Wild Turkey Federation

TEXAS CHAPTER NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

Newsletter NEWSLETTER No. 28 NO.- Ju n22e 2012- JULY 2008 www.nwtf.org/texas/ WILD TURKEY CENTER Editor - Dale bounds POST OFFICE BOX 530 July 21, 2008 EDGEFIELD, SC 29824-0530 770 AUGUSTA ROAD EDGEFIELD, SC 29824-1510 More 2012 turkey photos inside . . . 803-637-3106 Dear Texas Member: FAX 803-637-9180

The Texas State Chapter Board of Directors is pleased to offer its members the opportunity to purchase Biologic Texas Draw at a subsidized price. The Texas State Hunting Heritage Super Fund will pay for 50 percent of the seed and shipping charges. This forage blend was created in cooperation with members of the Texas Trophy Hunters Association, who wanted a food plot that would effectively and consistently draw deer in from miles away. The result — a fall forage blend of Austrian peas, Triticale, wheat, oats, clover and chicory — delivers maximum attractiveness under harsh, dry growing conditions, quickly developing into a lush green food plot that performs throughout the cool winter months. Biologic Texas Draw is the ideal blend for optimum deer herd health, maximum attractiveness and excellent deer visibility. This mix will cover ½ acre.

Sponsor Members may purchase a total of ten:

• 20-pound bags of Texas Draw (covers ½ acre) for just $23.00, shipping included

Regular Members may purchase a total of four:

Frio County - South• 20-poundTexas, Left bags to of Right: Texas DrawGene ( Sullivan,covers ½ acreTerry) for Wheeler, just $23.00, Don shipping Sebesta, included Jason Sebesta

All orders are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Quantities are limited on subsidized seed due NWTF Specialtyto the dollars Licenseallocated to the Plateprogram. Seedin Texaswill ship approximately . . . www.myplates.com two weeks from date of order.

Biologic Texas Draw can be broadcast or planted with a grain drill. Spread theThe seedTexas on State a well-prepared Chapter of the NWTF has partnered with the Texas- seedbed at 40 lbs. per acre. Use a cultipacker or a drag to lightly cover thebased seed. company Do not My disk, Plates as to this create will bury the seeds too deep for germination. Texas Draw is best planted in aSeptember NWTF specialty or October license inplate Texas. for Typically the southern and western counties receive their moisture duringTexas. these With months, each andpurchase some of soil this moisture is necessary to establish the plot. plate, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Texas State Chapter of NWTF to enhance wild turkey habitat across ***As an additional benefit, each member can purchase additional bags ofthe Biologicstate. Texas Draw for just $46.00 unsubsidized but at a reduced price, in unlimited quantities. However, to take advantage of these savings, you must submit the order with this seed subsidy offer. Purchase your plate today by going to www.myplates.com. Ordering is simple! Sincerely, Click on “create a plate”, select the “series type” you would like, select “vehicle type”, click on Bob Linder Sports/Interests under the “pick your Texas State Chapter President design” tab, then click “order or add National Wild Turkey Federation message.” Please help support Wild CONSERVE. HUNT. SHARE. Turkey Conservation in Texas.

Our Mission: Dedicated to conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage Bob Linder at Dos Haches with his Kevin Smithhart, Double with one shot from 20 ga. Rio (South Texas) 2012 Grandpa Larry Linder and granddaughter, Emily Oliver enjoy her completion of the USA Grand Slam---She is 18 years old, but was not raised in a normal household. Ha. RL Merriam from Cloudcroft, NM

Brett Todd and Adam Huggins with their Central Texas Rio’s Jake member Russell Read with his first Rio Grande longbeard.

Fannin County bird harvested by Eddie Hines. Cache Tenney and Blake Owens bagged 4 nice panhandle Rio’s Eddie’s bird had a 11” beard. Photo Courtesy Jason McAnally From Your Texas State President... and the Panhandle. Robbi hit the ground running and hasn’t slowed down. Thanks to the hard work of our Texas NWTF field staff and dedicated and understanding NWTF volunteers, it appears that we will make it through the banquet season with our sanity. The third RD position was filled with Evan Brown of Plano, Texas. Special greetings to my Four States Rendezvous fellow Texans and members The annual Four States Rendezvous will again be held in Shreveport, of the National Wild Turkey Louisiana, July 27-29, 2012. There will be fun and games and lots of food Federation. So much has on Friday evening July 27. During the day Saturday the 28th there will happened in my first six months be training sessions guaranteed to help you have a better local chapter. as your new Texas State Chapter Saturday night will feature a banquet designed for everyone’s enjoyment President that I want to share and to generate income to pay for most of the cost of the event. Sunday at least part of it with you our morning July 29th will begin with vesper services and also a trip to the Texas NWTF members. Barksdale Air Force Base Shotgun Range for some friendly clay target competition. If you plan to attend take note of two items regarding the Saturday banquet. First, there are special awards for those of you who want Texas State Chapter to come in costume. This year the theme is “Critters”. Secondly, the four 1% 4% states (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana) all put together a table Our Texas State NWTF Chapter full of items from their respective states. These are then sold during the met January 29 and 20 in the auction and have, in the past, generated serious competition for “bragging Hampton Inn, Mesquite to finalize rights” of whose table sold for the most money. I am proud to say that Texas % the 2012 budget and address other 15 - NWTF has been the winner every year, thus far. So if you come, and I hope lots of 56% issues facing our state. The you do, bring anything grown or made in Texas, artwork, adult beverages board approved a record budget of % from Texas, jewelry, donated hunts, and etc. State board members and 24 - National $223,429.00. You will be able to Projects RD’s will have additional details in the near future, so feel free to contact study the particulars more closely them from the list on the back of the newsletter. elsewhere in the newsletter, but I mention it here to thank all of State Scholarship Winners you who held “Hunting Heritage Local NWTF Chapters that select a Banquets” and raised this money. scholarship winner from their area can present If you have been around very long the winner with a $500.00 scholarship (Super you have, no doubt, heard it said the 56 cents of every banquet dollar (after Fund). Local winners are sent to the State expenses) comes back to Texas for projects here in the state. We refer to Scholarship Committee Coordinator T. W. it as Superfund Dollars. The 2011 budget of just less than $120,000.00 Garrett for the selection of a state winner. Mr. was leveraged in cooperation with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Garrett reported that the selection committee and other conservation groups to accomplish over $900,000.00 in projects had a number of excellent candidates. The across our great state. Not to bore you, but since 1985, over $14.5 million winning scholarship entry went to Miss in NWTF dollars has been invested on Texas projects that benefit not only Chessie Garrett representing the Northeast the wild turkeys but all wildlife. And who deserves the credit for these Texas NWTF Chapter in Mt. Pleasant. She accomplishments? You the members of NWTF deserve the credit, because will receive a total scholarship of $2000.00 Chessie Garrett you hold the banquets, spend your hard earned money and make NWTF the and will be considered for a $10,000 national great organization that it is. scholarship from NWTF. Runner up honors went to Miss Mikayla Nixon Retirements and Promotions representing the East Texas Chapter of Longview. She will receive a While at the Texas State Board Meeting, we learned that Mack Frazier total scholarship of $1500.00. Special thanks are extended to Mr. T. from Bandera was retiring as the NWTF Director of Field Operations for W. Garrett , his selection committee and all of the chapters who sent in the Western Region (17 Western States). We were happy for Mack and his entries. wife Marilee, but hated to lose them. We were equally excited to learn that our own Shawn Roberts was being promoted from his position as Regional In Closing Field Supervisor for Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado to the DFO position. The Texas State Chapter Summer Board Meeting will be coming up Again, we are happy for Shawn, but know that he will be missed at a host in July, so if you have anything that needs to come before the board, please of banquets. contact me, one of the other board members or one of our RD’s. We are especially interested in ways to help NWTF grow in Texas. We need Stressful Times chapters in areas where there are none, and we need volunteers to serve Also, at the board meeting, we learned that RD Rob Davis was leaving on the committees of existing chapters. Volunteers have made NWTF the NWTF. Rob worked North Texas and the Panhandle. All of a sudden, Ray strong national organization that it is today. If you want to get involved, we Hood in San Antonio was our only remaining full time Regional Director, would love to have your help to strengthen NWTF here in Texas! and the banquet season was just getting started with over 70 banquets G. R. (Dick) McCarver looming in the not so distant future. Ray is a great RD, but there is a limit President, Texas State Chapter - NWTF to what one man can do. Even with his new responsibilities Shawn Roberts continued to work as many banquets as his new job would allow. RD’s from Oklahoma helped with a couple of banquets as did state board members and our two NWTF Biologist, Scotty Parsons and Gene Miller. It was a difficult time, but local chapter presidents and committees understood the situation. By Mid March, Robbi Vincent came on board as the RD for North Texas 2011 Texas Nwtf State Awards If you attended the Texas State NWTF Awards Dinner, January 21 in Mesquite, I hope you will agree with me that it was a super event with a great meal and lots of great fellowship with members from all across our great state. The 200 in attendance strained the facilities just a bit, but it gave everyone a chance to be recognized for great individual accomplishment this past year. Four years ago, Texas ranked number seventeen among the states in terms of dollars raised for conservation (NWTF). This year, Texas was recognized as number six in the rankings.

Alamo Chapter: Best Wheelin Event: 2011 Southern Region 2011 Eastern Region Highest Gross Income, Three Chapter Partnership: Volunteer of the Year: Volunteer of the Year: Highest Membership, Pineywoods Norm Wade Aubrey Luce Highest JAKES Membership, April AWOL Best Overall Texas Chapter Gulf Coast

Pineywoods NWTF Best Overall Texas 2011 Panhandle Region 2011 Overall Volunteer Chapter Chapters 2011: Volunteer of the Year: of the Year: 1ST Highest Net Dollars 1st Alamo Chapter - Charlie Klein Jeff Bladecki Dale Bounds Left to right ,Terry Wheeler, 2nd Pineywoods Chapter Aubrey Luce, Dale Bounds, Gene - Dale Bounds Sullivan, Gary Brock, 3rd Gulf Coast Chapter Kim Brock, Kathy Braden, Louis - Scotty Parsons Short, James Morgan

The 2011 winners are:

HIGHEST GROSS INCOME HIGHEST MEMBERSHIP BEST NEW CHAPTER 1ST PLACE - ALAMO CHAPTER 1ST PLACE - ALAMO CHAPTER 1ST PLACE - LLANO ESTACADO UPLAND 2ND PLACE - PINEYWOODS CHAPTER 2ND PLACE - APRIL AWOL CHAPTER CHAPTER 3RD PLACE - GULF COAST CHAPTER 3RD PLACE - GULF COAST CHAPTER 2ND PLACE - GUADALUPE RIVER CHAPTER 3RD PLACE - SMITH COUNTY UPLAND HIGHEST NET INCOME HIGHEST SPONSORSHIP CHAPTER 1ST PLACE - PINEYWOODS CHAPTER 1ST PLACE - PANOLA COUNTY CHAPTER 2nd PLACE - ALAMO CHAPTER 2ND PLACE - HOUSTON CHAPTER BEST WHEELIN EVENT 3RD place- GULF COAST CHAPTER 3RD PLACE - APRIL AWOL CHAPTER 1ST PLACE PINEYWOODS-APRIL AWOL-GULF COAST 2ND PLACE - PEASE RIVER CHAPTER HIGHEST JAKES MEMBERSHIPS HIGHEST NET TO GROSS 3RD PLACE - CLAY COUNTY DOVE HUNT 1ST PLACE - HOUSTON CHAPTER 1ST PLACE - ALAMO CHAPTER 2ND PLACE - LLANO ESTACADO 2ND PLACE - NORTH EAST TEXAS CHAPTER CHAPTER 3RD PLACE - PINEYWOODS CHAPTER 3RD PLACE - PINEYWOODS CHAPTER

2 2012 NWTF National Convention Awards

The 2012 National NWTF Convention was held February 8 in Falfurrias was presented prestigious Joe Kurz Wildlife Manager – 12 in Nashville with nine Texas State Chapter Board members of the Year Award. This award recognizes wildlife managers who attending. There were actually 26 in the Texas delegation including have proven themselves as exceptional stewards of wild turkey board members, award recipients and spouses. State board members populations and habitat. TPWD Game Warden, Matt Thompson, attending were: Dick and Dorothy McCarver, Jason McAnally, Tony from Quahah was recognized during the meeting as the Texas Hawley, Eddie Hines, Dale Bounds, Marvin Thornton, Aubrey Luce, Game Warden of the Year. And last, but certainly not least, was the and Dr. Sam McManus. The Texas State Chapter was recognized presentation of the Henry S. Mosby Award to Warren Ballard, Ph. with the L.D. Dixon Award placing second behind Pennsylvania D. of Lubbock Texas. Dr. Ballard passed away on Jan. 12 before he in the Highest Total Net/Net Dollars raised category. This is a could receive the award , but his wife, Heather Whitlaw, accepted tremendous accomplishment for a state with only 7,000 members. on his behalf. Photo’s and additional details of these awards can Former State Chapter President, Dale Bounds, was presented the be found in the May/June edition of the NWTF “Turkey Country” C.B. McCleod award. This award is presented to a NWTF volunteer magazine. who has dedicated his or her life to wildlife conservation and our 2013 NWTF National Convention hunting heritage. To attempt to summarize the contributions of The 2013 NWTF National Convention will be held Feb. 13-17 Dale and Kitty Bounds to NWTF would require far more space in the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. This is a truly great that I have remaining in this column, but Dale is still active in the event with a super sports show thrown in. And yes, Valentine’s Day Lufkin Chapter, the Texas State Board and is the editor of our state falls right in the middle of the meeting, but guys, what better gift NWTF newsletter. Another Texan, Randy Fugate, TPWD Biologist could you give your wife than a trip to the Opryland Hotel?

February 9-11, 2012 Gaylord Opryland Hotel Nashville, Tennessee

Dale and Kitty Bounds receiving the C.B. McCloud Award at the Heather Whitlaw accepts Mosbey 2012 National Wild Turkey Convention in Nashville, Tenn. award for her late husband,

Public recognition of Fish and Wildlife Technician James R. “Randy” Fugate Public recognition of State Game Warden Matt Thompson as the NWTF as the NWTF Joe Kurz Wildlife Manager of the Year on March 29th, 2012 at Wildlife Officer of the Year on March 29th, 2012 at the Texas Parks and Wildlife the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Meeting in Austin, Texas. From L-R, Commission Meeting in Austin Texas. From L-R, Honorable T. Dan Friedkin, Honorable T. Dan Friedkin, Chairman of the Parks and Wildlife Commission; Chairman of the Parks and Wildlife Commission; Giles R. “Dick” McCarver, Shawn Roberts, NWTF Director of Field Operations - Western U. S; Giles R. Texas State NWTF Chapter President; Shawn Roberts, NWTF Director of Field “Dick” McCarver, Texas State NWTF Chapter President; Wildlife Technician Operations - Western U. S; State Game Warden Matt Thompson; and, Carter Randy Fugate, and, Carter Smith, Executive Director of TPWD. Photo by Smith, Executive Director of TPWD. Photo by Chase Fountain,TPWD Chase Fountain, TPWD 3 Our Partners in Conservation . . . The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas By Dale Bounds • Longleaf restoration on National Forests • Supporting the Texas State JAKES events The partnership between the USDA • Women in the Outdoors activities Forest Service and the National Wild • Wheelin’ Sportsman activities Turkey Federation (NWTF) began over • Partnered on the coordination and implementation of the first Sabine 25 ago. Since that time this partnership National Forest Youth Dove Hunt has grown in official capacity with the

signing of a service wide Memorandum Scotty Parsons, NWTF/East Texas Regional Biologist has worked with the of Understanding (MOU). The partnership National Forests and Caddo National Grassland (17,873 acres in Fannin County) has developed into a model for on projects that will benefit the eastern wild turkey. accomplishing wildlife habitat improvement on public lands. In 1990 the two According to Scotty “This past February, the NWTF held their 36THAnnual partners launched a national program on the National Forests and Grasslands Convention and Sports Show in NashvilleTennessee. The Angelina-Sabine called Making Tracks, affecting over 200 million acres of public lands. This National Forests Stewardship Project, a wildlife habitat improvement project program targets populations and habitats for the wild turkey. received the “Making Tracks” award for their exemplary efforts. A portion of this project area will also be used for youth hunting and outdoor events and to The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT) contains over 675,000 provide disabled hunters with hunting opportunities. acres of public lands in Texas. These lands consist of the Angelina, Sabine, Davy

Crockett and Sam Houston National Forests and the Caddo and LBJ National There are only a few public areas in Texas with the Rio Grande wild turkey. Grasslands. These areas were chosen as targets for wild turkey restoration The LBJ National Grassland efforts. is north of Fort Worth and has 20,313 acres of public land and In Feb. 1987 Dr. James Earl Kennamer Chief Conservation Officer of the NWTF is home to that species. arrived in Lufkin Texas with 30 trapped eastern wild turkeys. These birds were sent here from South Carolina. John Frampton, Director of South Carolina According to Gene T. Miller, Department of Natural Resources and Dr. James Earl Kennamer worked together NWTF Regional Biologist to secure these birds and begin a historical eastern wild turkey restoration effort for West Texas and Oklahoma for east Texas and the National Forest lands. some exciting things are in the As we stood in the middle of Alabama Creek Wildlife Management Area on works, “The fact that Caddo- the Davy Crockett National Forest Dr. Kennamer said “These 15 wild turkeys LBJ National Grassland is from South Carolina will be released here and the other 15 will be released at administered as one Forest Brushy Creek. Let’s hope this is the first of many more that will be brought to Service unit out of Decatur, east Texas.” and that Mr. Erik D. Taylor NWTF’s Target 2000 was un-officially launched in Texas . In the next ten years has just been named as the new Texas Parks and Wildlife Department released 8,000 eastern wild turkeys that District Ranger should be very were trapped in the eastern wild turkeys range from Iowa to Georgia. encouraging to all sportsmen and NWTF members in Texas. These turkeys were transported and relocated to east Texas and stocked in all Comprehensive planning suitable habitat . Many on your National Forests in Texas. needed with USDA Forest The NFGT and the NWTF partnership, with local chapter involvement, Service staff there and in the has emerged as a wildlife conservation force and continue to work towards the Supervisor’s Office in Lufkin, Angelina National Forest-Longleaf ridge preservation of our hunting heritage. including ways to streamline Since that historic turkey release on the Davy Crockett National Forest many archeological clearance required for ground-disturbing projects as we plan for great conservation projects have occurred. Some of the recient Partnership stewardship activities (habitat work) on both sides of the grassland unit to benefit involvements includes: wild turkeys will be made much easier with all the work “bundled” together • Support for prescribed burning on all National Forest and Grasslands to be done with NWTF subcontractors using monies from timber sale receipts from forested districts in East Texas. Eastern red cedar removal work is needed extensively on the LBJ in Wise County (Rio Grande wild turkeys) and on the Caddo in Fannin County (Eastern wild turkeys). Scotty has started some great work in the past on the Caddo, but the LBJ has not been included to date. So, provided that some administrative hurdles can be overcome, we can do great work to restore habitat on both units for the benefit of not only wild turkeys, but grassland birds, quail, and deer…a win-win situation for all wildlife enthusiasts and public users. This fits with prairie restoration plans in effect with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Oaks & Prairies Joint Venture to benefit all native grassland bird species, including Cassin’s sparrows, scissor-tailed flycatchers, and bobwhite quail. ”

With all the vast landscapes in Texas, only 4 % is public land, the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas are our treasure. The National Wild Turkey Federation and the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas are committed to making every acre the best it can be for turkeys and other wildlife.We need your help with encouraging a friend to join the NWTF team. Together we can accomplish great things for today and for the future.

4 Texas NWTF 2012 Super Fund Highlights By Gene Miller On January 22nd, 2012, the Texas State ($500 each) out of the three categories and activities on the southern end of National NWTF Chapter Board of Directors approved get special approval for a second event (first Forest lands in East Texas (eastern birds). your annual Super Fund Budget of $223,429 come, first served). Research (up to $8,000) - Participation in with working balance of $169,687 and $53,742 Hunting Heritage ($12,000) - 4-H University of Georgia southeastern wild turkey in special reserve. Highlights are: Ambassador Training Program (with Texas post-doc investigation is $2,175 (with the Habitat Enhancement ($54,895) - TPWD AgriLife Extension) is $3,000; Texas other annual ½ from TPWD) and will happen Matador WMA upland improvement is Youth Hunting Program is $1,000 (with again in 2013 as part of a 16-state effort. $2,895 of $7,895 total, control of shinnery Texas Wildlife Association Foundation) Also, participation with private landowners oak to improve nesting cover on uplands for scholarships to hunts; TWA Waterfowl and TAMU’s Institute for Renewable Natural (Rolling Plains); TPWD Matador WMA Brigade Youth Camp is $2,000 (intensive Resources (Dr. Bret Collier) on expansion riparian improvement is $5,000 of $10,000 youth conservation leadership training); of RGWT population demography and hen total, control of salt cedar habitat selection in North (Rolling Plains); TPWD Texas with new study sites Alazan Bayou WMA in Stephens County, Palo vegetation management Pinto County, and Wise (chemical and mechanical) County (LBJ National is $7,500 of $26,700 total Grassland), and is $5,000 (Pineywoods); Nueces of a $30,000 project this River Authority Arundo year. (giant cane) control is Wheelin’ Sportsmen $5,000 of $115,719 total, ($3,500) - Statewide WS major private land project USDA-NRCS Photo by Clint Rollins events is $3,500 (at $500 with multiple funding Jason Isabelle talks with JAKES at event Aerial salt cedar spraying on Canadian River each). hosted by the Winstons collaborators (South Texas Rio Grande Plains); Other ($13,100) - State Cooperative Biologist Chapter rebate is $6,300; support for Scotty Parsons Turkey Hunters Care is is $25,000 (with TPWD, $3,500 at no more than USDA Forest Service, $250 per chapter (½ of and NWTF); NWTF Fall $500 for frozen turkeys); seed subsidy is $1,500; and, TPWD Tech Rep and, habitat equipment is travel to convention and $8,000 for items with a regional tech meetings is minimum of 1:1 match or $3,300 (for Jason Hardin). better. Education ($24,150) National Convention - Wild About Turkey ($12,500) - Up to $12,500

Education boxes line item Habitat management for wildlife JAKES working with Boy Scouts to send Chapter President, is $7,000; State Newsletter volunteer leaders (board is $14,000 (2 issues per Hunting Heritage Fund is $1,000; Tom Green members), and award year plus trade show copies); State website County 4-H Shooting Sports Facility is $5,000 recipients (C. B. McLeod and Joe Kurz is $400 to NWTF; Volunteer leadership of $15,000 total for Phase 1 (tied to Concho WMY), and State Game Warden/Supervisor to training is $1,500 for South Central Regional Valley NWTF Chapter at San Angelo). This the National Convention this year. Rendezvous in Shreveport, Louisiana; and, is for youth shooting sports, as well as WITO Our Texas Super Fund year is January 1st a small equipment trailer is $1,250 (½ the and other related family events…land donated through December 31st of each year. Project purchase price) for conducting youth/hunter to the program, and Phase 3 by end of 2015 proposal submission deadline for next year’s safety events (donation to THEIA). will be a $300,000 project. This is a not-for- budget is November 1, 2012. Contact Gene Scholarships ($18,500) - Local chapter profit facility and is not open to the public. Miller ([email protected]) or Scotty Parsons (multiple at $500), statewide (1 at $2,500), Women In The Outdoors ($4,000) - ([email protected]) for a NWTF Hunting and Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society (1 Statewide WITO events is $4,000 at $500 Heritage Super Fund Project Proposal form at $1,000) scholarships is $18,500. each. with instructions (electronic submission Youth Events ($15,542) - JAKES events Rewards ($2,000) - Operation Game Thief preferred) and any questions. is $3,542 (plus $2,458 in Outreach Fund to be (with TPWD) is $2,000 for 6 billboards on expended first) at $500 each; 4-H Shooting highways around the state with our logo, join Sports events is $6,000 at $500 each; and, NWTF, website address, and strutting turkey. National Archery in the Schools is $6,000 at Law Enforcement ($1,500) - Robotic $500 each. Note: New State Board protocol strutting wild turkey decoy is up to $1,500 is that chapters may select 1 event per year for USDA Forest Service law enforcement 5 SPORTSM ’ AN IN D L E E E E R H W H U 9 0 N 0 T 2 Texas Parks & Wildlife By Jason Hardin

What a difference a harvest and turkey observations. APRIL year makes. Good Texas’ modern Eastern turkey season AWOL spring hunting has began in 1995 when a season was opened NWTF been reported from in Red River County. Since that time, the CHAPTER across the state relative to 2011. Texas had opening date has changed several times. a great hatch in 2010 and those birds are The original opening date was the Monday now 2-year old gobblers. The 2010 hatch closest to April 20th, and the season ran for was so good across most of the Rio Grande 2-weeks. The season was set to coincide range that Texas should have a great hunting with the onset of incubation and was based PINEYWOODSseason NWTF CHAPTERin 2013 despite a lack of production on several research studies conducted in in 2011. Jasper and Trinity Counties. Several years The mild winter coupled with the much- later the opening date moved to the Monday needed winter and spring rains has led to closest to April 14th and continued to run for an early green-up and earlier than normal 2 weeks. In 2005, the opening date of the breeding and nesting activity. Hens are Eastern turkey season was again adjusted currently incubating nests and many broods and moved to April 1st. That same year the Scott Morgan and his trophy Eastern wild turkey are already roaming the countryside in search season was expanded from 2 weeks to 30 Cottingham Hunting Club, Nacogdoches County, 10.5 beard 1 1/8 spurs of insects. While some forbs are beginning days. to dry up due to the lack of recent moisture, In 2005, the first year with the new insects are available and herbaceous cover season structure, hunters checked the highest sustaining a population is useable space has greatly improved over last season. If number of turkeys reported at TPWD’s or large contiguous tracks of land where temperatures do not get too high too early, mandatory check stations. Harvest was up turkeys can move easily. This requires Texas should see excellent recruitment again 20% over the previous season. However, continuity of habitats, open forests, and this year. one year later harvest began to decline from scattered open pastures. Fragmentation in the record high of 2005. In 2006 the number the form of cities, large roadways, forests of birds checked fell below that of 2004 choked with dense understory vegetation, and declined by 22% from 2005. Harvest and large expanses of agriculture may limit continued to decline over the next 5 years, the movement of populations between and as of 2011 the number of birds checked suitable landscapes. at TPWD’s mandatory check stations had To increase the available habitat for declined by 50%. turkeys and other wildlife, TPWD has begun TPWD will review the current season work with numerous partner agencies and structure in a few years to determine the private landowners on several prescribed impact of the 2012 season structure on fire initiatives in East Texas. Prescribed fire, Texas’ Eastern turkey population. when applied by trained individuals, helps TPWD believes the Eastern turkey to improve habitat quality and quantity. decline is directly tied to habitat quantity TPWD, in partnership with NWTF, FWS and and quality. Turkeys need large expanses private landowners, is providing financial, of usable habitat to sustain a population. educational and technical incentives to Many of the properties where Eastern turkey private landowners, so they may begin populations are found are not large enough utilizing prescribed fire as a tool for habitat on their own to sustain a population. If the management. For more information on how management scenarios at the landscape scale to enroll in these prescribed fire initiatives (10,000+ acres) are not conducive to wild 2012 was a good year for hunting Rio Grandes or for technical guidance, contact your local Turkeys in Texas. turkeys, the population will fail to expand TPWD biologist at the web link below. and may become locally extinct. In 2011 the TPWD Commission, in response http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/land/ The majority of the areas where to declining harvest and observations, technical_guidance/biologists/ Eastern turkeys reside are on private lands. delayed the opening of the Eastern turkey Landowners have numerous goals for their season by 2 weeks while maintaining You can also visit the website for the property and often wild turkeys are not the month-long season. As a result, this Northeast Texas Prescribed Fire Initiative a top priority. Fortunately, wild turkeys year’s season opened on April 15th. The for information using the link below. are very adaptable and can take advantage Commission also closed 15 of the 43 https://sites.google.com/site/netxpfi/ of numerous habitat types. The key to counties open in 2011 due to a lack of 6 Fall 2012 Eastern Wild Turkey Survey NWTF and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department need your help! We are asking that you please take time to collect turkey population data during the first two weeks of the 2012 general deer season in the eastern portion of the state (only counties east of I-35). This data will be used to determine baseline turkey population data for individual counties and to track population growth or declines through the years. Please cut out the completed survey and mail it to: Jason Hardin, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4652 CR 2612, Oakwood, TX 75855. ‐ please

from 7:30 that you

7:47 observed

comments . This data will be used to d to track population Notes: Weather and

35) ‐

Texas Parks and Wildlife Light rain ‐ We are asking

Total 15

Hardin

Unidentified 0 first two weeks of the 2012 general deer

Jason Hens 11

counties east of I need your help! .

it to:

Toms

0 Turkeys Seen only

*Jakes 4

data during the the state (

d 3” long or shorter.

Fall 2012 Eastern Wild Turkey Survey Oakwood, TX 75855 the years.

, County

Red River through

9 ‐ and End

Start Time AM 6 4652 CR 2612 , Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

out the completed survey and mail in the eastern portion of

cut me to collect turkey population Date

Example NWTF and take ti season determine baseline turkey population data for individual counti es an growth or declines Please Department *Jakes are juvenile birds. Distinguished by a bear

7 Research Update: Rio Grande Wild Turkey By Dr. Bret Collier, Research Scientist, burned areas regularly, and we are not seeing any noticeable avoidance of Institute of Renewable National Resources, TAMU burned areas. Not to forget, even though this update has focused on our work in As Texas NWTF readers know, the Aggie turkey crew has been north Texas, our south Texas turkey research in collaboration with the studying Rio Grande wild turkey (males and females) here in Texas Temple Ranch, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the National Wild focusing on understanding how birds select and move through habitat Turkey Federation is still going strong and we are gathering a host of and what types of management actions can be used to create more habitat. information on the habitats use for nesting on Rio Grande wild turkeys in As you may remember, in 2011 the region just south of Possum Kingdom Lake was heavily impacted by wildfire with some areas being completely devoid of residual ground cover for most of 2011. While we all lament the losses associated with the PK fire, it has provided us a unique opportunity to expand our work to this region in monitoring the response of Rio Grande wild turkeys to catastrophic wildfire. Luckily, in spring of 2011, we had expanded our research focus NWTF_TPWD: Texas Parks and Wildlife biologist James Edwards releasing a GPS- and captured and radio-tagged tagged gobbler north of Straw, Texas during spring 2012. a few turkeys in the Stephens county region. Therefore we south Texas as well. Overall, it has been an exciting time for the research Jennifer Barrow, Texas Parks and Wildlife had some information on what and habitat management activities NWTF supports here in Texas. biologist tracking radio-tagged hens on the LBJ conditions turkeys were using National Grassland. before the fire occurred. About Dr. Sam: Thus far, the nesting season this spring is progressing as I expected with the rains coming (although less than we would have liked). We Dr. Sam has been hunting turkeys since 1963. The coming found our first radio-tagged hen sitting on a nest in mid-April, and by the issues of the Texas State NWTF newsletters we will share some time you read this, nearly all the hens we have tagged will have at least of his hunting stories with you. attempted to nest once. We have seen poults on the ground on our study sites as of today (9 May), and we expect several nests to hatch next week. “The Double Barrel Turkey” Currently, Texas A&M University graduate student, Mason Conley, Dr. Sam P. McManus along with Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists, Jesse Oetgen and After deer hunting with a 50 caliber muzzle-loading rifle at Jennifer Barrow, are monitoring >40 Rio Grande wild turkeys on 3 study sites in north-central Texas. Each location where we captured and are Longleaf Farm in Amite County, Mississippi, I thought, “Why monitoring turkeys provides a unique view into Rio Grande wild turkey not turkey hunt with a muzzle loading shotgun?” So I bought ecology. On our first site, the MT7 Ranch east of Breckenridge, Mason a double barrel muzzle loader with twin hammers. For my first has been tracking the 24 turkeys we tagged this spring, and at the time escapade, good friend, Fred III, and his son, F.A., and I went I am writing (2 May) this, about 65% of the hens (17 hens tagged) had to “Four Corners” and called up three gobblers. When they got attempted to nest at least once, with some renesting after their initial within twelve steps, I picked one out and dropped the hammer. nests were predated. On our second site, several private ranches north It only made a loud click. I had forgotten to put a percussion of Strawn, Jesse has been tracking 10 tagged turkeys, and 100% of the hens (9 hens tagged) have attempted to nest at least once. On our third cap on the nipples. My companions started laughing, and the site, LBJ National Grassland, Jennifer has been tracking 7 turkeys and turkeys spooked and trotted off. I wasn’t going to let that about 50% of the hens (5 hens tagged) have attempted to nest thus far. happen again, so Fred and I went on another day to the “Small Each study site was chosen to be unique so we could compare results Wood Bottom” and called up two gobblers. Since I had the between areas. MT7 was outside the PK fire complex and provides data muzzle loader, Fred gave me first shot. I shot the legs from for comparing nest success and brooding habitats to birds captured at our under my turkey, then Fred killed his. We ran out to the turkeys, Strawn site which is wholly contained within the PK fire zone. Our use and as mine was sitting with his head up, I took a mighty swing of LBJ allows us to compare nest success and habitat use in regions with holding the butt of the shotgun. He ducked, I missed, and all I multiple land uses and more fragmented habitats to regions which have more contiguous habitats such as on MT7. accomplished was throwing the shot package out of the second In addition to monitoring nesting activities, 34 of the Rio Grande barrel. Now I only had a club in my hand. My turkey flew wild turkeys (both males and females) are fitted with GPS backpacks and tried to land in a big Field pine. Without legs under him, within the region burned by the Possum Kingdom fire, as well as outside he couldn’t perch and fell down through the limbs, breaking the area impacted by the fire. Some of our preliminary movement data has quite a few along the way. We ran to him, and since Fred had indicated that birds are spending most of their time in those areas which reloaded by then, he finished him off for me. To this day, I have were lightly burned in a patchwork pattern in riparian corridors where not killed a turkey with that shotgun. vegetative cover still exists. However, turkeys are using the intensively

& 2012 NWTF Texas State Turkey Calling Championship Results

Grapevine, Texas,Submitted Saturday, by Lou January Von Woglom 1 4- th,State 20 Contest12: Coordinator. Following a 20 year absence,Grapevine, the Texas Texas, State Saturday, Turkey Calling January Championship 14th, 2012: returned to North Texas in 2012, and wasFollowing hosted aby 20 yearBass absence, Pro Shops’ the Texas Gra Statepevine Turkey store Calling. This Championship year’s event returned to North Texas featured five divisions inwith 2012, p rizesand was totaling hosted by m Bassore Prothan Shops’ $2, Grapevine500 in Cash store., ThisGift year’s Cards event, and featured five divisions with prizes totaling more than $2,500 in cash, gift cards, and merchandise. In addition, 1st, 2nd, and Merchandise. In addition, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophy plaques were awarded in all divisions. 3rd place trophy plaques were awarded in all divisions.

State Division WinnersState :Division “Shaine Winners: Nixon Repeats “Shaine Nixon2008 RepeatsPerformance 2008 Performance to win to 2012 State Champwinionship 2012” State- With Championship” a total score of - 263,With a Shainetotal score Nixon of 263, Shaineof Diana, Nixon Texas, of Diana, Texas, yelped, cackled, cut, and keed an impressive win over a field of top level Texas callers. Second place yelped, cackled, cut, andwinner, kee Bob keed Barnard an impressiveof Plano (249.5), win and over 3rd aplace field finisher, of top Aaron level Barton Texas of Lampasascallers. (243.5). Also Second place winner, Bobprovided Barnard an excellent of Plano array (249of authentic.5), and Texas 3 wildrd place turkey finisher sounds. Shaine, Aaron was Bartonawarded topof prize money of $500 cash to help with his expenses in representing Texas at the 2013 Grand Nationals in Nashville. Lampasas (243.5), also provided an excellent array of authentic Texas wild turkey sounds. Shaine was awarded top prizeIn money the Open of Division $500 ,cash among to nine help competitors with his from expenses Texas, Oklahoma, in representing and Arkansas, Mickel Gammon of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, scored 270 to out-call Texas’ Shaine Nixon (262), and Joey Texas at the 2013 GrandBlackburn Nationa (261.5)ls in of Nashville.Perkins, OK, thereby claiming the top prize of a $400 Bass Pro gift card. Gammon Lou gives a lesson on the slate during proved that callers from north of the Red River are definitely a force to be reckoned with. pre-contest seminar. In the Open Division, Theamong Friction nine Divisioncompetitors was dominated from Texas, by Crossett, Oklahoma, Arkansas college and Arkansas, coed, Emily MicOliver,kel who posted a score ofGammon 252 to win of over Broken Plano’s Bow,Bob Barnard Oklahoma, and Alan scored Stie of Sand270 Springs, to out OK,-call who Texas’ tied with Shaine identical Nixon 244 scores. (262), In the and call-off, Barnard took 2ndJoey with aBlackburn score of 252 (261.5) to Stie’s 250.5.of Perkins, Emily received OK, thereby a $300 Bass claiming Pro gift card,the topand wasprize anxious of ato $400spend herBass winnings Pro Giftat Bass Pro, prior to the 6 hour drive back to Crossett. Card. Gammon proved that callers from north of the Red River are definitely a force to be Along with several first-time callers in the Hunter Division, Cade Hayley, Winnsboro, TX, totaled 185 and received a $100 Bass Pro gift card.reckoned Hayley narrowly with. out-scored Davy Beecroft (184) of Corpus Christi and Brian Beauchamp (177.5) of Dallas, who took 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

Hayley’sThe Frictionoutstanding Division total of 191.5was dalsoominat took edthe Juniorby Crossett, (JAKES) DivisionArkansas and, rackedcollege up acoed, second Emily $100 BassOliver, Pro giftwho card for Cade. Again, Davy Beecroft (177) took second, while 1st time competitor, Andrew Hoster of Flower Mound, TX, finished a very close third at 176.5. posted a score of 252 to win over Plano’s Bob Barnard and Alan Stie, of Sand Springs, OK, nd Specialwho thanks tied to our with entire identical calling contest 244 supportscores folks,. In led the by Scorecall- Tabulatorsoff, Barnard Diana Lindertook 2& Mindy with Bailey. a score Robert of Linder,252 to Larry Linder, Dick Arthur,Stie’s Jami 250.5. Linder, Tom Emily Grahmann, received and Stevea $300 Peters Bass served Pro as judgesGift Card,for the event.and wasSpecial anxious thanks to to Big spend Billy Kinder her of WBAP radio, Dallas-Ft. Worth, who provided pre-event publicity and presented the contest awards. winnings at Bass Pro, prior to the 6 hour drive back to Crossett.

Along with several first-time callers in the Hunter Division, Cade Hayley, Winnsboro, TX, totaled 185 and received a $100 Bass Pro Gift Card. Hayley narrowly out-scored Davy Beecroft (184) of Corpus Christi and Brian Beauchamp (177.5) of Dallas, who took 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

Hayley’s outstanding total of 191.5 also took the Junior (JAKES) Division and racked up a second $100 Bass Pro Gift Card for Cade. Again, Davy Beecroft (177) took second, while 1st time competitor, Andrew Hoster of Flower Mound, TX, finished a very close third at 176.5.

Special thanks to our entire calling contest support folks, led by Score Tabulators Diana Linder & Mindy Bailey. Plus, Robert Linder, Larry Linder, Dick Arthur, Jami Linder, Tom Grahmann,

Open Friction Division Winners L-R (1) Emily Oliver, (2) Bob Barnard, (3) Alan Stie, Texas State Division Winners L-R (1) Shaine Nixon, (2) Bob Barnard, (3) Aaron & Presenter, Billy Kinder Barton & Presenter, Billy Kinder 9 East Texas Region Report

By Scotty Parsons East Texas Regional Biologist 1210 Sailfish, Bayou Vista, TX 77563 409-739-5553 [email protected] The smell of eastern red cedar is in the air! Work has begun on the 550 acres of eastern red cedar removal project in order to restore a native grassland savannah and prairie landscape on the Cooper WMA. By removing this invasive species, TPWD biologist will be able to initiate a prescribed burning program to maintain these areas in beneficial early successional habitat. Phase 1 of the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area Post Oak Savannah Restoration Project is almost complete. All of the timber that was designated for harvest has been cut, the 2.0 mile Before treatment . . . mowable fire line has been established and the piling and burning of the logging debris is completed. Herbicide application of the hardwood re-sprouts on the 364 acres will begin this summer. The East Texas Prescribed Fire Initiative is a partnership with private landowners, local wildlife management cooperatives, governmental organizations, and non-profit organizations in several designated areas throughout East Texas. The goal of the initiative is to improve wildlife habitat, improve timber and grassland stands, mitigate wildlife losses through reduced fuel loads, and identify prescribed fire educational, equipment, and cost-sharing opportunities. Last year, we signed habitat agreements with 20 landowners that agreed to prescribe burn 5,131 acres. This year, there are three cost share initiatives through NWTF in east Texas. These are the Northeast Texas (Red River and Lamar counties), Bobcat Ridge (Anderson and Cherokee counties), and the Pineywoods (Nacogdoches, Madison, Grimes, Montgomery, Newton, Panola, Polk, San Jacinto, Rusk, After treatment . . . Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Houston, Angelina, Jasper, Sabine, San Augustine, and Shelby counties) initiatives. National Forests are preparing salvages sales to harvest concentrated The educational components are designed to inform local areas of dead and dying trees. However, this will only address part of landowners, community leaders, and educators about how the problem as many hazard trees will not be removed by commercial restoration and enhancement of habitats through the use of fire can timber sales. These drought-induced hazard trees are a problem on provide ecological and quality of life benefits to local communities. all National Forests lands in Texas, and may get worse if the drought The ultimate objective of this initiative is for private landowners to continues. Without action they will continue to be a public safety routinely conduct prescribed fires independent of any future financial, threat and a hazardous fuel problem near roads, recreation areas, material, or personnel support from either government agencies trails, and residential structures. The desired condition is to have and/or NWTF. fewer hazardous trees, thus reducing damage to private property, Our goal for this year’s prescribed burning cost-share initiative is threats to public safety, and hazardous fuels. to exceed 6,000 acres. If you have property located in one of these Therefore, the NFGT plan to enter into Stewardship focus areas and are interested in prescribed burning, please contact Supplemental Project Agreements (SPAs) with the National Wild me at [email protected]. Turkey Federation (NWTF) to help address the hazardous trees Texas is currently experiencing its worst drought in more than problem. The NWTF shares a mutual interest and will gain mutual 100 years. The rainfall deficit, combined with 56 days of 100-plus benefit from reducing hazardous trees, which are direct threats to degree temperatures, has killed thousands of trees, many adjacent hunters, other outdoor recreationists, and increases the fuel loading to residences, roads, and in areas where the public frequents thus in the forest. The increase in fuel loading severely impacts the creating unsafe conditions. Over the last year, the National Forests Forest Service’s ability to prescribed burn, a necessary tool for and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT) has responded to hundreds of management of the wild turkey. As a result of collaboration with telephone calls from neighbors about dead and dying trees threatening the NWTF and other groups/individuals, additional service projects their homes and other structures. Many of these trees have been were added to this proposal. These service projects include: forest cut by Forest Service personnel and independent contractors. The products removal (i.e. cut-tree and leave-tree marking) blackland amount of hazard trees to be cut presents an unacceptable increase in prairie restoration, non-native invasive plant species control, land exposure to safety risks by Forest Service personnel. It also creates line refurbishment, prescribed burning ignitions, prescribed burning an enormous financial burden to hire independent contractors. support, and, if needed, woody biomass removal and delivery. To address the high densities of hazard trees along roads, land lines, and near recreation areas, the Davy Crockett and Sam Houston 10 West Texas Biologist Report By Gene T. Miller other possibilities to partner with Texas Parks & Regional Biologist Wildlife Department on upland initiatives across West Texas the state which fits well with our new NWTF & Oklahoma Upland Program. Stay tuned for more details in another report. Canadian River Cooperative Weed Spring Greetings from West Texas! Management Area (CRCWMA) - Common to Thank goodness we are not as dry as last West Texas and western Oklahoma is our effort year. As I write this, Central Texas is having to help landowners “stand up” their own local flash floods. I hope everyone has had agood organization called CRCWMA, “of, for, and by spring turkey season, and the jury is out on how the people” to obtain grants for invasive plant many ground nesting birds we’ll grow in North removal and riparian restoration on private lands. Texas. Early reports from South and Central We continue to make contacts here and across the Texas indicate the possibility of a very good year border in Oklahoma. (lots of moisture at the right time). I’ve been Oaks & Prairies Joint Venture Management blessed to hunt Easterns in Louisiana, Rios in Board (OPJV) - NWTF is involved with this North Texas, the Texas Panhandle, and Western particular Joint Venture which runs from the Oklahoma, and Merriam’s in Utah; however, I’ve Texas Hill Country northward through just east- Gene with his Collingsworth County Rio Grande. only taken one Rio in Texas and may have one of-center (Cross Timbers belt) in Oklahoma all Scotty and I will be meeting with him, his staff, more chance this week. Still, it’s a blessing to be the way to the Kansas state line. OPJV is about and other supportive partners soon to offer our able to go. I hope you have all had opportunities native prairie restoration to benefit grassland services in planning and conducting habitat to hunt. birds and all native wildlife which includes restoration through extensive removal of Eastern Cooperative Conservation Partnership quail, wild turkeys, and deer (another fit with red cedar from those lands through a national Initiative (CCPI)-Work will continue this year our NWTF Upland Program). The all have NWTF stewardship services Memorandum of on removal of salt cedar, Eastern red cedar, one thing in common…fire on the landscape. Understanding. Scotty has done some work on and Russian olive from additional lands in the We are working with Rx burn associations in the Caddo (Fannin County) in the past, but the project on tributaries along the Canadian River Texas and Oklahoma to advance the cause. LBJ (Wise County) has not been included to date. in Hutchinson, Roberts, and Hemphill Counties. Be sure and check out a new website in Texas We hope to help them with a long term program We are working with our partners to increase called Prescribed Fire Portal - Prescribed Burn of habitat restoration for wild turkeys, quail, deer, landowner enrollment in the program, but drought Alliance of Texas at http://pbatexas.org/. Once and grassland birds on your public lands in North and financial uncertainty in the farming/ranching again, you can be very proud of having NWTF Texas. Again, this will be a long process, so stay world still seems to be holding up progress a bit. involvement in a big stretch of country to benefit tuned for future reports in your state newsletter. No matter…we are here for the long haul and landowners, habitat, and wildlife, especially Final ramblings - Regional Directors Ray as NWTF members, you can be proud of these wild turkeys. These topics and information may Hood and Robbi Vincent (new for Northwest efforts to restore wild turkey habitat, increase seem repetitive to many of you close readers, Texas) are “making a hand” for Texas and the native grazing lands, and conserve water. Each but hopefully new readers will become informed NWTF. By the time this is printed, we may have one of you is indirectly involved in helping put about just how much NWTF is doing in Texas. a new Regional Director for East Texas. By the big-time turkey habitat on the ground in a public- USDA Forest Service has just announced way, if you’ve read this and have questions for private partnership, which is a good thing for Mr. Erik Taylor as the new District Ranger for me, please contact me at [email protected] and sportsmen and wildlife! We are also working on Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands in Decatur. 806/655-9416 (office) and we’ll visit.

www.nwtf.org/texas/ The Texas State Chapter is pleased to announce that we have a new website. This new site will put us in position to better inform our Texas members of what we are doing in your state. We are very excited about it and how it will bring us up-to-date in online technically and communication. Please send pictures and articles about local events to our website coordinator. Tony Hawley - [email protected] EMAIL CONTACT INFORMATION Would you like to receive the Texas State Newsletter via email? This will help us with costs and also keep you updated on current and immediate issues. We promise not to bombard you with emails! Please, email information to [email protected]. Name of Member (PLEASE PRINT) Street State Zip Email address:

11 South/Central Texas South Texas Upcoming Banquet Schedule Ray Hood Chapter City DATE Regional Director South Texas Hopkins County Longbeards Sulphur Springs June 9, 2012 San Antonio, TX 78260 Pineywoods WITO Pine Island June 16, 2012 830-998-0441 • Fax: 210-617-7357 WS 8th Bream Buster Challenge Lufkin August 8, 2012 [email protected] Deep East Texas Jasper August 4, 2012 www.nwtf.org/texas/ Pineywoods Local, TX Lufkin August 18, 2012 Northeast Texas WITO Avinger October 13, 2012 Well what a difference a year makes. I can say this on so WS Angelina National Forest Event Zavalla December 7, 2012 many levels. First let’s look at the weather. Last spring was such a disaster that it could only get better. We have been so blessed this Central Upcoming Banquet Schedule spring with lots of rain and great green conditions. By the sheer volume of pictures I have seen this spring looks like all of you had a Chapter City DATE great hunting season. On the Nwtf front a lot has changed in Texas Loco Event San Antonio June 6, 2012 this past year. First and foremost congratulations to Shawn Roberts Tri-County Longbeards WITO Buckholts June 9, 2012 for his promotion to the District Field Supervisor of the Western Sam Houston Huntsville July 7, 2012 Region of the US. We have also had a great addition to our team Hays County Banquet Dripping Springs July 21, 2012 in the Northeast section of Texas with the hiring of Robbie Vincent. Pecan Bayou Roast Brownwood August 4, 2012 Lone Star Longbeards Bryan August 9, 2012 Robbie hit the ground running and has made a huge difference for Harris County Wildlife Group Houston August 13, 2012 us. It has been a great challenge for us this year with the vacancies Concho Valley San Angelo August 16, 2012 of the other two areas in the state right at the peak of our banquet San Jac Strutters Banquet Coldspring August 18, 2012 run. We made it and can only say thank you for all of you that Guadalupe River Banquet Spring Branch August 23, 2012 were so patient with Shawn and me as we scrambled to get all the Lost Pines Chapter Rockne August 26, 2012 banquets covered. Banquets have been great so far this year, and I see a great year for Texas. North Texas Upcoming Banquets Schedule I would like to thank all of you for your continued support to Chapter City DATE our mission and for all the time and monetary support you give this Clay County Chapter Henrietta June 22, 2012 wonderful organization. We all have choices where we can put our Wheeler County Chapter Shamrock June 23, 2012 resources, and I thank you for allowing myself and the NWTF to be Blackland Prairie Chapter West June 30, 2012 a part of your life. Until we meet again, thank you and be safe out South Plains Lubbock July 20, 2012 there. Panhandle Feathered Forces Upland Amarillo July 21, 2012 TBD 1 Whitehouse August 4, 2012 Fort Worth Upland Game Bird Fort Worth August 25, 2012 TBD 2 Whitehouse August 25, 2012 WS Red River Longbeards/Pease Crowell November 10, 2012 East Texas Evan Brown Regional Director East Texas Plano, TX 75074 North Texas 214-868-7524 Robbi Vincent [email protected] Regional Director North Texas www.nwtf.org/texas/ 817-437-3014 I am Californian by birth, but [email protected] Texan at heart. I have lived in Texas www.nwtf.org/texas/ since 1989 and have never looked Hello from North Texas! Robbi Vincent here, and back. I grew up in Plano and met my I am very excited to be meeting all of you. It has wife Jourdan at Plano East Senior High been a very fast paced start, but I wouldn’t have it School. From there we went on to attend any other way. All of you have been great to work Stephen F. Austin State University in with. I would like to think I have a lot of new friends Nacogdoches, Texas. I graduated with that I just happen to work with now. It’s been so a Bachelor of Business Administration. fast paced lately, I haven’t got to spend much time My passion for the outdoors and love of in the woods. It seems you all love to keep me hunting increased dramatically while living in the Piney Woods of updated with your great hunts. This position brings East Texas. My wife and I currently reside in Plano with our seven me a since of pride in knowing all of you, as well year old black Labrador, Toby. as many others are getting to share the story of the outdoors with I am very excited and feel honored to have the opportunity to each other. Our hunting heritage is something very near and dear to work for such a great organization. I have very high hopes for the me, so keep the stories coming. Banquets and outreach events are Eastern territory of Texas. I look forward to starting new chapters going very strong. It’s only because of everyone’s hard work that we in the Dallas area and continuing to build the existing ones. If you see these types of results. Well, for now I must be driving on. There have any questions or would like to get involved with the NWTF, are a lot of miles to cover in the great state of Texas, and especially please feel free to contact me. in the North Texas area. Thanks for all you do, and I look forward “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” to talking to all of you soon. I am more than happy to be a part of the - Confucius NWTF and NWTF Texas family. 12 Dorothy McCarver, State Habitats, Birding, Hunting, Welding, Woodworking, Wild Game Volunteer Women in the Cooking, Trailer Backing, Tractor Driving, Turkey Calling, GPS Outdoors Coordinator and Geotracking and many others. Do you love the outdoors, but just can’t find the time to enjoy Texas Chapters: A portion of your Hunting Heritage Banquet it? Are you too busy with too many chores and schedules? We dollars that you raised this year has been designated for local have the perfect escape for you! Come on gals and live, laugh, and outreach programs. So let’s get started and host a Women in the learn and lighten up! Try something new and exciting in a setting Outdoors Event in your area! Why? Hosting a WITO event in that encourages comfort and fun outdoors! It’s like a Day Camp for your area gives everyone an opportunity to get involved with the Grown-ups! Bring your mom, sister, friend or co-worker and attend outdoors. All it takes to start an event is someone who is willing a Women in the Outdoors event! to take the lead and a committee that can be made up of NWTF What is the Women in the Outdoors Program or WITO? It is members and community volunteers. Share your desire to host an an outdoor educational program that provides hands-on outdoor event with your Regional Director and download your own copy of activities for women ages 14 and up. A woman does not have to the Outreach Event Manual from the outreach section of the NWTF be a hunter, hiker or even a very active in order to appreciate being website. This manual contains everything you need to know to have outdoors. a successful event. There is also a power point presentation that is Classes are taught by expert instructors with many opportunities available for your use. I encourage you to attend a WITO event to for beginning and advanced participants to learn new skills or hone get ideas, to network, and hopefully “get hooked”. the ones they already have in a relaxed non-threatening atmosphere. Mark your calendars and plan to attend these upcoming Texas Ladies, you can even “shop” at an event and enjoy a catered lunch. Women in the Outdoors events. Events offer a variety of classes such as fishing, canoeing, Ladies, here is your escape from your chores, carpools, duties blacksmithing, outdoor digital photography, dutch oven cooking, or jobs. You deserve a day outdoors! Hope to see you at a Women crafts, shooting sports, ATV’s and Learn Your Landscape, Outdoor in the Outdoors Event!

Tri-County Longbeards Paso Del Norte Chapter Chapter September 25, 2012 June 9, 2012 Ft. Bliss Rod and Gun Club Hilliard Ranch near Davilla, Texas El Paso, Texas Contact: Monica Sobotka 254-760-2784 Contact: George Foret 915-532-8081 [email protected] Nikki Roberts 254-493-2987 [email protected] Northeast Texas Chapter October 6, 2012 Pineywoods Chapter Hearts Bluff Game Ranch- Talco, Texas June 16, 2012 Near Mt. Pleasant, Texas Pollock near Lufkin, Texas Contact:

Contact: Kim Brock 936-422-4843 Dorothy McCarver 903-717-8670 First Texas Turkey bagged by Dorothy McCarver, State Volunteer [email protected] [email protected] WITO Coordinator and Northeast Texas Chapter member at Bryson, Texas opening day. This Rio came into her line of fire weighing 19 pounds with 1 inch spurs and an 8 inch beard.

On Saturday, April 21st, 2012 the Cuthand WITO - Franklin County Beard Busters held a Ladies Shooting Event at the Cuthand United Methodist Church. During the morning hours the ladies took classes in beginning shotgun, handgun, and archery. After lunch they participated friendly competition in each category and prizes were awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Lunch was cooked on the grounds by The Deer Shop from Como, Texas, and during lunch our new Texas State President, Dick McCarver, spoke to the ladies about the National Wild Turkey Federation. Prior to the WITO event the Cuthand WITO committee also helped with the JAKES event at the opening ceremonies of the Texas Big Nasty Hog Contest and ran the ladies table at the Mt. Vernon Beard Busters NWTF banquet. It has been a great spring season for the Cuthand Women in the Outdoors! Be a Woman in the Outdoors! Make tracks to an Outdoor Skills Workshop near you. 13 The Hunting Experience of a Lifetime by Craig White

Have you ever been so close to a evening and made our plans for the up the turkeys, I could tell I wanted to strutting tom that he could hear you morning hunt. I was to go out with Mike shoot the one in the rear because his breathe? That was the case for my guide, DeRonde, Ranch Foreman and Head beard was almost touching the ground. Mike DeRonde, and me on the morning Guide, and he assured me that we would They kept coming closer and closer, and of March 31, 2012. be seeing some very nice birds. I had no shot at the bird I wanted. At a The next morning arrived, and I could breath taking 15 yards, I was forced to hardly sit still in the lodge. Anticipation make a crucial decision by shooting the had almost gotten the best of me. I felt second turkey in line instead of the one as though I was 12 years old again and in the rear. The result would prove to going deer hunting with my dad. We be outstanding! The tom ended up being headed out and walked the 150 yards a double-bearded gobbler!! The beards from the UTV into our hunting blind in measured 10” and 9 ¾”. We quickly the pitch black of the morning. As dawn agreed that this hunt would be one for the began to break, the gobbles of nearby books, and a story to tell for generations turkeys filled the air. Within minutes, to come. the first turkeys made their appearance in This hunt for me was more than just front of us: a hen and a jake. A moment killing my first turkey; it was a milestone I became involved with the April later, we could see three nice toms in the for my hunting future. The NWTF has AWOL Chapter of the NWTF five years distance. They came within about 60-70 impacted my life in ways I can’t describe. ago. At the time, I was curious as to yards, then turned and walked straight Even seeing the three gobblers approach what the NWTF was about, and why away from us. After realizing that all of that beautiful Saturday morning they needed me to be part of our local the other turkeys headed in the opposite symbolized the NWTF by bringing its chapter. I had never even killed a turkey direction from the roost tree, Mike asked logo of the three walking toms to life. myself. Five years later, after being me if I wanted to go put the stalk on This was definitely a hunt of a lifetime. involved first hand with many different the three gobblers that had given us the Let Justin and Mike help you experience events, I am now president of our local slip. With the point chapter and the JAKES Coordinator on of my finger and the the Texas State Board. The National nod of my head, we Wild Turkey Federation provides more were off. Walking as to the wildlife and the community than quickly and quietly any other conservation organization I as we could, we have seen. slowly closed the This year, I was fortunate to harvest gap on the gobblers. my first ever turkey, a West Texas Rio Mike would call Grande. I purchased the hunt at our 2012 to them, and with Annual Texas State Awards Banquet. their response, we After auctioning off hunt after hunt at could judge how far our local banquets, I was excited about away they were. At buying one myself, and it was most 80 yards, we saw likely the best decision I could have the gobblers. In made. After making our reservations full-fledged stealth with Justin Parker, Ranch Manager and mode, we both Wildlife Biologist at the Non-Typical dropped to one knee Craig White’s multiple beard Rio Grande bird. Ranch located in Tennyson, TX, we and awaited the your adventure at the Non-Typical began counting down the days to our perfect opportunity. I found an opening Ranch. Call Mike at (325)716-0703 and hunt. I was accompanied on the hunt in the bushes that would make for a nice ask him about the numerous hunts they by Danny McKnight, my father-in-law. 45 yard broad-side shot. As the toms offer. You will not be disappointed in the Since neither of us had ever harvested headed that direction, Mike gave one accommodations they have to offer, and I a turkey before, we were hoping for the last purr with his trusty old box call. would like to personally thank the whole hunt of a lifetime, and we got it. We The birds had left my sight, but Mike staff and owners for allowing the hunt to were greeted at the gate by Justin and whispered to me, “They turned. They’re be donated to the Texas State Chapter of followed him up a long winding road coming this way.” I quickly adjusted my the NWTF. It is truly people like these through the 2300 acre high-fenced ranch gun and shooting sticks to prepare for the who help our organization thrive!! to the top of a hill where their 5000 sq./ shot. When they popped out, they were a ft. lodge awaited us. We settled in that mere 30 yards and closing. After sizing

14 All JAKES applicants will be eligible to win a youth doe hunt on the Winston Land and All JAKESCattle applicants Co. in Nacogdoches will be eligible County. to win Drawing a youth doewill huntbe September on the Winston 12, 2009. Land and Cattle Co. in Nacogdoches County. Drawing will be September 12, 2009. AllAll boys boys and girlsgirls under under age age 17 17are areinvited invited to to attend.attend.All boysYou You willand will havegirlshave underan opportunityopportunity age 17 areto toparticipate invited participate to attend.in eventsin events You like: willlike: Archery haveArchery, an, Target opportunityTarget Shooting,Shooting, to participateHunter Hunter inSafety, events HunterSafety, like: HunterArchery Ethics, Ethics,, andTarget muchand Shooting, much more. more. Hunter Safety, TheThe event Hunter event will willstartEthics, startat 9:00and at a.m. much9:00 and am more. end and at 2:00end p.m.at 2:00 pm,LunchThe Lunch will event be will provided. will be start provided. The at 9:00$10.00 The am fee $10.00and will end cover fee at your will2:00 NWTFpm,cover Lunch your JAKES NWTFwill membership. be provided. JAKES Fill membership. Theout the$10.00 application feeFill willout and coverthe applicationmail your to theNWTF address to theJAKES below left ifmembership. if you you are interested.interested. Fill out Your Pineywoods & April AWOL the application to the left if you are interested. Your NWTFPineywoods, Chapters April are Co-HostingAWOL, & Yourthe Pineywoods, 2012 Texas State April JAKES AWOL, Event & HoustonHouston County onCounty September NWTFNWTF 15th ChaptersChapters at areare Our new JAKES Take Aim shooting HostingHostingWinston the the 2009 2009 Land Texas Texas & Cattle StateState Co. JAKESJAKES gallery will be featured . . . EventEvent on on September September7120 US 59 12,12, South 20092009 atat thethe Nacogdoches County WinstonWinston Land Land & & CattleCattle Co.Co.

JAKES get hunter safety information from David Young JAKES get hunter safety information from David Young

7120 US 59 South

AngelinaAngelina CountyCounty 4-H Student VolunteerVolunteer Jason Jason Kartye Kartye shows shows InstructorInstructor KodyKody Havard teaches aa youngsteryoungster how how to to shoot shoot a atarget. target. youngsteryoungster aboutabout archery. TEXASTEXASTEXAS STATE STATESTATE JAKES JAKESJAKES APPLICATION APPLICATIONAPPLICATION • SEPTEMBER•• SSEEppTETEmbmbEE r15,r 12,12, 2012 2009 2009 EncloseEncloseEnclose $10.00 $10.00$10.00 per perper application: application:application: includes includes T-shirt, T-shirt, JAKES JAKESJAKES magazine magazinemagazine & membership. && membership. membership. Please circle T-Shirt size: NameNameName AgeAge T-ShirtT-Shirt Size Size youth adult StreetStreetStreet Small 6-8 Small CityCity State Zip Code State City Medium 10-12State Large Phone number X-Large pphonehone number number Large 14-16ZipZip Code Code This release form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. 2X-Large ThisThis release release form form must must bebe signedsigned byby aa parentparent or legal guardian. I release the Pineywoods Chapter of the National Wild Turkey 3X-Large I Irelease release the the p pineywoodsineywoods ChapterChapter ofof thethe National WildWild TurkeyTurkey FederationFederation and and Winston Winston Land Land & & Federation and U.S. Forest Service from liability that may occur during the CattleCattle Co. Co. from from liability liability thatthat maymay occuroccur during the September 12,12, 20092009 JAKESJAKES event. event. September 15, 2012 JAKES event. Liability and Photo Release: Parent or Legal Guardian Signature ParentParent or or Legal Legal Guardian Guardian SignatureSignature mmailail applicationapplication to:to: JAKES • 206 Rosedale •• Lufkin,Lufkin, Texas Texas 75901 75901 936/637-4972936/637-4972 10 a10

15 Dale Bounds with his first Merriam Turkey, David Perkins with a fine Kindall County Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota. Rio Grande bird.

Bryan Pool, 11” beard with 3/4” spurs. I could not have done it without my long-dog-bird-hound. Nacogdoches County

Hunter’s Herb Parsons accompanied with his grandson Nicholas Powers harvested a nice 2 year old Rio Grande turkey with a 9” beard and 7/8” spurs.

Sandy Linton with a Rio Grande harvested in Frio County. Shawn Roberts with a pair of Rio Grande birds from Sandy bagged 2 nice birds on this hunt. Forde County, Texas 16 Lou Stagg with his Nebraska Merriam Lou Von Woglom and his Dos Haches Larry Noble’s Dos Haches gobbler Rio South Texas

Ron Mize, Angelina National Forest 13/16 “ spurs Fannin County birds harvested by Dan Scott. 10” beard Dan’s bird had a 9 1/4” beard.

Hunter Linton with one of his two Frio County gobblers harvested with Pete Ray in Piersall,Texas.

Matt Taylor, Louisiana longbeard 21 lbs 10” beard 1 1/8” spurs

17 Texas State Chapter NonProfit National Wild Turkey Federation Organization U.S. POSTAGE 206 Rosedale PAID Lufkin, Texas 75901 Lufkin, Texas PERMIT #230

Conserve. Hunt. Share. 2012 Texas State Chapter Board of Directors Dick McCarver - President Jennifer Barrow - Treasurer Lou VonWoglom - Secretary 425 Tennison Road, Mt Pleasant, TX 75455 121 CR 3131, Decatur, TX 76234 14906 Oak Bluff Court, Houston, TX 77070 (h) 903-717-8670 (c) 903-563-4748 (w) 940-627-5475 (c) 940-393-8908 281-320-8388 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Robert Linder Larry Noble Dale Moses Jason McAnally 3302 Vista Lane, Marble Falls, TX 78654 VP - East Texas Region VP - East Texas Region VP - Panhandle and West Texas (h) 830-693-9515 (c) 713-825-0425 2705 Red Hill Dr 3827 FM 1753 Box 274 [email protected] College Station, TX 77845 Denison, TX 75021 Canadian, TX 79014 (h) 979-693-2024 (c) 281-639-9185 903-463-1115 (c) 903-819-0126 (806) 255-5789 Dorothy McCarver [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Women in the Outdoors 425 Tennison Road Marvin Thornton Craig White Mt Pleasant, TX 75455 (h) 903-717-8670 Billy Snow Wheelin Sportsmen Coordinator JAKES Coordinator (c) 903-577-2674 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator 1485 Lilac Lane 342 Abilene St. [email protected] 231 Earl Garrett, Suite 200 Gilmer, TX 75645 Nacogdoches, TX 75964 Kerrville, TX 78028 (c) 903-238-3006 936-552-1942 Eddie Hines (h) 830-634-2569 (w) 830-257-2177 [email protected] [email protected] PO Box 487 [email protected] Somerville, TX 77879 Dr. Sam McManus Aubrey Luce 979-412-3140 T. W. Garrett 203 Cove Creek Lane 265 Sloan [email protected] Scholarship Coordinator Houston, TX 77042 Lufkin, Texas 75901 8015 Plum Grove Road 713-785-0257 (936) 414-5368 Shane Wright Cleveland, TX 77327 [email protected] [email protected] Box 1166, Canadian, Texas 79014 281-399-0822 [email protected] [email protected] Tony Hawley 404 E. College Dale Bounds Mike Fuller Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Newsletter Editor 2010 East Jackson St 830-889-5819 206 Rosedale Dr Paris, TX 75460 [email protected] Lufkin, TX 75901 903-784-0627 936-635-2116 [email protected] [email protected] Regional Field Staff

Shawn Roberts Ray Hood Jason Hardin Director of Field Ops, Western Region Regional Director – South Texas Upland Game Bird Specialist TPWD 1018 Samuel Lane, Mt Pleasant, TX 75455 San Antonio, TX 78260 4652 CR 2612, Oakwood TX 75855 903-573-4570 830-998-0441 (w) 903-322-2770 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Scotty Parsons Robbi Vincent East Texas Regional Biologist Regional Director – North Texas 1210 Sailfish, Bayou Vista, TX 77563 817-437-3014 409-739-5553 [email protected] [email protected] Evan Brown Gene T. Miller Regional Director – East Texas Regional Biologist – West Texas & Oklahoma 214-868-7524 712 Foster Lane, Canyon, TX 79015 [email protected] 806/655-9416 Office/Fax 806/316-0232 Mobile [email protected]