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Craig Bonds
BOWHUNTER BY FALL AN INFORMATIVE TARGET FOR BEGINNING ARCHERS
Novice hunters interested in learning more about going after deer and other game with archery gear might want to sign up for Texas Parks and Wildlife’s “Bowhunter by Fall” newsletter. The free newsletter is produced beginning in late spring by TPWD’s Community Archery Program. Through September, useful content including videos, links and other resources are sent out to subscribers monthly via email.
The newsletters cover a variety of topics. Among them are getting familiar with archery gear, finding a mentor or others with interests, practice tips, shot placement, field dressing, regulations, hunter education, scouting, how to find a place to hunt and much more.
To sign up or learn more, tpwd.texas.gov/publications/ newsletters/bowhunter_ by_fall/.
HUNTERS EXTRAVAGANZA SHOWS KICK OFF IN AUGUST
The folks at Texas Trophy Hunters in San Antonio are gearing up for the 47th annual Texas’ Hunters Extravaganza.
Regarded as Texas’ longest standing trade show, the Hunters Extravaganza is actually a series of shows held at three different locations each August. The idea is to give industry manufacturers the opportunity to display their newest wares to the hunting public.
Thousands of sportsmen show up to get a look at all the goodies, including hunting blinds, apparel, feeders, archery equipment, rifles, optics, ATVs and more. Numerous outfitters also attend to book hunting trips. You might even make contacts to help connect with a new hunting lease. There also are deer judging competitions and 3D archery competitions.
The first of three shows is set for Aug. 4-6 at the NRG Center in Houston, followed by Aug. 11-13 at the Fort Worth Convention Center and Aug. 18-20 at the Freeman Coliseum and Expo Hall in San Antonio.
Adult general admission costs $20; children are $10. For more information on show times or to purchase tickets online, check out ttha.com.
MASTERS/PITT WHACK 57.03 WORTH $57K
Lane Masters and Cody Pitt weighed in 10 bass weighing 57.03 pounds to top 86 teams in The Show Series team event held July 7-8 on Toledo Bend. They won $57,000, including contingency bonuses. Randy Despino and Kevin Lasyone took second with 54.22, $20,000; Dustin Rivers/ Benji Gullet finished third with 50.77, $10,000. Larry and Lucas Arnold weighed in big bass, a 10.22 pounder worth $1,500.
The circuit’s Top 75 teams will compete in the year-end championship in September on Choke Canyon Reservoir. The event also will decide who wins a tight Hendrix Team of the Year race.
Stephen Johnston/ Tim Reneau and Russell Cecil/Todd Castledine are currently tied for the top spot with 1149 points after three qualifying events. Mark Mueck/David Curtis are close behind with 1146 points.
LEADERSHIP CHANGES AT TPWD
Texas Parks and Wildlife recently announced a pair of executive staff promotions.
According to TPWD reports, Inland Fisheries Division Director Craig Bonds will replace Clayton Wolf as the agency’s Chief Operating Officer. Bonds said Inland Fisheries Deputy Division Director Tim Birdsong will fill in as inland fisheries director until the position is permanently filled. Wolf recently announced his retirement after 30 years of service to TPWD.
Additionally, Senior Government Relations Specialist Allison Winney will fill a newly created chief of staff position administering agency policy, managing external partnerships and serving as liaison to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.