Texas Wildlife Extra

E-MAGAZINE OF THE TEXAS WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION

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Last month we had the honor of celebrating TWA’s 40th anniversary during our annual convention in San Antonio. What began in 1985 as a grassroots effort to unite private land stewards and conservationminded hunters has grown into a powerful statewide voice for wildlife, land and legacy.

The 40th Convention was a fitting tribute to the people and principles that built this organization and the record fundraising that came out of the event will set the organization on an excellent course for the next chapter. More than 1,500 attendees joined us for three days of fellowship, education, and celebration. Whether you were a first-time visitor or a long-time member, it was hard not to feel the energy and purpose in every room.

One of the most meaningful moments of the event came during our TWA General Session and Awards Luncheon, where we welcomed nearly every living past president of TWA to participate in a panel discussion moderated by co-founder, Larry Weishuhn. Their stories spanned generations, and their reflections made clear just how far we’ve come. From early battles over private property rights to the growth of our youth education programs and the strengthening of our policy voice in Austin, each leader helped shape the path we walk today. While the major issues of their presidencies differed, nearly every person highlighted the people and relationships built as the most meaningful outcome of their time in office.

While the annual convention always provides an opportunity for our members to gather to fellowship and network, the 40th anniversary event brought us together with heavy hearts as we reflected on the devastating flooding events over the July 4th weekend in the Texas Hill Country. Many in our TWA family experienced loss firsthand. But while it felt strange to come together in celebration during such a hard time for our state, I was proud of the way our membership honored our fellow Texans with grace and support. One example of this support was the $30,000 that was raised for flood relief efforts during the Saturday night Grand Auction. These funds were distributed to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and the Central Texas Community Foundation benfitting Williamson, Travis and Burnet counties this week.

I want to personally thank our convention committee, past presidents, membership, sponsors, exhibitors, auction donors and buyers, and TWA staff for coming together to make the 40th celebration such a historic event for the organization.

Please enjoy a photo recap of WildLife 2025 in the following pages and I look forward to seeing you at one of our many events scheduled across the state this fall.

Thanks for being a TWA member.

Texas Wildlife Association MISSION STATEMENT

Serving Texas wildlife and its habitat, while protecting property rights, hunting heritage, and the conservation efforts of those who value and steward wildlife resources.

OFFICERS

Nyle Maxwell, President, Georgetown Parley Dixon, Vice President, Austin

Dr. Louis Harveson, Second Vice President for Programs, Alpine

Spencer Lewis, Treasurer, San Antonio

For a complete list of TWA Directors, go to www.texas-wildlife.org

PROFESSIONAL STAFF/CONTRACT ASSOCIATES

ADMINISTRATION & OPERATION

Justin Dreibelbis, Chief Executive Officer

TJ Goodpasture, Director of Development & Operations

Denell Jackson, Controller

Becky Alizadeh, Office Manager

OUTREACH & MEMBER SERVICES

Sean Hoffmann, Director of Communications

Karly Bridges, Membership Manager

Nicole Vonkrosigk, Regional Membership Coordinator

CONSERVATION LEGACY AND HUNTING HERITAGE PROGRAMS

Kassi Scheffer-Geeslin, Director of Youth Education

Andrew Earl, Director of Conservation

Amber Brown, Conservation Education Specialist

Gene Cooper, Conservation Education Specialist

Sarah Hixon Miller, Conservation Education Specialist

Megan Pineda, Conservation Education Specialist

Kay Bell, Conservation Educator

Denise Correll, Conservation Educator

Christine Foley, Conservation Educator

Yvonne Keranen, Conservation Educator

Terri McNutt, Conservation Educator

Jeanette Reames, Conservation Educator

Louise Smyth, Conservation Educator

Marla Wolf, Curriculum Specialist

Noelle Brooks, CL Program Assistant

Matthew Hughes, Ph.D. Director of Hunting Heritage

COL(R) Chris Mitchell, Texas Youth Hunting Program Director

Bob Barnette, TYHP Field Operations Coordinator

Taylor Heard, TYHP Field Operations Coordinator

Briana Nicklow, TYHP Field Operations Coordinator

Kim Hodges, TYHP Program Coordinator

Kristin Parma, Hunting Heritage Program Specialist

Jim Wentrcek, Adult Learn to Hunt Program Coordinator

Loryn Calderon, Hunting Heritage Administrative Assistant

TEXAS WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION

Justin Dreibelbis, Chief Executive Officer

TJ Goodpasture, Director of Development & Operations

Denell Jackson, Development Associate

ADVOCACY

Joey Park, Legislative Program Coordinator

MAGAZINE CORPS

Sean Hoffmann, Managing Editor

Publication Printers Corp., Printing, Denver, CO

Texas Wildlife Association

6644 FM 1102

New Braunfels, TX 78132

(210) 826-2904

FAX (210) 826-4933

(800) 839-9453 (TEX-WILD) www.texas-wildlife.org

Texas Wildlife Extra

AUGUST

August 2

Kingsville Sportsmen’s Celebration & Texas Big Game Awards, 5 p.m., Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center, 1730 W. Corral Ave., Kingsville, 78363, https://secure.qgiv.com/event/kingsville/

August 8

Women of the Land Workshop, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Freeman Ranch, San Marcos. https://www.texaswildlife.org/wotl (This event is at capacity)

August 22

Amarillo Sportsmen’s Celebration & Texas Big Game Awards, 5 p.m., Amarillo Civic Center, 401 S. Buchanan St., Amarillo, 79101, https://secure.qgiv.com/event/amarillo/

August 28

TWA Foundation San Angelo Area Conservationist of the Year Gala honoring the John Cargile Family, Bentwood Country Club, San Angelo. After San Angelo. https:// secure.qgiv.com/for/saangareconothyea202/ event/2saacotygc/

August 29

Victoria Sportsmen’s Celebration & Texas Big Game Awards, 5 p.m., Victoria Community Center Annex, 2905 E. North St., Victoria, 77901, https://secure.qgiv.com/event/victoria/

SEPTEMBER

September 12

Bryan/College Station Sportsmen’s Celebration & Texas Big Game Awards, 5 p.m., Ice House on Main, 800 N. Main St., Bryan, 77803, https://secure.qgiv.com/event/collegestation/

September 19

Abilene Sportsmen’s Celebration & Texas Big Game Awards, 5 p.m., 201 Mesquite Event Center, 201 Mesquite St., Abilene, 79601, https://secure.qgiv.com/event/abilene1/

OCTOBER

October 9

James Green Wildlife & Conservation Initiative Fundraising Event, Fort Worth. For more information contact djackson@texas-wildlife.org or twafoundation.org

October 17

Alpine Sportsmen’s Celebration, 5 p.m., The Granada Theater, 207 E. Holland Ave., Alpine, 79830, https://secure.qgiv.com/event/ alpine/

October 21

Inaugural TWA Camo & Clubs Golf Tournament, 9 a.m., The Clubs of Prestonwood—The Hills, Plano. https://bit.ly/TWACamoClubs2025

October 30

9th Annual TWA Clay Shoot, 9 a.m., Greater Houston Sports Club. https://secure.qgiv.com/ event/clsho20/

FOR INFORMATION ON HUNTING SEASONS, call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (800) 792-1112, consult the 2024-2025 Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual, or visit the TPWD website at: tpwd.state.tx.us.

TWA MEMBER PHOTO CONTEST

EMAIL US YOUR BEST PHOTOS, TWA! We’ll accept them from current members through Oct. 31, 2025 and publish the best ones in upcoming issues to Texas Wildlife Extra. One entry per member per category, must be a current TWA member when photo is entered. Categories are landscape, wildlife, humor and game camera. Also, an open youth division for photographers who are 17 and under. Photos must be taken in Texas! Email your high resolution, unedited and unenhanced picture to TWA@texas-wildlife.org

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

TWA LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICY: Texas Wildlife Association members are encouraged to provide feedback about issues and topics. The CEO and editor will review letters (maximum 400 words) for possible publication. Email letters to shoffmann@texas-wildlife.org

July 10-13, 2025

Convention photos by David Smith

TWA’s 12th Annual Private Lands Summit

WildLife 2025 was a weekend celebrating 40 years of friendships, learning and fun. The 40th Annual Convention began with a slate of speakers and an attentive audience at the 12th Annual Private Lands Summit on July 10 at the J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Titled Ranching Renewables: Landowner Perspectives on Renewable Energy Development, the PLS focused on current and future statewide energy use and planning trends, plus potential solutions to address future needs.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR PANEL OF SPEAKERS.

Dr. Joshua Rhodes, Webber Energy Group, UT Austin

Texas’ Growing Energy Needs

Dr. Lynn Krebs, Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas A&M

Nearby Market Values: What the Research Says

JR Howard, landowner and owner of Texas Solar Sheep

Agrivoltaics: Solar Powered Sheep

Cache Deupree, Solar Proponent Industry Perspectives & Due Diligence

Phillip Allard, rancher Green Hydrogen and Texas Groundwater

Chris Nichols, Brady & Hamilton, LLP, Nathan Tates, Braun & Gresham, LLP, Cole Payne, Uhl Fitzsimons, LLP As an Expert—Negotiations, Siting and Decommissioning

Committee Meetings

Texas Wildlife Association Foundation Luncheon

Save on Property Taxes with Wildlife Management

If you’re a Texas landowner with an Ag or Timber property tax valuation, join us in person or online for our FREE event series and learn how to qualify!

S C A N the QR code to RSVP

V I S I T plateauwildlife.com/events C A L L (512) 883-9243

October 9th

Springhill Suites, Willow Park Weatherford, TX

September 25th Scheels The Colony, TX

September 18th Waco MCC Waco, TX

September 11th

Texas Wildlife Assocation New Braunfels, TX

September 18th Brazos Center Bryan, TX

October 2nd Bass Pro Shop Katy, TX

September 30th Attend an in-person event from 6-7 PM on one of the dates above or join us for an online event on the dates below.

12:00pm - 1:00pm

September 9th

September 23rd

October 7th 6:00pm - 7:00pm

September 16th

Joint Membership & Directors Meeting

During the Joint Membership and Directors meeting held July 12 at WildLife 2025, TWA welcomed officers to new positions as well as new directors to serve the organization in leadership capacities. From left, Dr. Louis Harveson, 2nd vice president (returning); Nyle Maxwell, president; Grant Lawrence, director, Austin; Tyler Brimager, director, Lubbock; Parley Dixon, vice president; Spencer Lewis, treasurer. Welcome aboard and we look forward to your service!

Friday Ladies’ Reception

Friday Family Dinner, TBGA Awards & Auction

During the Friday night Texas Big Game Awards Banquet the top three scoring animals in each TBGA category were recognized. TBGA recognizes horns and antlers with the understanding that they are a direct result of good habitat.

Originally called the TBGA Triple Crown, the Texas Slam award dates back to the second year of the program

(1992-1993) when it was created by TWA member Earl Brady to highlight the dedicated hunters and landowners responsible for a qualifying entry in all three “scored entry” categories during the same season. This year during the TBGA Banquet we proudly recognized five Texas Slam recipients out of a grand total of eight from around the state.

experience at Clay Shoot at Join us for a amaraderie inconservation.

30 THURSDAY OCTOBER AT GREATER HOUSTON SPORTS CLUB

Saturday Educational Seminars

2025

July 10-13, 2025

Awards & Honorees

Each summer at Convention, TWA and TWAF recognize a host of outstanding individuals for their skills and service. We are proud of these honorees who were recognized at WildLife 2025.

TWA STAFF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Denell Jackson serves at TWA’s controller and TWA Foundation’s development associate. She deservedly earned the TWA Staff Achievement Award, presented by CEO Justin Dreibelbis.

TPWD SPECIAL PRESENTATION

TWA Texas Youth Hunting Program Director Chris Mitchell, right, was awarded the 2025 International Hunter Education Association 2025 Professional of the Year during a special presentation by TPWD Hunting Education Coordinator Matt Smith.

Denell Jackson, Staff Achievement Award

Chris Mitchell, IHEA Professional of the Year

TWA VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

Jackie and Steven Harker were awarded TWA Volunteers of the Year at WildLife 2025. Both are long-time TWA Life Members, directors and committee members who make it a point to be active in the organization, especially when it comes to assisting at Land, Water and Wildlife Expeditions for school students. They consistently attend TWA events across the state—with smiles on their faces! Steven and Jackie exemplify what it means to be a TWA volunteer. Justin Dreiblebis, CEO, presented the award.

SAM BEASON CONSERVATION LEADER AWARD

Kudos to Jeff Gunnels for receiving the TWA Sam Beason Conservation Leader Award at WildLife 2025. This award is given to a member of the professional conservation community who has made an outstanding contribution to the conservation of Texas wildlife and shares the philosophies of TWA.

Jeff is a longtime, dedicated TPWD biologist who supervises five wildlife management areas, ensuring many different wildlife species and their habitats are preserved for generations to come. He became a member of TWA in 2005 and has served many committees and stays actively engaged in the organization.

Past recipients include Don Steinbach, Dale Rollins, Steve Hall, Al Brothers, Fred Bryant, Bob Cook, Steve Nelle, Billy Higginbotham, Louis Harveson, Ruben Cantu, Neal Wilkins, Carter Smith, Ken Cearley, Mitch Lockwood, Linda Campbell, Dave Hewitt, Roel Lopez, David Synatzske and Matt Williams.

Dr. Louis Harveson, TWA 2nd vice president for programs, presented the award. Thank you, Jeff, for your stewardship and conservation efforts that help make Texas a better place!

RAY MURSKI FRIEND OF WILDLIFE AWARD

TWA is proud to announce that Larry Weishuhn, center, is the recipient of the Ray Murski Friend of Wildlife Award. This honor is given to a TWA member who has made outstanding contributions to the organization and to wildlife and habitat conservation across Texas.

The Ray Murski Friend of Wildlife Award is the highest honor that TWA bestows on members.

Past recipients include Gary Schwarz, Roy Hindes, Jr., Steve Lewis, Wallace Klussmann, Ray Murski, Lee Bass, Gary Machen, Murphy Ray, Joseph Fitzsimons, Bill Eikenhorst, Carl Young, Will Harte, Irvin and Karla Welch, Charles Davidson, Randy Rehmann, Dr. Dan McBride, David K. Langford, Tina Buford, Lee Hoffpauir, Greg Simons, Bill Knolle, Keith Martin, Marko Barrett, Bryan King, Ellen Carter, J. David Anderson and Stan Studer.

Larry Weishuhn, Ray Murski Friend of Wildlife Award. Greg Simons, TWA executive committee member, left, and TWA 2nd Vice President for Programs, Dr. Louis Harveson, right, presented the award to Larry.

Jackie & Steven Harker, Volunteers of the Year

Jeff Gunnels, Sam Beason Conservation Leader Award

TWAF KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dan Cabela served as the keynote speaker at the Texas Wildlife Association Foundation luncheon at WildLife 2025. Dan was born and raised in Sidney, NE and was introduced to conservation, hunting and fishing by his father at a very young age. He is currently the Executive Director of the Cabela Family Foundation which builds and creates partnerships and projects that promote outdoor recreation, conservation and sustainable habitat. He and his wife Darlene reside in Dripping Springs.

CEO Justin Dreibelbis presented Dan with a limited edition 40th Anniversary TWA knife and sheath for delivering an inspirational keynote address.

TBGA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

Each year, Carter’s Country Outdoor Stores and their Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Texas make a generous donation to TBGA for the Texas Big Game Awards Wildlife Conservation College Scholarship. The 26th annual scholarship program continues to grow thanks to the late Bill Carter and his wife Ellen.

This year’s top applicant for the $5,000 scholarship is Corbyn Loftin. Corbyn recently graduated from Ingram Tom Moore High School and is pursuing a degree in Communication Science from Texas Tech University. A past TBGA first harvest awardee, Corbyn has received various awards from the National Honor Society and the FFA.

She received the scholarship at WildLife 2025 from Dr. David Yoskowitz, executive director of Texas Parks and Wildlife, left, and TWA President Nyle Maxwell, right. Congratulations, Corbyn!

Dan Cabela, TWAF keynote speaker

Corbyn Loftin, TBGA scholarship recipient