha (L of Banner)

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Participants gained great knowledge and hands-on experiences including spotting scopes and binocular use, range finders and tracking game after studying distinct indicators from mock blood trails. Students also practiced advanced shooting techniques at the 200-yard range which, for some, was their first time firing their rifles at extended distances.


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We would like to give a big thank you to Mr. Kevin Ramsey president of the Pharr Rifle & Pistol Club for providing continuous support to our programs and allowing us access to the club's range and classroom. Another great thank you to my wife and awesome Hunter Education Instructor, Loree Rocha, for providing the entire group delicious hot dogs, chips, snacks, and cool beverages. - Fernie Rocha - Edinburg

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More Hunting 101 and Outreach Events in April

Becoming an Outdoors Woman Turkey Hunting 101 & Hunt

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L to R: Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, joined Becoming an Outdoors Woman Turkey Hunting 101 Course attendees, Maria Clarissa De La Cruz, Amy Garcia and Alyssa Gutierrez as they built a turkey hunting blind prior to the hunt.  Below, Maria, Amy and Alyssa joined Brock Minton, S TX Hunter Education Specialist, and Rebecca Harlin building a second blind on Kevin Bensmiller's Ranch near Whitsett, Texas. The women saw lots of turkeys and hogs, and almost got shots, but they obviously need better guides to bring the turkeys 10-20 yards closer (hah!)

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A special THANKS goes out to Kevin Bensmiller (R) for hosting the BOW woman's hunt.  Here he shows the hunters a flock of 40 turkeys and deer on the neighboring property -- going to roost. Kevin has hosted many of the Turkey Hunting 101 hunts for youth and families for nearly a decade. He said, "I'm glad everyone had a great time!".  Kevin was happy to provide the opportunity, especially given that he was banged up and could not guide himself, but was a very gracious host.

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Central Texas Turkey Seminar - 1 Mission Outdoors

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"I thought I'd share some pictures of our annual Turkey Hunting 101 Workshop we do every year with 1 Mission Outdoors. This year was the first year we ran it through TPWD Hunter Ed 101 and had a great turnout.  We talked all thing 'Turkey', their roosting/nesting habits, how to tag and report harvests, and different calling methods.  We had several calling demonstrations and static displays for which students could see and interact.  Next year we will be incorporating the archery range with the seminar and talk about bow hunting turkey. I'd like to give a special shutout to VFW Post 3892, Harker Heights for giving us the space for the class!

- Justin Cox - Killeen


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New Instructors Trained for City Kids Adventures

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Jermiah Gonzalez, Leticia McNeil and Fransico Rojas, City Kids Adventures Leaders, received their Hunter Education Instructor Course at Leon McNeil's house, the headquarters of one of the greatest, long-term, hands-on programs for "City Kids" primarily from San Antonio, but a program that reaches many others throughout Texas and beyond. Because of the leadership of Leon and his wife, Leticia and son LeeCharles, a "Proud Partner of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and its Cooperative Outdoor Outreach Program, CKA is the model program to get kids outdoors hunting, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, ATV/UHV safe operation, wildlife watching in Texas and beyond. His kids have even traveled to Washington D.C. and Alaska on some of their ADVENTURES!  Keep up the great work, CKA, and thanks for putting Hunter Education at the front end of your many fall and winter hunts on private lands in Texas!


Karnes City BBQ Bash - a Spring Festival

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Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator, put his NASP training to use at the annual Karnes City BBQ Bash, serving 122 shooters -- from families attending the festival the last weekend in April.  Here was the set up prior to the start of the event, a classic 3-D and target archery experience for youth as young as 4 years of age.  Thanks to Benny Lyssy and others on the Lonesome Dove Fest Rotary Club Committee, who ramrods fall and spring youth outdoor events.

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North Texas Youth Hunter Education Challenge

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.  

YHEC

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 [email protected] for more information about YHEC.

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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UPCOMING TYHP Huntmaster Training Schedule

https://tyhp.org/huntmaster-certification-training-schedule/

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In Memory - Garner SP's Leslie “Les” Edgington

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Leslie "Les" Edgington

Sept. 6, 1962 - April 15, 2025

Obituary

"Les, a maintenance ranger at Garner State Park for six (6) years was recently certified as a Hunter Education Instructor (photo - Lower R). Les was passionate about the outdoors and loved helping with the public hunts, so to become an instructor was a natural fit for him. Sadly, Les passed away April 15th."

- Susan Rios, Area Chief - Uvalde, and Office Manager, Garner State Park


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Good Bye! Happy Retirements!

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Steve Hall, should enjoy bird watching in retirement. Here he joins the 2025 Great Texas Bird Classic TPWD HQ 'Bird Sit' Team at Hornsby Bend in Austin in April.

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Hunter Education Staff & Contact Information

Matthew Smith, Austin, Hunter Ed. Coord: [email protected], 512-389-8739 w; 512-704-8905 c

Kevin Vo, Austin, Hunter Ed. Admin: [email protected]; 512-389-4999 (general); 512-389-8142 w; Email Support: [email protected]

Monica Bickerstaff, N TX (DFW): [email protected]; 469-601-8349 c

Brock Minton, S TX: [email protected]; 361-944-3617 c

Randy Spradlin, W TX: [email protected]; 512-923-3509 c

Daniel Stedman, Shooting Sports Coordinator: [email protected]; 512-413-0194 w

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Hunter Education Organization & Program Links

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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Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration Funding
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