Wild Turkey Federation

TEXAS CHAPTER NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

NEWSLETTER NO. 22 - JULY 2008 WILD TURKEY CENTER NEWSLETTER NO. 38 - DECEMBER 2016 http://www.nwtf.org/about/state/Texas POST OFFICE BOX 530 July 21, 2008 EDGEFIELD, SC 29824-0530 EDITOR - DALE BOUNDS http://www.facebook.com/TexasNWTF 770 AUGUSTA ROAD EDGEFIELD, SC 29824-1510 803-637-3106 PassingDear on Texas Member:the Hunting Tradition . . . 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:

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

All orders are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Quantities are limited on subsidized seed due to the dollars allocated to the program. Seed will ship approximately two weeks from date of order.

Biologic Texas Draw can be broadcast or planted with a grain drill. Spread the seed on a well-prepared seedbed at 40 lbs. per acre. Use a cultipacker or a drag to lightly cover the seed. Do not disk, as this will bury the seeds too deep for germination. Texas Draw is best planted in September or October in Texas. Typically the southern and western counties receive their moisture during these months, and some soil moisture is necessary to establish the plot.

***As an additional benefit, each member can purchase additional bags of Biologic 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.

Sincerely,

Bob Linder Brandon JacobTexas completes State Chapter his President 2,189 mile hike on the AppalachianNational Trail Wild Turkeyfor the Federation restoration of the Eastern Wild Turkey in Texas...see page 6 and learn how you can help.

Dedicated to conservation of the wild turkey Our Mission: and the preservation of our hunting heritage 2017 2017 NWTF TEXASNWTF TEXAS AWARDS DINNER AWARDS& CASIN0 DINNER NIGHT & CASIN0 NIGHT JANUARY 21,2017 JANUARY 21,2017 BEST WESTERN2017 PREMIERBEST WESTERN BRYAN COLLEGE PREMIER STATION BRYAN COLLEGE STATION NWTF5:30 TEXAS TO 11:00 5:30 TO 11:00 Get ready for a night of fun,fellowship,andGet ready for a night rcoginition of fun,fellowship,and of all the great rcoginition of all the great AWARDS DINNER & CASIN0 NIGHT work the Texas Chapterswork have the done Texas this Chapters past year. have done this past year. JANUARY 21,2017 $75.00 Single (Includes $1000.table$75.00 money Single ) / $150.00 (Includes Couple $1000.table (Includes money $2500.00 ) / $150.00 table Couplemoney) (Includes $2500.00 table money) BEST WESTERN PREMIER BRYAN COLLEGE STATION Contact your RD for RegistrationContact your RD for Registration

5:30 TO 11:00 Get ready for a night of fun,fellowship,and rcoginition of all the great work the Texas Chapters have done this past year.

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Hotel ReservationsHotel Reservations can be made through can be the made throughHotel Reservations the can be made through the BEST WESTERN PREMIER BRYAN COLLEGE STATION BEST WESTERN PREMIER BRYAN COLLEGEBEST WESTERN STATION PREMIER BRYAN COLLEGE STATION 1920 Austins Colony Pkwy, Bryan,TX, 77802 1920979 Austins-731-5300 Colony Pkwy, Bryan,TX,1920 77802 Austins Colony Pkwy, Bryan,TX, 77802 979-731-5300 979-731-5300 From Your Texas State NWTF Interim President... Larry Noble I am your Interim President sometimes. I have a wonderful son and stepson, a daughter and now. Our President, Craig White, daughter-in-law, two granddaughters and three grandsons who I is taking time off due to medical thoroughly enjoy. issues, so let’s all wish him well. I look forward to working with you and every chapter in I hope with everyone’s help and Texas. I would like to wish everyone a Blessed & Merry Christmas guidance I can keep things rolling & a Happy New Year. Be safe on your travels & enjoy your time in the Texas NWTF State Chapter. with family & friends through the holidays. You volunteers are the ones that Join us in College Station, Jan 21,2017 for our Texas State make it happen and then our professional staff convert your Awards Banquet and Casino Games…. The events will be held efforts into positive actions for our … “Save the Habitat, Save the at the best Western Premier hotel in Bryan/College Station. 1920 Hunt Programs.” Austin Colony Parkway Bryan, Texas, 77802, phone 979-731- About me and the NWTF…I am a Diamond Life NWTF 5300. There’s an attachment invitation inside the Front Cover. Sponsor and have been a very active member NWTF for the past Come and enjoy a great Casino Night with Family & friends. 15 years. It began in 2001 when a good friend invited to my first The 41st annual Convention & Sport Show is February Houston NWTF Chapter Banquet. I quickly became involved as a 15-19, 2017. This is your invitation to join the Texas NWTF committee member, helping with the Texas State Calling contest delegation and have great time in Nashville, Tennessee. Enjoy and working in membership booths at JAKES events and then Early Bird Social Wednesday night, Welcome party on Thursday went on to participate in JAKES events in San Antonio, Kerrville night, Ladies Hunt Auction/Luncheon, Friday & much more Chapter and was asked to attend the Double H Ranch in Datil, New like shopping, turkey calling contest, Seminars, scavenger hunts Mexico with Texas Youth Program (Southeast Texas Program) & enjoy The Wild Turkey Bourbon Watering Hole, & last but I volunteered to be a NWTF Texas District Director and not least there’s over 750 booths in the Exhibit Hall. For more helped start two chapters; Heart of the Hills NWTF Chapter in information go to nwtf.org/convention to find out more. I forgot Kerrville and the Hill Country NWTF Chapter in Fredericksburg. to mention; Look forward to the top name “Entertainment “. The Also, I have been involved from 2004-08 at a Youth Outdoor Opryland hotel have sold out of atrium rooms so if you call, they Leadership Camp & National Projects for Game Management will probably tell you that so here’s a website https://aws.passkey. practices. com/g/58785486, this might help I’m told. I have a very wonderful wife who has no problem with Larry Noble my passion of the outdoors. In fact, she enjoys going with me Interim President, Texas State Chapter - NWTF

NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION SEMINARS BY TV CELEBRITIES SEMINARS BY TV CELEBRITIES RAFFLES LIVE RAFFLES AUCTIONS LIVE AUCTIONS FEBRUARY 15-19, 2017 FEBRUARY 15-19, 2017 Seminars • Great Food

• Sport Show (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) featuring over 600 Entertainment booths with the latest in hunting gear • Family Adventure Village:600 hands-on activities for the entire Auctions • Sport Show (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)family featuring over booths with the latest in hunting gear• Entertainment by Street Corner Symphony, Dueling Pianos • Family Adventure Village: hands-on activities for the entire Grand National NWTF Turkey family We’re taking the biggest party of convention - the Wednesday night • Entertainment by Street Corner Symphony,Early Bird Dueling Social Pianos - to the Wildhorse Saloon in Downtown Nashville! Calling Competition We’re taking the biggest party of convention - the Wednesday night Early Bird Social - to the Wildhorse Saloon in Downtown Nashville!HOTEL BLOCK NOW OPEN! Book a reservation at the beautiful Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee HOTEL BLOCK NOW OPEN! Block will be released Jan. 17. Call (877) 491-7397 or book online at NWTF.org/convention. Book a reservation at the beautiful Gaylord Opryland ResortTICKETS and Convention ON Center SALE in Nashville, NOW! Tennessee NWTF.ORG/CONVENTION Block will be released Jan. 17. Call (877) 491-7397 or book online at NWTF.org/convention. TICKETS ON SALE NOW! NWTF.ORG/CONVENTION1 National Wild Turkey Federation Texas NWTF Officer of the Year Winner: Sgt. Dean Fitzpatrick

SGT Dean Fitzpatrick has limited opportunities gathered over lengthy time periods into usable tools to interact with the public as a standard uniformed for prosecutors. officer. However, SGT Fitzpatrick’s work behind the It is apparent he loves his job and is scenes protecting our natural resources, providing dedicated to resource conservation. While working in public safety and assisting department employees CID, he has partnered with field wardens across the provide great benefits to the public and Department. State to conduct investigations on some of the most SGT Fitzpatrick has lived in Montgomery County for a serious resource crimes committed. The feedback number of years and is well respected. He is very active from those working with him is always positive and in the youth baseball program there, having served as a appreciative. SGT Fitzpatrick’s positive attitude and coach and league President and represents the Department well in all demeanor allows him to easily build relationships and partnerships endeavors. with law enforcement, prosecutors and judges across the state which Dean is the lead Overt CID investigator for the Criminal greatly assists in his ability to move forward with investigations in Investigation Division. SGT Fitzpatrick has taken a lead role various jurisdictions. investigating critical incidents, threats on employees and theft related CID is a small unit that works statewide investigations and cases involving sensitive department equipment in addition to high depends on each other for support and guidance. SGT. Fitzpatrick profile complicated resource investigations. Resource investigations has proved to be an exceptional team member within the unit on focus on criminal activity related to the commercialized exploitation numerous call outs and investigations. An important part of being a of a variety of state resources which are highlighted under section CID investigator is developing resources/contacts within and outside E. SGT Fitzpatrick responds to calls for service on a statewide level the agency. Case success many times depends on the right person working with Game Wardens, state, federal and local agencies and receiving critical information in a timely manner. SGT Fitzpatrick’s prosecutors / judges at all levels. SGT Fitzpatrick is always prepared ability to build relationships and work within a team has directly to respond at a moment’s notice and stays until the job is completed, resulted in case success in Texas and other states (Kansas – see which often takes weeks or even longer. SGT Fitzpatrick manages below in section E). SGT Fitzpatrick is continuously in contact with a diverse case load requiring continuous follow up to help ensure a field wardens discussing possible leads and proactive approaches positive outcome. Since joining CID SGT Fitzpatrick has worked to working resource crime. Additionally, he has developed a hard to improve his investigative capabilities and has become an number of resources outside the agency, including state prosecutors expert interviewer / interrogator. SGT Fitzpatrick’s communication and numerous officers in other agencies. These resources have skills and demeanor allows him to connect with people with various been instrumental in a number of investigations, most notably backgrounds increasing his success in obtaining valuable information investigations related to recovery of sensitive equipment. SGT while conducting interviews / interrogations. SGT Fitzpatrick has Fitzpatrick is a member of the STORM Team and has contributed upgraded the level of expectations related to investigative reports directly with investigations and provided exceptional training based with his innovation and approach to compiling complex information on his work as a CID investigator. Research Update: Wild Turkey Research Texas By Dr. Bret Collier We have a pretty extensive update on all the turkey research over the past year in Texas. We have several project that have wound down and several new projects that are just now coming online on a variety of topics. So, I am going to hit the highlights of several ongoing projects and provide a few updates on some new work we are initiating in Texas. It is an exciting time to be a turkey biologist working in Texas. First, Texas A&M graduate student Mason Conley finished all his field research and completed his Master’s thesis (some of you might run across Mason in his new position with Texas Parks and Wildlife in District 3). Texas A&M University graduate student Luke Scroggs, along with lead Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists have been monitoring 54 GPS tagged Rio Grande wild turkeys in the Cross Timbers and Prairie ecoregions of Texas at five different locations (four private ranches and the LBJ National Grassland). Overall this year, we during the last 6 seasons we have tagged over 500 Rio Grande wild leg banded about 85 female and 6 male Rio Grande wild turkeys up in turkeys, deployed over 300 GPS units and gathered over 1.5 million the Cross Timbers and Prairie ecoregion. Just to keep folks up to date, (Continued on Page 17)

2 Caddo-LBJ Grasslands receives Regional Forester Award

The U.S. Forest Service honored employees and partners recently for exemplary work, dedication and commitment in the Southern Region at the 2016 Regional Forester’s Honor Awards. This year’s theme for the awards was, “Resilient People. Resilient Forests.” “Our employees have worked so hard this year to achieve the safest, highest quality outcomes. I am proud to recognize their outstanding accomplishments,” said Regional Forester Tony Tooke. “Our success would not have been possible without the support and efforts of our partners, volunteers and others who I am proud to honor as well.” Austin Sewell, Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands and Gene T. Miller, National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) received the Restored and Resilient Landscapes award for major achievements in restoration and in attaining land management objectives. Through the collaborative efforts of the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas and the NWTF, a partnership for more than $1 (L-R) Tony Tooke, USFS Southern Regional Forester; Gene T. Miller, million in conservation funding, is taking place in the Caddo and NWTF District Biologist for West Texas & Oklahoma; and, Austin Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands. Sewell, District Rangeland & Wildlife Staff Officer, Caddo-LBJ Over the next five years, the NWTF will remove 2,700 acres of National Grasslands invasive red cedar trees, restoring prairies to their native ecosystems. Work will also include creating fuel breaks that will reduce the impact of wildfires, as well as restoring 180 acres of watershed on the grasslands. “This project reduces the buildup of extremely flammable trees and underbrush in the national grasslands north of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and it will help restore the land to its historic tall grass prairie ecosystems and increase the variety of wildlife including northern bobwhite quail, white-tailed deer, and Rio Grande and Eastern wild turkeys,” said Jim Crooks, National Forests and Grasslands in Texas Fire and Timber Team Leader.

Austin Sewell inspects fresh fall burn on Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands. Fall prescribed burn on the Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands. 3 NWTF Leadership Conference

Craig White, Justin Curry, Dick McCarver, Dorothy McCarver, Eddie Hines, Marsha Hines, Dean Castillo, Sharon Castillo, Kim Puotts, K.D. Harper, Richard Sewall, Lisa Sewall, Chris Womack, Tammy Womack, Kyle Verner, Dale Thompson, Duane Calkins, Megan Calkins, Pat Pucik, Lance Gray, Jason Lassere, Peter Cornell, John Weatheread, and Melissa Weatheread (not in order as seen in photo).

EDGEFIELD, S.C. – More than 700 of the National Wild Turkey this trip again this year and make so many new friends that share the Federation’s most dedicated volunteers and staff rallied in Edgefield passion and devotion for such a great organization!”—Craig White, for the conservation organization’s National Leadership Conference, Texas State Chapter, April AWOL Chapter (Nacogdoches, TX) a triennial get-together for education, training and fellowship. “I grew up in an environment rich in teaching me to not only “The NWTF is responsible for numerous conservation successes, care for but respect nature. Going to the NWTF (Leadership) and not one of them would have been possible if it weren’t for the Conference was an experience that showed me that there are many passionate men and women with boots on the ground carrying out the more just like me. Also, it gave me a sense of urgency to see myself NWTF mission,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “Our National amongst the crowd as one of the youngest in attendance. However, Leadership Conference is all about sharing our vision for the future to see the work being done by NWTF truly keeps to their promise… to ensure our volunteers and field staff return inspired, ready to fight Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. To see that in action was truly for our wildlife and the way of life we cherish so deeply.” an amazing experience.”–Duane Calkins, Deep East Texas Chapter Friday’s activities included a variety of educational seminars (Jasper, TX) for volunteers to learn about new ideas and initiatives from the “The NWTF Leadership Conference was a great experience. I NWTF, as well as best practices for long-standing programs. Topics got to meet lots of like-minded people and pull away great ideas included: strategic planning at the national and state levels; NWTF from others. I found the convention to be very educational and lands program and the role of flagship projects; mentored hunting rejuvenating as an NWTF volunteer. I would highly recommend it involvement; and partnering for public policy at the state level. for any volunteer who is able to go. I personally can’t wait for the “Twenty-four volunteers from Texas attended this year’s National chance to go back.”–Justin Curry, Panola County Chapter (Carthage, Leadership Conference. The scope of the NWTF’s work was an eye TX) opener for many of them a will give them the background to advance On Saturday, volunteers attended a ceremony to honor the NWTF mission in Texas. The Texas State Chapter looks at this conservation partners, toured the NWTF headquarters and as an investment in Save the Habitat/Save the Hunt in our state. I warehouse, and experienced the new Founder’s Exhibit at the was fortunate enough to attend the NLC in 2013 and it opened my NWTF’s Winchester Wild Turkey Museum. They also explored eyes to everything the NWTF had to offer. It motivated me to want and enjoyed the Palmetto Shooting Complex – an NWTF flagship to be more active and I was honored to make that trip with some of property within its lands program – shooting sporting clays, trap and the most devoted volunteers I had ever met. It was an honor to make skeet. 4 West Texas District Biologist Report By Gene Miller District Biologist – Western Texas (806) 803-0180 • [email protected] Greetings and I hope everyone who reads this has had a great fall hunting season! We had another excellent year for ground-nesting birds with all the timely rains. With a good production year in 2015 to build on, we’ve had record production of quail in the West Texas Rolling Plains during 2016…it seems that Rio Grande wild turkeys did very well. We did hear some reports of Eastern wild turkey production as well on restoration areas. NWTF’s Save the Habitat. Save The Hunt. – NWTF’s national habitat and hunting heritage initiative continues to move forward in the Lone Star State with habitat acres accruing in some of your NWTF Focal Landscapes and beyond from west to east, and north to south. This year we tallied 3,799 acres conserved/ enhanced and most of that was from six Caddo National Grasslands, Jerry Anderson inspecting new gate. projects in East Texas, including large projects on some good habitat reclamation work done for sure! Cooper Lake WMA, Gus Engeling WMA, Alazan Bayou WMA, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work with TPWD at Lake Sam Houston NF WMA. Terry Turney and Shawn Coleman leased and Granger and Lake Ray Roberts – We spent ~$50,000 on hunter access established 11,330 acres of public hunting lands for TPWD, we extended improvement projects with funding from TPWD at Lake Granger in our agreement with them through August of 2018, and have just hired a concert with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We are about to spend new employee for north central Texas. another $75,000 on improving seven hunting access areas at Lake Ray New $1 million hazardous fuels grant on Caddo-LBJ National Roberts, also with TPWD funding…your places to hunt and mentor Grasslands – National Wild Turkey Federation has completed $250,000 youth! worth of work on the Caddo National Grassland in Fannin County Dan Johnson is back! My partner is back to full duty and working through a Challenge Cost Share Agreement this first year. We are for the wild turkey in East Texas. Please continue to pray for his complete thankful for this opportunity to partner with U.S. Forest Service and recovery. proudly acknowledge Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas Final ramblings – I always offer my personal thanks to all our Texas A&M Forest Service as excellent cooperators in this work. We impacted NWTF staff, state board, and all of you volunteers for what you do each ~550 acres of work on the ground this year! The U.S. Forest Service day to further our mission. Without you, we would not have an NWTF. came behind all the mechanical work done in 2014 and 2015 on LBJ If any of you members have questions for me, please contact me at National Grassland, and this year’s work on Caddo National Grassland [email protected] and 806/803-0180 (office) and we’ll visit. Until next WMA and burned upwards of 3,800 acres in October! That is getting time, be well, be safe, and good hunting!

Riparian Restoration, Muse WMA, Brown County. Mastication of firebreak, Caddo National Grasslands, Ladonia Unit.

5 “I hiked the Appalachian Trail, 2,189 miles for the Eastern Wild Turkey Restoration in Texas” – Brandon Jacob

Brandon Jacob completed his adventure challenge for years, at 50 years of age he has GoFundMe account to accept donations last September 28th. He summited Mt. completed this feat. Out of 2,000 people each while he was on the trail. Katahdin in Baxter State Park (Maine) and year attempting this AT hike from Georgia to These funds will be matched 4 to 1 by completed all 2,189 miles of the Appalachian Maine only 20% complete it. TPWD from the Upland Gamebird Stamp Trail (AT), which he started April 5, 2016 at Restoration of the Eastern Wild fund. Brandon’s goal was to raise $50,000 Springer Mt. Georgia. Turkey(EWT) in East Texas was his which will mean that $250,000 could be According to Brandon, “The challenge motivating factor. Brandon, an avid turkey applied to the restoration effort! To date, of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail was hunter, owns land in Polk County and would Brandon has had approximately $20,000 a combination of beautiful scenery, body like to see the EWT prosper again in Texas. pledged for EWTR. breaking climbs, crazy weather, knee jarring According to Steve Peters…YOU CAN There is still an opportunity for anyone descents and never ending miles. The STILL MAKE A PLEDGE. The Houston to contribute to this unique fundraiser that hike demanded 100% of my physical and NWTF Chapter is pleased to report that will have a significant impact on the EWTR mental facilities. I walked through some of our committeeman, Brandon Jacob, has Project in East Texas. Any amount will help the most amazing mountain ranges in our completed a thru-hike of the entire 2,189 and remember that the 4 to 1 match makes beautiful country including The Smokies, mile Appalachian Trail! this the absolute best way to get the most Shenandoah’s, Greens and Whites and met Brandon put the word out that folks bang for your bucks and to support this great some of the most incredible people along the could pledge a few cents per mile or a straight initiative benefiting wild turkeys in Texas! way.” dollar amount that would be collected once The donations are being collected by the Brandon has thought about this the hike was done. Brandon had set up a Houston Chapter NWTF and when all the donations are in, the money will be sent to NWTF headquarters and earmarked for this very important project. The NWTF will then apply for the matching funds and donate the entire amount that was raised in support of Brandon’s hike to the EWTR in Texas effort. Every dime will be spent as Brandon intended before he undertook the hike. The Eastern Wild Turkey Restoration Project will receive it all! Please send your donation directly to the Houston Chapter NWTF at the address below. Yours in conservation, Steve Peters Houston NWTF 9426 Shadow Gate Lane Houston, Texas 77040 Dale Bounds releasing Eastern Wild Turkeys in Cherokee Co. Texas, March 2016. 6 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Report: EASTERN TURKEY RESTORATION CONTINUES TPWD reopened the Eastern turkey restoration program in 2014. Over the past three years, TPWD has released just over 500 wild turkeys at 6 sites in east Texas. TPWD has plans to release another 100 wild turkeys this winter, completing the 2016 restoration efforts in Cherokee County and initiating restoration on a 7th site in northern Anderson County. In addition to conducting restoration efforts this winter, TPWD is cur- rently evaluating multiple sites for potential restoration in 2018. Interested in pursuing a turkey restoration effort in your area? Visit www.tpwd.texas.gov/turkey and review the Eastern Turkey Stocking Fact Sheet. There are also a number of YouTube videos on this site describing the ongoing restoration effort.

WILD TURKEY BANDING STUDY two year old gobblers on the landscape this coming spring. With this TPWD and our partners have been banding wild turkeys for large number of two year old birds across most of the Rio Grande decades. However, this past winter that banding effort increased range in Texas, hunting will be excellent. significantly. The increased banding is part of an effort to assess harvest rates at the ecoregion scale. All bands are marked with TPWD By Jason Hardin and a TPWD phone number. Please report your banded turkey if you 903-322-2770 are fortunate enough to harvest one of these marked birds. [email protected]

SPRING TURKEY HUNTING FORCAST Eastern turkey numbers are slowly increasing in several historic strongholds in east Texas. However, there is still room for consider- Rio Grande wild turkey and poults able growth. TPWD and NWTF are promoting habitat management to grow existing populations with on-the-ground habitat restoration and management to support sustainable turkey populations. Texas has approximately 500,000 Rios Grande wild turkeys, which is the highest number Rios in the country. We also have the highest number of Rio Grande turkey hunters and highest Rio Grande turkey harvest. Rio Grande turkey numbers fluctuate heav- ily from year to year based primarily on drought and rainfall cycles. Texas had a great hatch in 2015. That means there will be a ton of

7 East Texas District Biologist Report By Dan Johnson District Biologist – Eastern Texas (406) 239-6454 • [email protected]

Friends and colleagues, there is no way me to doctors’ appointments and surgical for me to adequately express my gratitude to procedures and the prayers got me through EASTERN WILD TURKEY HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS ON ALAZAN BAYOU all of you. I am fortunate enough to be back them. I have been humbled by the character WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, NACOGDOCHES COUNTY, TEXAS in active status after months on medical leave and disposition of the NWTF community. To improve and provide consistent annual nesting, brood-rearing, foraging, and roosting habitat for eastern wild and I can honestly attest to your support Thank you all. turkey on Alazan Bayou Wildlife Management Area (WMA), our objectives are to restore native herbaceous for helping me and my family overcome a So, back in active status, I am looking dominance in old-field upland habitat, reduce woody plant encroachment in linear openings and log-decks, and difficult time. forward to getting involved once again in improve native hardwood regeneration within bottomland hardwood habitat. We began restoring native grasses For those of you who were not aware, habitat and turkey population restoration. on up to 100 acres of pasture dominated by non-native invasive grasses. We applied herbicide to our restoration I was facing a type of bone cancer, clival There are many ongoing and proposed sites using a tractor and boom sprayer (Figure 1). Additionally, we purchased 775 pounds of a variety of native chordoma. For this I was forced to undergo projects in eastern Texas which Mr. Gene grass seeds and are cold-storing these seeds until we plant them with a drill-seed in February or March 2017. Prior to drilling the seed, we plan to burn the restoration site to remove dead plant material and spot-treat with several surgeries and treatments. During this Miller has been holding together and herbicide any competitive herbaceous plant response. Additionally, we contracted with a vendor to mulch time I was amazed at the cards, emails, phone promoting in addition to those in his territory. woody plant encroachment (Figure 2) along roadsides and historic log decks on the WMA. This effort will calls, text messages, Facebook messages to At this time I am now reestablishing allow sunlight to the soil and should allow for herbaceous plant production beneficial to eastern wild turkey as my wife, and a million other ways that you all my connections for these projects and bugging and nesting habitat. This strategy was completed in August and September of 2016. We will maintain showed me an unbelievable amount of love partnerships which are addressing the goals these restored habitats with fire and herbicide. Finally, we contracted with a vendor to chemically treat and kill and support. This made me feel like a family and mission of the NWTF. Should you have 530 acres of Chinese tallowtree-infested river bottom on the WMA (Figure 3). We want to annually attack this plant on the WMA and up the watershed with other landowners in an effort to minimize competition with native member, not just a yearlong employee. any questions or potential opportunities to regeneratingFigure 2. hardwoods Mulch edbeneficial Woody to eastern Encroachment wild turkey for food on production and roost trees. This treatment The financial support from the Pineywoods enhance our role as integral land stewards, occurredAlazanDan, in BayouConleySeptember and WMA. and Brittany October Johnson, of 2016. We sincerely thank NWTF for continued financial support to Chapter and many other individuals got please contact me at any time. improve habitatThanksgiving for eastern wild 2016 turkey on the WMA. Your $9,500 grant funded 25% of the total project cost. Your efforts to educate the general public about wildlife conservation through your various programs and events is invaluable. We sincerely do appreciate and recognize the great conservation work NWTF provides to its partners and members. Alazan WMA/NWTF Super Fund Project Report Figure 1. Applying Herbicide on Native Grass To improve and provide We will maintain these restored habitats with Restoration Site at Alazan Bayou WMA. consistent annual nesting, fire and herbicide. Finally, we contracted

brood-rearing, foraging, and with a vendor to chemically treat and kill 530 roosting habitat for eastern wild turkey on acres of Chinese tallowtree-infested river Alazan Bayou Wildlife Management Area bottom on the WMA (Figure 3). We want to

(WMA), our objectives are to restore native annually attack this plant on the WMA and herbaceous dominance in old-field upland up the watershed with other landowners in an habitat, reduce woody plant encroachment effort to minimize competition with native in linear openings and log-decks, and regenerating hardwoods beneficial to eastern improve native hardwood regeneration wild turkey for food production and roost within bottomland hardwood habitat. We trees. This treatment occurred in September began restoring native grasses on up to 100 and October of 2016. We sincerely thank acres of pasture dominated by non-native NWTF for continued financial support to Figure 3. Applying Herbicide to Chinese invasive grasses. We applied herbicide to improve habitat for eastern wild turkey on the TallowtreesApplying herbicide on onAlazan native grass Bayou restoration WMA. our restoration sites using a tractor and WMA. Your $9,500 grant funded 25% of the site at Alazan Bayou WMA. boom sprayer (Figure 1). Additionally, we total project cost. Your efforts to educate the purchased 775 pounds of a variety of native general public about wildlife conservation grass seeds and are cold-storing these seeds through your various programs and events until we plant them with a drill-seed in is invaluable. We sincerely do appreciate February or March 2017. Prior to drilling Figureand recognize 2. Mulch theed great Woody conservation Encroachment work on the seed, we plan to burn the restoration site AlazanNWTF providesBayou WMA. to to remove dead plant material and spot-treat with herbicide any competitive herbaceous plant response. Additionally, we contracted with a vendor to mulch woody plant encroachment (Figure 2) along roadsides and historic log decks on the WMA. This effort will allow sunlight to the soil and should allow for herbaceous plant production beneficial to eastern wild turkey as bugging and nesting habitat. This strategy was Mulched woody encroachment on the Alazan Applying herbicide to Chinese tallowtrees on the completed in August and September of 2016. Bayou WMA. Alazan Bayou WMA.

8 Figure 3. Applying Herbicide to Chinese Tallowtrees on Alazan Bayou WMA.

Texas Longleaf Implementation Team,(txlongleaf.com) Kent Evans- Coordinator 979 308 1600 / [email protected] Texas Longleaf Implementation Task Force

The Texas Longleaf Taskforce was created in 2010 to promote the restoration of Longleaf pine on private and public forestlands in the state of Texas. The Taskforce started as a broad stakeholder Kent Evans group of private landowners, state and federal agencies, and Coordinator industry members. It included non-profit organizations such as The (979) 308-1600 Nature Conservancy, Texas Forestry Association, and the National Wild Turkey Federation and now has over 250 participants. [email protected] In 2014, the Taskforce developed a steering committee of txlongleaf.org 15 conservation organizations known as the Texas Longleaf Implementation Team (TLIT). The TLIT operates under a The Texas Longleaf Taskforce was created in formalized Declaration of Partnership signed by the state wide 2010 to promote the restoration of Longleaf pine on private and public forestlands in the state of leader of each organization. This TLIT structure is similar to The TLIT servesTexas. as a The leadership Taskforce team started for as athe broad Texas stakeholder group of private landowners, state and America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative (ALRI) and the Longleaf Taskforce.federal Team agencies, members and industry are members.listed below. It included non-profit organizations such as The Nature associated Longleaf Partnership Council. The TLIT strategy is Conservancy,NWTF Texas Forestry Association, and the National Wild Turkey Federation and now has over 250 participants. focused on two areas of East Texas: Longleaf Ridge and Big Texas A&M Forest Service Thicket. These areas have been identified in the ALRI’s “Range- wide Conservation Plan” (2009) as “Significant Geographic Areas” InInternational 2014, the Taskforce Paper developed a steering committee of 15 conservation organizations known (SGAs). SGA’s are concentrated areas within the historic range of Texasas the Forestry Texas Longleaf Association Implementation Team (TLIT). The TLIT operates under a formalized Declaration of Partnership signed by the state wide leader of each organization. This TLIT longleaf where some existing stands of longleaf can still be found Texas Parks Wildlife Department structure is similar to America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative (ALRI) and the associated such as National Forests, State Forests, National Park Service ResourceLongleaf Management Partnership Council Service. The TLIT strategy is focused on two areas of East Texas: Preserves, conservation holdings, and others. LongleafTexas RidgeA&M and IRNR Big Thicket. These areas have been identified in the ALRI’s “Range-wide Central to TLIT’s overarching goals, the team has a number National ResourceConservation Conservation Plan” (2009) as Service“Significant Geographic Areas” (SGAs). SGA’s are concentrated of ongoing efforts concerning the Longleaf Pine forest system areasUS withinForest the Service historic range of longleaf where some existing stands of longleaf can still be in East Texas. (courtesy of Texas A&M Forest Service) TLIT found such as National Forests, State Forests, National Park Service Preserves, conservation also participates in a number of East Texas Longleaf restoration US Fishholdings, and and Wildlife others. Service projects. The Conservation Fund TLIT Vision Lower MississippiCentral to TLIT's Valley overarching Joint Venture goals, the team has a number of ongoing efforts concerning Maintain, improve, and restore functional longleaf pine Thethe Nature Longleaf Conservency Pine forest system in East Texas. (courtesy of Texas A&M Forest Service) TLIT also participates in a number of East Texas Longleaf restoration projects. ecosystems that provide sustainable economic, ecological, and Campbell Global social values. NationalTLIT Vision Park Service TLIT Mission Promote the maintenance and restoration of the longleaf pine ecosystem on private and public forestlands, including its cultural 2. increase educational opportunities for practitioners and and economic values, through a collaborative network of diverse landowners stakeholders and working groups. Find and connect interested land 3. improve collaboration and partnerships owners to funding and assistance programs for longleaf. 4. seek funding to assist longleaf restoration TLIT Goals This team respects private landowner rights and land owner 1. provide technical assistance to private landowners management objectives.

9 NWTF and farmers leading efforts to promote and preserve hunting heritage By: Tyler Kirby With this success NWTF would like to bring the Bushels of Regional Director Texas Panhandle Conservation Program to the State of Texas and continue to (620) 339-9026 • [email protected] make a huge impact and preserve our hunting heritage through these incredible donations! With the number of hunters across the U.S. and Texas in Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia said, “It is easier to decline, The NWTF is turning to America’s proven successful take away our hunting rights than it is our gun rights.” There’s business owners for help; the American farmer and rancher. a significant need to be a part of the NWTF’s efforts. It will As the stewardsmission of the land and providers of whatand is served take objectives partnerships like Bushels of Conservations to protect our across our kitchen tables, farmers and ranchers have earned hunting heritage and turn the trend. And, your and our efforts their position1. asSAVE the champions THE HUNT. of agriculture, and of the will last for generations to come. outdoors, and its• Raisebounties. funds to help secure the future of our huntingNWTF heritage Regional by gettingDirector kidsTyler off Kirby the willcouch be hosting The decline andof hunters back into stems the from outdoors several sources; lack several events throughout the Panhandle area in the near of access to hunting land, a decline in wildlife habitat, and future where he’ll explain NWTF programs and how your most importantly,• Provide few organizations shooting sports to opportunitieseffectively teach to recruitcontribution and re-engage or involvement people can of allbe agesof mutual to the benefit to you, and promote safehunting and ethical lifestyle hunting to our youth. Less the NWTF and our future generations. Call Tyler at 620-339- than 1 and 10 •Americans Provide hunter own a education hunting license. opportunities With the and 9026, increase or e-mail gun safetyhim at [email protected],awareness and relevance to be included in one population increasing, hunter numbers are declining. Obesity of these events. and social problems• Sponsor plague NWTF our “JAKES” youth, memberships for kids who attend NWTF shooting events with many kids spending more time on the NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION couch playing video games than in school. Hunting and2. outdoorSAVE THEpursuits HABITAT. are great character building alternatives for everyone, especially our • youth. Secure Fewor enhance organizations public access to privateBUSHELS and public lands for more places to hunt have the resources,• Help proven fund conservationvolunteers and projects to improve habitat for all species of wildlife staff, and management efficiencies to lead of CONSERVATION efforts to improve• Enhance our hunting land set heritage. aside for youth-only hunting opportunities by assisting with food plots The National •Wildlife Work withTurkey our Federationpartners to improve habitat on our state parks to make them more has an impressive history and devotion to our projects likeappealing Jakes for Youth,for wildlife Wheelin Sportsman, Women in the Outdoors, Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt, improving public hunting3. GROW access, and NWTF a large MEMBERSHIPS and effective groupAn of programsincrease to in benefit upper land level memberships = LOUDER VOICE Across the United and wildlife conservation.States when And it wecomes manage to our rights as hunters and conservationists! our contributions well. Of the $488,000,000 contributed since 1985, over 91% is visible on the front-line of our projects. In the fall ofSupport 2012 the NWTFthe Save launched the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative by a program in both Nebraska and Kansas incentive program introducingLIVESTOCK a – DONATEfriend 1 COW to the NWTF.DONATE 401-600 BUSHELS called Bushels of Conservation. This is NWTF sponsor membership! Plus a GUARANTEED gun! NWTF sponsor membership! Plus a GUARANTEED gun! a program where Kansas and Nebraska GUNwww.nwtf.org/STH2 – glock handgun 9mm, .40 or .45 cal GUN – glock handgun 9mm, .40 or .45 cal. farmers can donate crops, such as, corn, LIVESTOCK – DONATE 2 COWS DONATE 601-800 BUSHELS NWTF sponsor membership! Plus a GUARANTEED gun! NWTF sponsor membership! Plus a GUARANTEED gun! wheat, milo, and soybeans to the NWTF to GUN(800) – 2016 limited THE-N edition nwtf WTF exclusive gun GUN – springfield xds, xdm (9mm, .45 or .40 cal.) help fund and manage programs. The initial (Browning sweet 16 shotgun or Browning X-Bolt Medallion Maple) DONATE 801-1000 BUSHELS results were awesome as farmers stepped NWTF silver life membership! Plus a GUARANTEED gun! To donate contact Barry WoodsDONATE (620) 50-400 BUSHELS 417-0692, [email protected] – 2016 limited edition nwtf exclusive gun up and answered the call. This has now NWTF sponsor membership! Plus ENTRY into a GUN drawing! (Browning sweet 16 shotgun or Browning X-Bolt expanded withTyler ranchers Kirby donating (620) 339-9026,cattle. GUN [email protected] – tristar over & under 12 ga. Medallion Maple) This programCrystal has a wide Adams variety (308) of benefits 737-7227, [email protected] for the contributor,Derek Payneand many (573) additional 999-45747, [email protected] opportunities are available to contribute Browning A5 Sweet 16 16 ga. wood 28" BBL Browning X-bolt .270 maple blued to, or become involved with the NWTF, to promote and preserve our hunting heritage. America’s farmers, ranchers and the NWTF working together to preserve our hunting heritage

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10 North Texas Robbi Vincent Regional Director - North Texas National Wild Turkey Federation 401 N. Carroll ave. Suite 127 Southlake, Tx 76092 817-437-3014 [email protected] www.nwtf.org/texas/

We’ve seen a lot of change through the years. We’ve survived through the good times and the hard times. NWTF Texas has the best volunteers of any state in the country. This past fall has brought lots of different thoughts and prayers. The loss of family members is never easy. I will say through un-shakable faith and the knowing that they have left you with great memories of the outdoors, makes it easier to swallow. Make sure this holiday season to not only be thankful and giving but reach out and enjoy the outdoors with someone special. We all do a lot of work to preserve our hunting heritage. I challenge you all to get out with friends, family, and a new hunter and share the great outdoors. I believe each of you reading this feels the passion to pass along our great story of the outdoors. Let’s all bring someone new into the enjoyment of hunting or fishing. we do this we will also be fulfilling the mission of the Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt. Most of you have seen the NWTF video “Rise and fly”. We can keep our hunting heritage alive and well if we will share it. Thank you all for all that you do. May you and your families have a very Merry Christmas. Have a safe and wonderful New Year and we will see you in Bryan College Station for the state awards dinner and casino night on January 21st at the Best Western Premier.

South Texas Mike Shouse Regional Director Southern Texas (512) 966-9539 [email protected] www.nwtf.org/texas/ Lots of good deer being taken and duck hunting is front of mind right now here the southern half of Texas. Everybody is thinking Christmas and that means “The Texas Gun Calendar”! So far the 52 gun calendars have been flying off the shelves, with chapters in my area already selling over 600 of the 1000 in the state. Tyler Kirby still has a few up north if you don’t have yours yet!!!! As far as banquets go, the Southern Texas Region finished strong this year in spite of the Oil downturn. While the crowds at events were down a bit, wallets were strong and the boys down south showed solid support for the mission. Several chapters had better numbers than last year and all events were solidly in the black. Looking forward to starting the spring banquet season and especially excited about a new special event at Brooklyn’s in Buda on April 25th. This event will be raising funds will benefit a very special bunch of St Jude’s kids and their families. Jointly with Sky High, we will be using these funds to make special wishes come true! Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more info in coming weeks. We folks trying to form up new chapters in Giddings, Cuero, Columbus, and the Woodlands. And our Richmond/Rosenberg chapter needs additional support Please contact me if you have any folks who might be interested in helping out! Good luck pursuing that big Texas buck and have a great Christmas and New Years!!!

11 Youth recruitment is our challenge…

They are the future of our hunting heritage

Photos by Kitty Bounds

12 What does the term “3-R’s” mean? By Robert Linder Texas NWTF Political Liaison Recruit young people into hunting! The NWTF and the TPWD along with hunters and fishermen on the national scale are all talking about the “3 R’s”. It has a great deal to do with our future in the outdoors. Hunters and fishermen purchase licenses and equipment . We get Pittman Robertson funds to help us with our wildlife from the hunting side of that. Licenses help fund our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. If you are not familiar with this term you need to become acquainted with it. Here is a short explanation.

1. RECRUIT – Help introduce a “new” person to hunting and fishing. NEW is very important. Taking a deer hunter on hisfirst turkey hunt is truly great, but we need someone who has never bought a hunting license to go hunting. You can take them on any kind of hunt. Get them to buy their first license. THIS is recruitment – This means young adult, older adult or teen agers. Many of you are already doing that and you are to be commended. The national surveys ranks us as “fair” in this area. Keep up the good work and expand, please. This usually means going with that “new” person on the hunt , or getting someone else to take them. So we accept that we are semi-successful at this level. We need to target more young adults.

2. RETAIN – here is where we “fail”. There MUST be follow up. Take the “new” person a 2nd time – or get them on a different type of hunt – or have someone else take them the 2nd time and talk about equipment and what they “need” when they start hunting on their own – plus purchasing their license freely themselves. We 13-year-old Braxton Oliver with his Boss Gobbler from Nacogdoches Co., have to get this new hunter established. We do not do a good job Adam Huggins, Pineywoods Committee member helped mentor Braxton on here. It can’t be just a father taking a child. In most cases, taking the this 2016 hunt. child from a hunting family to the outdoors is not the same as taking someone from a family that does not provide a hunting experience. We need to do that. We have to target that young person who hasn’t had the opportunity. WE can’t just give a young hunter a shower in the outdoors – he needs a soaking bath. WE are failing in this area all over our country.

3. RE-ACTIVATE – We have to find people who hunted earlier in life and re-introduce them again to our wonderful sport. Why did they quit hunting ? Usually for about 3 reasons. a. Hunting got too expensive for them. b. They could not find a place to hunt in our mostly private land state. c. They got too busy with family, work and other things. d. In some cases, – “No one to hunt with.” SO – What do we 2016 Texas State JAKES Shooting station ... April AWOL member need to do? We probably should invite them to go with us first. We “Passing on the tradition.” need to introduce them to our WMA hunts and the special Public Hunting license for $48.This would be of course, AFTER we take them ourselves to re-introduce them to our sport. None of us have done a good job here. WE must head in this direction to re-activate our former hunters who purchase licenses and equipment.

The actions above will insure our future for conservation , will provide monies for our state wildlife department , and give us the political clout we need to protect what we have as hunters and fishermen. NWTF at the national level is supportive of 3-R’s and they want Texas to have the same commitment. Let’s begin to think that way.

13 Mid-South Director of Development Report By Luke D. Lewis NWTF Mid-South Director of Development (318) 423-7777 • [email protected]

Greetings to all of my Texan NWTF Comrades! I hope each of you had a great holiday season and were able to spend time enjoying family and some down time in the woods. I appreciate the opportunity to have served NWTF as a regional biologist for 11 years and as a volunteer 16 years prior to that. Many of you who have supported NWTF over the years can be proud of being a part of watching turkey populations grow from 1.5 million birds in the early 70’s to now over 7 million birds in North America. Pretty impressive! Now our conservation organization has embarked upon a ten year commitment initiative “Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt” (STH2) to: conserve or enhance 4 million acres of critical upland habitat, create 1.5 million hunters, and open 500,000 additional acres to hunting. Looking at what we have accomplished in the first 4 years of this initiative we are track to meet and possibly exceed this conservation goal. Our organizations accomplishments this year include: • Together the NWTF, partners, supporters and volunteers conserved or enhanced 572,156 acres of habitat. This pushed our conserved or enhanced acreage total well over 1.7 million acres since the inception of Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. and exceeded our goal for the year.

• We also led the way in hunter R3 (recruitment, retention and reactivation) efforts across the country. This year, Luke Lewis with his big tom harvested in N. Louisiana. through our work and partnerships, we have helped another source of income to compliment the efforts your super recruit, retain, or reactivate nearly 225,000 hunters. Since fund, USFS Stewardship contracting dollars, and state and federal we launched Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt., the NWTF grant dollars provide in making the land we appreciate a better and our partners have helped recruit, retain, or reactivate place to hunt, conserve, and share for future generations. As I work 680,750 hunters, nearly half of our 1.5 million Save the to identify people and corporations that can give to NWTF in a Habitat. Save the Hunt. goal. philanthropic capacity, those dollars will allow our organization to build staff capacity, fund our national programs, and support the 87 • To complement our conservation and hunter focal landscapes identified across America. recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts, the NWTF I look forward to sharing how you as a volunteer and supporter and our supporters opened an additional 88,349 acres to of NWTF can consider an “Upper Level Gift” to NWTF. Your tax the public for outdoor recreation and hunting. This year’s deductible gift will help us deliver our conservation efforts in local accomplishments brings our four year total to 327,861 focal landscapes, to our national headquarters for support the many acres of access - well over half of our 500,000 acre goal. programs, and the Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt initiative that makes You might ask how we have been able to do this? Because of NWTF unique and “on target” to leaving nature a little better than we your support to local banquets and upper level giving conservation found it. Even if you can’t make a philanthropic gift at this time your efforts through the NWTF Texas State Chapter “Super Fund”, “circle of influence” with people is so important to those of us in the partnering with state and federal agencies to deliver regional grants NWTF development departments seeking these sponsor dollars. and stewardship contracting are putting NWTF on the fast track to Please feel free to call (318-423-7777 cell) or email me meet this goals established by NWTF state chapters across America. ([email protected]) to discuss your interest or people you know who You have been informed about many of these habitat projects have the ability to give philanthropically and desire to help our through this publication over the years for accomplishments that conservation efforts. Thank you all who support NWTF and make support improving landscape habitats across Texas and encouraging our organization special by providing your gifts of time, and your the recruitment, retention, and reactivation of hunters to support our financial contributions that have made a real difference and allowed hunting heritage for the future. us to accomplish some great work together. So when you ask yourself I took this new role as director of development to provide why should I support NWTF “Do it for the Gobble!”

14 If you know of Texas Private Land that can be leased for Public Hunting, please contact:

Terry Turney – CWG – NWTF TX Private Lands Leasing Biologist 302 Oak Ridge San Marcos, TX 78666 512-558-1971 [email protected]

Shawn Coleman – NWTF TX Private Lands Leasing Biologist 2615 112th. St. Lubbock, TX 79423 Progress Report for Texas Parks and Wildlife806-778-2214 Department Private Lands & Public Hunting [email protected] Contract #462620 Private Lands Leasing Biologists Kyle Thigpen – TPWD FY16 4th Quarter Leasing Biologist, Compiled by Gene T. MillerPrivate Lands & Public Hunting October 2016 12805 FM 2152, Suite 106 College Station, TX 77845 Overview and Status (O) 979-696-4148 • (M) 979-255-2761 [email protected]

NWTF Texas Private Lands Leasing Biologists Terry Turney (San Marcos) and Shawn Coleman (Lubbock) continued to work on increase of leased lands for TPWD’s Public Hunting Program through the 4th quarter of FY16. Their total cumulative highlights are as follows:

 A total of 35 private landowner contacts and 11 state and federal agency contacts were made. 22 leases were enrolled or re-enrolled were renewed for a grand total of 34 leases on 11,330 acres at the end of this quarter and for FY16. 30 site visits to new properties were made, which constituted advance work for some to be executed at a later date;

 General assistance to TPWD Wildlife Biologists was comprised of 7 different contacts;

 General maintenance was conducted on 34 leases in as many counties;

 Participated in 3 meetings and outreach with TPWD (Wildlife District Meetings), USACE (Granger Lake PHA), USDA-NRCS, USDA-FSA, Texas Tech University, Texas State Board, South Central Regional Rendezvous, and NWTF Western Region Summer Meeting;

 Covered 12,096 miles in 37 counties; and, assisted with 5 local National Wild Turkey Federation HHSF Banquets and 3 other events with universities and civic clubs to make presentations on leasing program and wildlife habitat management;

 David Carter resigned his position on May 20th (previously reported) in the Stephenville work area we subsequently were able to extend our MOA with the Department through August 2018 to refill and extend positions (2 year term for new hire in Stephenville work area and an extra year for the two existing PLLBs); and,

 The Stephenville position is in the process of being filled now with lands being leased in that work area in the interim period by PLLB Shawn Coleman that will be turned over to the newly-hired biologist; and finally,

 It is anticipated that new land leasing opportunities will continue to increase in all three work areas as agency, other NGO, NWTF volunteer, and TPWD field collaborations grow in FY17 and beyond.

2016 NWTF Angelina Wheelin’ Sportsmen Deer Hunt

By Dale Bounds acres available to the hunters. This award winning event (twice Twenty-nine eager NWTF Wheelin’ Sportsman Hunters gathered recognized as the best NWTF – at noon Friday Dec 9th at the Winston Tree Farm in Nacogdoches Wheelin’ Event in the U.S.) had the County for the annual deer hunt. The cold weather didn’t deter the most hunters ever this year. Hosted group from having a wonderful time. by April AWOL of Nacogdoches Eric Sanchez of Dallas shot a nice buck at late Saturday afternoon and Pineywoods NWTF Chapter at USFS-SFA Experimental Forest (SFAEF). They were not able to of Lufkin, the event has other great find it that night, however they located the big 13 pt. buck Monday. sponsors and volunteers from the When Eric was called with the good news he was one happy US Fish and Wildlife Service, SFA’s hunter. Thanks to NRCS employees Ethan Lott, Joseph Nesbit and Wildlife Society and the Winston Max McCormack who recovered the deer the next day on the SFAEF. family and employees. The buck is at the Hamby Taxidermy for a shoulder mount donated by Franky Hamby as we write this report. A total 11 deer were harvested according to Mica Poteet, TPWD Biologist who collected data from the deer. Jeff Reed and Logan Ivy harvested the eight deer for Friday’s “deer fry dinner” from the Winston Tree Farm as part of their wildlife Eric Sanchez and his great management program. buck harvested at 2016 Pinewoods volunteers led by Buck Doiron Angelina Wheelin’ Sportsman and John Ippolito and the SFA Wildlife Society Hunt on the USFS-SFA (SFAWS) cooked chicken fried deer cutlets to Experimental Forest. perfection Friday night for the group of more than 100 hungry volunteers and hunters. Saturday’s lunch was hosted by the April AWOL NWTF Chapter with Dan Sestak and grill master RD Robbie Vinson showcasing their cooking skills. It all started in 2009, when the National Forest in Texas made the Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest (SFAEF) available for the deer hunt. The Winston Family and Texas Parks and Wildlife - Alazan Wildlife Management Area joined forces with the US Forest Service to make over 7,000

16 Research Update: Wild Turkey Research Texas (Continued from Page 2) unique GPS locations, over 20,000 student Jacob White) initiated a roosting locations, and over 200 new project in District 7 (Oaks and nesting locations. Not bad for a study Prairies) focused on Rio Grande that started with 5 GPS units and wild turkeys in areas with different support from MT7 Ranch tracking bag limits to look at whether any the first birds. Rio Grande breeding differences existed in survival or season in the Cross Timbers during reproduction. Wwe captured a total of 2016 was pretty good, with 38 of our 55 turkeys from 3 counties (Lavaca, 54 birds attempting to nest, with 5 DeWitt, and Jackson) and deployed 35 successful nests, so right in line with GPS units. Nesting activity occurred typical turkey biology. primarily between March 27 and July We continued our vegetation 16 and we documented a total of 18 response research on the ~1000 acres nesting attempts, with 8 renesting of habitat treatments conducted on attempts. Only one of the renesting the LBJ National Grasslands along attempts resulted in a successful hatch. with non-treatments sites on both Interestingly, vegetation conditions the LBJ National Grasslands and the at nesting locations was pretty surrounding private lands to evaluate variable and included habitats such as treatment/non-treatment habitat greenbriar, huisache, oak, bermuda, conditions within the private/public and sunflowers. landownership matrix. Of the 225 random transect locations 176 were Eastern Wild Turkey poult, Tyler County. In December, we (Louisiana State measured, with inaccessibility to University) will be starting a regional other locations driven by high rainfall banding program in the western flooding the transect area. Much of region of the Cross Timbers and the juniper and other undesirable plant species have been removed Edwards Plateau led by Luke Scroggs and in collaboration with Texas allowing for response of a very diverse plant species community. Parks and Wildlife Districts 3 and 4. The banding project is focused We have a couple of new projects that started in the 2016 season. on capturing and banding male and female Rio Grande wild turkeys First, a new project in Texas restocking Eastern wild turkey’s was to better estimate harvest rates and to determine if we can use the rate initiated under the direction of Dr. Michael Chamberlain (University of harvest, combined with the number harvested, to estimate what the of Georgia) and graduate student Daniel Sullivan. In January and population size of wild turkeys is in Texas. This will be an exciting February 2016, they super-stocked 83 eastern wild turkeys fitted new project as we are incorporating reward bands, on both male and with GPS transmitters into Angelina National Forest (ANF) as part females, into the banding program to better identify issues with band of a collaborative restocking effort lead by Texas State Chapter of recovery. So, keep your eyes open for banded birds the next few years. NWTF and Texas Parks and Wildlife. The super-stocking consisted Overall, it has been an exciting time for the research and habitat of 23 males (14 adults, 9 subadults) and 60 females (34 adults, 26 management activities that the TPWD and NWTF supports here in subadults) translocated from Iowa and West Virginia. The GPS Texas. We are thrilled to continue our research to better understand transmitters affixed to each individual will allow us more ability to wild turkeys and improve habitat for future generations of turkey study movements and reproductive ecology of translocated eastern hunters. wild turkeys in east Texas associated with prescribed fire. From our first looks at the 2016 data, we observed considerable variability within and between sex and age in the distances traveled from the release site. The farthest movement observed was 67 miles by three subadult females while the shortest movement was less than one mile where a single male spent the majority of the breeding season near Boykin Springs. From April to July, nesting season was in full swing. By end of nesting season, we observed the initiation and incubation of 31 nests by 26 hens. Of the 31 nests, only two were successful, thus reproductive output was low this year. Louisiana State University (Dr. Bret Collier and graduate Rolling Plains Rio poults. Eastern hen and poults, Jasper County.

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. 2016-1017 Texas State Chapter Board of Directors & Officers Larry Noble - Interim President Jennifer Barrow - Treasurer Lou VonWoglom - Secretary 2705 Red Hill Dr. 121 CR 3131, Decatur, TX 76234 14906 Oak Bluff Court College Station, Texas 77845 (w) 940-627-5475 (c) 940-393-8908 Houston, TX 77070 (h) 979-693-2024 • (c) 281-639-9185 [email protected] 281-320-8388 [email protected] [email protected]

Eddie Hines Jason McAnally Tim Webster VP – South Texas Region VP – Panhandle and West Texas Region VP – Northeast Texas Region & 2429 W CR 327 P.O. Box 274 JAKES Coordinator Lincoln, Texas 78948 Canadian, Texas 79014 Box 1766 903-227-2006 806-255-5789 Forney, Texas 75126 [email protected] 214-588-8592 [email protected] [email protected]

Craig White Dale Bounds Chris Womack Dr. Sam McManus Past President Past President Facebook Coordinator 203 Cove Creek Lane Wheelin Coordinator Texas State NWTF Newsletter Editor 129 Birdsong Ln. Houston, Texas 77042 206 Rosedale Drive Terrell, Texas 75160 713-785-0257 • [email protected] 271 CR 720 Lufkin, Texas 75901 972-965-7768 • [email protected] Nacogdoches, TX 75964 936-635-2116 • [email protected] Stuart McManus 936-552-1942 A. Dean Castillo PO Box 8818 [email protected] T. W. Garrett 6136 Frisco Square Blvd., Suite 400 Spring, TX 77387 Scholarship Coordinator Frisco, Texas 75034 281-684-3584 • [email protected] 8015 Plum Grove Road 469-525-6551 • [email protected] Dick McCarver Cleveland, Texas 77327 Norm Wade Past President 281-399-0822 • [email protected] A. J. Cook 4902 Connorvale Rd 425 Tennison Road, 1293 County Road 306 D Houston, Texas 77039 Mt Pleasant, TX 75455 Dorothy McCarver Henderson, Texas 75654 281-682-3264 • [email protected] (h) 903-717-8670 (c) 903-563-4748 Women in the Outdoors Coordinator (h) 903-539-1505 • (c) 903-595-4567 425 Tennison Road [email protected] [email protected] Tony Hawley Mt. Pleasant, Texas 75455 Save the Hunt Coordinator (h) 903-717-8670 • (c) 903-577-2674 Aubrey Luce 3801 Meadow View Robert Linder [email protected] 265 Sloan Past President Lufkin, Texas 75901 College Station, Texas 77845 Texas Political Liaison Kim Potts 936-414-5368 • [email protected] 830-889-5819 • [email protected] 3302 Vista Lane Outdoor Ed. Coordinator Marble Falls, Texas 78654 7623 FM 514 Kyle Verner (h) 830-693-9515 • (c) 713-825-0425 Emory, Texas 75440 1886 County Road 1163 [email protected] 903-348-1845 • [email protected] Brashear, TX 75420 903-243-0306 • [email protected]

Regional Field Staff Barry Woods - NWTF Mike Shouse - NWTF Dan Johnson Shawn Coleman – NWTF Director of Field Operations Regional Director – South TX Regional Biologist - East TX TX Private Lands Leasing Biologist West Central 111 Roberts Circle • Georgetown, TX 78633 15356 N State Hwy 94 2615 112th. St. • Lubbock, TX 79423 P.O. Box 580 • Meade, KS 67864 512-966-9539 • [email protected] Apple Springs, TX 75926 806-778-2214 • [email protected] 620-417-0692 • [email protected] 409-239-6454 • [email protected] Tyler Kirby - NWTF Jason Hardin – TPWD Tom Spezze - NWTF Regional Director Terry Turney – CWB - NWTF Upland Game Bird Specialist SW Conservation Field Supervisor West KS- TX Panhandle TX Private Lands Leasing Biologist 4652 CR 2612 • Oakwood, TX 75855 (CO, NM, TX, OK, AZ, CA, NV, UT) 2007 Frederick Dr. •Dodge City,, KS 67801 302 Oak Ridge • San Marcos, TX 78666 903-322-2770 970-765-4231 Cell • 970-641-2550 Office/Fax 620-339-9026 • [email protected] 512-558-1971 • [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Luke D. Lewis – CWB - NWTF Gene T. Miller, CWB Director of Development Mid-South Region Kyle Thigpen – TPWD Leasing Biologist Robbi Vincent - NWTF NWTF Regional Biologist - West TX & OK 7962 Hico Street • Dubach, LA 71235 Private Lands & Public Hunting Regional Director - North TX 8303 English Bay Parkway (O) 318-777-3612 • (C) 318-423-7777 12805 FM 2152, Suite 106 401 N. Carroll Ave. • Southlake, TX 76092 Amarillo, TX 79119 [email protected] College Station, TX 77845 817-437-3014 • [email protected] (O) 806-803-0180 • (F) 806-316-0232 (O) 979-696-4148 • (M) 979-255-2761 [email protected] [email protected]