5 minute read
Texas LAND Winter 2024
Wildlife
TEXAS BIG GAME AWARDS
Celebrating The Connection
Story by Lorie A. Woodward
As they have for the past 33 years, the Texas Big Game Awards celebrate the connection between superlative habitat, responsible hunting and exceptional native wildlife.
“Outstanding native wildlife doesn’t happen by magic, instead it results from the concerted efforts of landowners, land managers and responsible hunters,” said Justin Dreibelbis, CEO of the Texas Wildlife Association (TWA). “Landowners and land managers ensure the availability of excellent habitat through visionary, long-term, active management and responsible hunters keep populations in balance with the environment.
“It is a relationship that works for the good of wildlife—and the people, including all the citizens of Texas, who enjoy wild things and wild places.”
In 2025, the program, which recognizes exemplary examples of white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, desert bighorn sheep and javelina along with first-time and youth hunters, is increasing the number of regional banquets from three to eight. Originally, TWA hosted eight regional banquets but cut back to three.
“With the expansion, the program is coming full circle,” said Dr. Matthew Hughes, director of hunting heritage.
“Texas is big. By expanding TBGA’s presence, we not only increase the opportunity for people to participate in our celebration banquets throughout the state, but we increase the opportunity for TWA members to engage with the organization at the regional level.”
As part of its ongoing efforts to involve its 7,000 members across the state, the organization is focusing on hosting a variety of regional events ranging from mix-andmingle happy hours to clay shoots. The TBGA banquets are the largest and most visible of all those events.
“Let’s be clear, TBGA is not a big buck contest,” Hughes said. “It’s about so much more than a Boone and Crockett (B&C) score.”
Celebration
While each celebration is planned by a local committee and has its own unique flair, the banquets follow a similar family-friendly format. Typically, the committees host them in mid-size cities such as Abilene, Victoria, Lufkin and Alpine.
“Mid-size cities are easy to navigate destinations that offer families plenty of accommodations and things to do,” Hughes said. “Plus, these cities and towns are still aware of the important role that hunting and outdoor recreation play in their local economies and welcome us with unmatched hospitality.”
Traditionally, the celebrations begin late afternoon or early evening and last about three hours. In addition to displays of the high-scoring game animals, there are often hands-on activities and education opportunities presented by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TWA and other partners. The events include a meal and presentation of the recognition certificates.
For many people, including Hughes, the high point of the evening, is watching as the first-time and youth hunters are recognized. The pride, enthusiasm and excitement exuded by a nine-year-old who for the first time has successfully harvested a doe or spike is contagious.
Through hunting, humans engage all their senses and actively engage in a conversation with the land.
“The regional celebrations are natural extensions of a campfire experience,” Hughes said. “People of all experience levels gather to share their stories. Veteran hunters welcome new hunters into the community and by doing so strengthen our beloved tradition.”
The best of the best are showcased each year at the statewide Texas Big Game Awards banquet held in conjunction with TWA’s Annual Convention in San Antonio. WildLife 2025 is scheduled July 10-13 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa.
Participation
“Our goal is to celebrate as many people and as many achievements as possible, so we make participating easy and as inexpensive as possible,” Hughes said. “There is no entry fee.”
Hunters who harvest a native, wild-raised white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, desert bighorn sheep or javelina are eligible to enter through the scored entry category. Entries must be measured by a TBGA or B&C-certified scorer and meet the minimum requirements for their respective eco-region.
For those hunters who want the ultimate challenge, the Texas Slam award is given to any hunter who, in one season, harvests a Texas Big Game Awards qualifying (meeting the minimum entry requirements for the region where it was harvested) white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope and javelina.
Youth and first-time hunters, with qualifying entries, are eligible to participate in the scored entry category. They are also eligible to enter in the youth and first-time categories, which require no minimum score.
Hunters, with landowners’ consent, can also include information about the owners of the property where they harvested their animal, so the management efforts can be recognized. Ranch recognition is at the discretion of the landowner.
Entry forms for all categories, score sheets and the list of certified scorers along with the complete rules and information on regional banquets are available on the TBGA website ( texasbiggameawards.org ). Completed entries are due March 1.
Once an entry has been accepted, the hunter will automatically receive an invitation to the appropriate regional awards banquet. The banquets are ticketed events, so hunters and landowners can bring as many guests as they choose. In addition, the public can purchase tickets and be part of the fun.
“Hunting provides a deep connection with the outdoors, which is essential to the human psyche,” Hughes said. “Through hunting, humans engage all their senses and actively engage in a conversation with the land. It’s important that these conversations continue, which is why we gather to celebrate the tradition and its role in the human experience.”
The Texas Big Game Awards is designed to promote big game hunting in Texas and to promote and encourage sound habitat and wildlife management.
The program recognizes:
The importance of our hunting heritage.
The landowners who work to achieve healthy habitats.
The quality of big game animals in Texas.
The achievements of young and new hunters.
The hunters who harvest these animals.
Find Out More
For more information on the Texas Big Game Awards including entry requirements and banquet locations, see: TexasBigGameAwards.org
