Texas Wildlife Extra

E-MAGAZINE OF THE TEXAS WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION

When you purchase land for recreational purposes, you’re giving yourself the chance to grow closer to your family and friends. Together, you can go horseback riding, hunting, fishing, off-roading or simply just get away. This opportunity isn’t just for farmers and ranchers, either. It’s for anyone who deserves this time and this space. And we’ll work hard to make sure you get it. As one of the only lenders in Texas who specializes in recreational land loans, we know how to put together a solution that works for you. Giddy-up.

Happy new year TWA families and friends. I hope this issue of Texas Wildlife Extra finds you and your families well after spending plenty of time in the field over the Christmas holidays.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Texas Wildlife Association and our important advocacy, conservation education and hunting recruitment work. This is an incredible milestone and one that would not be possible without the strong leadership, generous support and dedication of our members.

Here at the TWA office, we are excited to get started with what is sure to be a busy 40th year. Here are a few things to keep your eye out for in the coming months:

89TH TEXAS LEGISLATIVE SESSION

On Jan. 14, the Texas Legislature will gavel in for the 89th session. With 35 new members and a long list of issues to discuss, this will be an interesting session to say the least. TWA will remain engaged on the landowner rights and natural resource issues that our members count on us for, but we will need your help to fully communicate the thoughts of Texas landowners and hunters to legislators. Our TWA communications team will work hard to keep membership updated during the session and clearly communicate opportunities to help.

REGIONAL TWA BANQUETS SHOWCASING

THE TEXAS BIG GAME AWARDS

As I mentioned in my last column, we are going to get back to basics and take our TBGA summer banquet trail back to eight events in 2025. This will give TWA members an opportunity to get together to fellowship, recruit new members, raise dollars for the organization and get the TWA mission and programs in front of new people. We are extremely excited about it and hope you will all join us for at least one of these regional events.

TWA CONVENTION

Our 40th TWA Convention will be held July 10-12 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa. With special guests, exciting educational and social events and expanded auction opportunities, it will be a special one. The hotel block is available now so please make sure to secure your rooms early as we expect a record crowd to celebrate this important anniversary for our organization.

Here’s to 40 years of conservation and many more to come. Thanks for being a TWA member!

Texas Wildlife Association MISSION STATEMENT

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

OFFICERS

Jonathan Letz, President, Comfort

Nyle Maxwell, Vice President, Georgetown Dr. Louis Harveson, Second Vice President for Programs, Alpine Parley Dixon, Treasurer, Austin For a complete list of TWA Directors, go to www.texas-wildlife.org

PROFESSIONAL STAFF/CONTRACT ASSOCIATES

ADMINISTRATION & OPERATION

Justin Dreibelbis, Chief Executive Officer

TJ Goodpasture, Director of Development & Operations

Becky Alizadeh, Office Manager

OUTREACH & MEMBER SERVICES

Debbie Copeland, Director of Membership

Sean Hoffmann, Director of Communications

Nicole Vonkrosigk, Regional Membership Coordinator

CONSERVATION LEGACY AND HUNTING HERITAGE PROGRAMS

Kassi Scheffer-Geeslin, Director of Youth Education

Andrew Earl, Director of Conservation

Amber Brown, Conservation Education Specialist

Gene Cooper, Conservation Education Specialist

Sarah Hixon Miller, Conservation Education Specialist

Jared Schlottman, Conservation Education Specialist

Kay Bell, Conservation Educator

Taylor Cabler, Conservation Educator

Denise Correll, Conservation Educator

Christine Foley, Conservation Educator

Yvonne Keranen, Conservation Educator

Terri McNutt, Conservation Educator

Jeanette Reames, Conservation Educator

Louise Smyth, Conservation Educator

Jennifer Wade, Conservation Educator

Marla Wolf, Curriculum Specialist

Noelle Brooks, CL Program Assistant

Matthew Hughes, Ph.D. Director of Hunting Heritage

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

Bob Barnette, TYHP Field Operations Coordinator

Taylor Heard, TYHP Field Operations Coordinator

Briana Nicklow, TYHP Field Operations Coordinator

Kim Hodges, TYHP Program Coordinator

Kristin Parma, Hunting Heritage Program Specialist

Jim Wentrcek, Adult Learn to Hunt Program Coordinator

Loryn Calderon, Hunting Heritage Administrative Assistant

TEXAS WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION

Justin Dreibelbis, Chief Executive Officer

TJ Goodpasture, Director of Development & Operations

Denell Jackson, Development Associate

ADVOCACY

Joey Park, Legislative Program Coordinator

MAGAZINE CORPS

Sean Hoffmann, Managing Editor

Lorie A. Woodward, Special Projects Editor

Publication Printers Corp., Printing, Denver, CO

Texas Wildlife Association

6644 FM 1102

New Braunfels, TX 78132 (210) 826-2904

FAX (210) 826-4933 (800) 839-9453 (TEX-WILD) www.texas-wildlife.org

Texas Wildlife Extra

JANUARY

January 15

Wild at Work Webinar – Drones & Wildlife Research, 3 p.m. Register for this free webinar at https://www.texas-wildlife.org/waw/

January 21

New Braunfels Regional Banquet Committee Meeting at 6 p.m. TWA Headquarters, 6644 FM 1102, New Braunfels, 78132. Email nvonkrorisgk@ texas-wildlife.org for details.

MAY

May 8

Texas Outdoorsman of the Year, Fort Worth Zoo. For information, contact djackson@texaswildlife.org or www.twafoundation.org

JULY

July 10-12

WildLife 2025, TWA’s 40th Annual Convention, J.W. Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio. Mark your calendar, more information to follow!

FOR INFORMATION ON HUNTING SEASONS, call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (800) 792-1112, consult the 2023-2024 Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual, or visit the TPWD website at: tpwd.state.tx.us.

Wind turbines dot the horizon near the panhandle town of Groom.

Wrangling with Renewables

ARTICLE BY ANDREW EARL, TWA DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION

TWA’s membership has varied perspectives on what the deployment of renewable energy means for private land ownership in Texas. All agree, wildlife can’t come second.

Texas is open for business; in fact, it has been for nearly 200 years. That entrepreneurial spirit has proudly reared the world’s seventh largest economy on the backs of cattle, then oil & natural gas, tech, and now renewable energy.

Like the economy, land use in Texas continues to evolve. One constant, though, is the role of landowners in decision making processes that steer the expansion of new infrastructure, including energy development.

As of August 2024, there are over 19,000 wind turbines on the ground in Texas and solar energy is catching up. As these projects dot the map and the associated web of transmission infrastructure gets more complex, neighbors and local governments are forced to wrestle with what such a project would mean for their economy, natural resources and way of life. These are heavy debates, particularly in the context of historic farms and ranches struggling to make ends meet.

TWA supports a landowner’s autonomy to make decisions that are best for their acreage. That’s what this organization was founded on and how it will remain. At the same time, an absence of sensible oversight has left rural communities and landowners at a disadvantage when negotiating with deep-pocketed, often foreign, developers. Conflicts across fence lines and in town halls are becoming an all-toocommon consequence.

These lessons of the past two decades have made clear that our existing patchwork of authorities are insufficient in the

face of the renewable “gold rush.” There are common sense steps that the State of Texas can take to ensure taxpayers are treated as stakeholders in the development of these projects. Among them: uniformed property line setbacks, standardized leasing agreements, up front bonding requirements, required ecological assessments, and importantly, a prohibition on the use of condemnation for renewable facilities and transmission infrastructure.

These were among policy and research needs outlined in TWA’s Position Statement on Renewable Energy, approved by the Executive Committee late last year. Those priorities will inform the organization’s work in the 89th Legislative Session, which begins later this month.

No one can fault a fourth or fifth generation landowner making the decision to enter a lease agreement that ensures the solvency of their operation and ability to pass it down to their children and grandchildren. One also can’t begrudge someone for being displeased that wildlife movement across their property was affected by a nearby solar array, or that their viewshed has become marked with the red flashing lights of a wind farm.

Ultimately, our best opportunity to shape the future of renewable energy development in Texas is to ensure that landowners and local officials have the knowledge and tools necessary to make the best decisions for their lands. Be on the lookout for workshops and educational opportunities on this subject in 2025.

Have experiences with renewable development that you’d like us to know about? Reach out to Andrew Earl, aearl@texas-wildlife.org.

Of Does AND Bucks

ARTICLE BY LARRY WEISHUHN

PHOTOS COURTESY LARRY WEISHUHN OUTDOORS

The whitetail doe, time to hunt them!

“We’re behind on our doe quota. Care to drift our way for a couple of days to help shoot something without antlers?” questioned a fellow TWA member.

“We had the Texas Youth Hunting Program group out in October. The youth hunters took numerous deer, but not enough to satisfy our management program requirements. Our family has freezers full of venison but we need to take at least 10 more does. If you can come in late January, you’ll have the ranch to yourself. I’ll leave at the remaining antlerless tags in a Ziplock bag next to the meat pole.”

I had set up the ranch’s management program years ago and the owner and I had become close friends. “If it’s okay I’ll come in for a couple of days after the DSC Convention and a hunt for Coues whitetail in Durango, Mexico,” I said.

My friend reminded me that he had met Paul Moore and Kurt English with Vineyard Max at our 2024 TWA convention. He, his family and guests had experienced great success using the unique attractant. Prior to my arrival he would bait areas specifically for does with Vineyard Max.

“We don’t hunt does where we hunt bucks. Something you taught me years ago. I’ll leave a map on the kitchen table showing areas where I baited with Vineyard Max.”

I have an adequate supply of venison and would be adding more hunting my lease in February. But I could always

use more. I have several friends who can no longer harvest their own wild meat and I do my best to keep them supplied with venison.

My plan is to hunt my friend’s property with an ancient Winchester Model 1895 .30 Gov’t ‘06 and a Rossi Model 92 in .44 magnum, both open-sight lever actions. I’ll also use a vintage Model 99 Savage in .300 Savage, which is the same rifle I shot my first mule deer with just north of Kent, TX in 1970. It is still topped with the original Weaver K4 scope it wore when I shot that first mule deer. I recently acquired the rifle from my brother, Glenn, who I initially borrowed it from.

Additionally, before the MLDP season wraps up, I plan on hunting does with a .400 Legend Mossberg Patriot bolt action, my 6.5 PRC and 7mm PRC in Mossberg Patriots (built in Mossberg’s facility near Eagle Pass right here in Texas). My bolt action rifles are topped with Stealth Vision scopes (www.stealthvision.com). Hornady ammo will be used in all these rifles except for the .400 Legend; Hornady does not presently load for that round.

I like hunting does with different guns, calibers and rounds. Earlier in the hunting season I had hunted with several rifles (particularly my 6.5 PRC and 7 mm PRC) as well as with my .44 magnum and .454 Casull Taurus Raging Hunter revolvers as well as with a few other Hor-

Dr. Mike Arnold, like Larry, enjoys hunting does during the late season!

nady rounds. Using different guns and now occasionally a crossbow makes hunting does not only fun, but also on occasion challenging.

I am also hunting bucks on my lease in Sterling County, west of San Angelo, and, the Cotton Ranch east of Dallas near Kaufman, not far from the Trinity River bottoms, in January and February. Two of my favorite places in Texas!

About half of our 8,400-acre lease in Sterling County is flat. The other half consists of tall mesas with deep canyons between them. I really enjoy hunting “The Flats.” The entire area reminds me of the terrain in South Texas, where I spent years as a professional wildlife biologist, and did quite a bit of hunting.

Last year during late January and February I spent several days trying to get close to two bucks living on the lease. One sported a spread of 24 inches, and while the other was much narrower, he had considerable beam mass and longer tines. I tried just about everything I could think of to get a shot at either. That did not happen!

Interestingly on “The Flat” the deer tend to herd up like prairie animals. Quite often I have seen herds with as many

as 30 or more deer feeding in a group. The largest number I’ve seen on the property in a single herd is 54, comprised of does, fawns and bucks of all sizes and ages. This sighting was after the rut. That is a lot of eyes and noses to try to avoid.

The closest I was able to get to either of those two bucks was 500 to 600 yards. At the time I felt comfortable out to 400 yards with the rifles that I was taking to the field. Thanks to plenty of recent range time with my Mossberg 7mm PRC and 6.5 PRC, topped with Stealth Vision SVT variable scopes with adjustable turrets and an anti-cant system, shooting Hornady Precision Hunter ammo, I am comfortable taking a shot out to 600 yards. If after exhausting all efforts to get within 200 yards, and a shot at either of those two bucks becomes available at the longer distances, I feel comfortable and confident making a long range shot from a solid rest.

In January and February, deer will likely be hungry once again. As a result, I’ll be hunting food sources. Thank goodness there is still time to hunt whitetails in our great state of Texas in January and February!

David Cotton, one of my hunting partners, like me, has been practicing shooting longer ranges.

January 30

Kaufman Civic Center 607 E Fair St Kaufman, TX 75142

January 30

Riverside Nature Center

150 Francisco Lemos St Kerrville, TX 78028

February 6

Liberty Hill Event Center 14875 W State Hwy 29 Liberty Hill, Texas 78642

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Tuesday, January 14

Tuesday, January 28

Tuesday, February 11

Owning agricultural or timberland in Texas means having an asset anyone would be proud of. If you’re ready for an option that gives you more flexibility and keeps your tax benefits too, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management can help.

6:00pm - 7:00pm

February 6 Gem of the Hills 2233 US 281 Blanco, TX 78606

February 13 The Cliffs Conference Center 225 Clubhouse Dr Graford, TX 76449

February 13

Texas Wildlife Association 6644 FM 1102 New Braunfels, TX 78132

February 20

Barret Station/Riley

Chambers Community Center 808 ½ Magnolia Ave., Crosby, TX 77532

February 25

Bastrop Convention Center 1408 Chestnut St Bastrop, TX 78602

February 27

MCC Emergency Training Services Facility 7601 Steinbeck Bend Dr, Waco, TX 76708

Brazos Center 3232 Briarcrest Dr Bryan, TX 77802

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Tuesday, January 21 Tuesday, January 28

March 4th 6-7pm

Simplify Your Land Ownership with a Wildlife Valuation

It’s January and time to review your property tax status before upcoming deadlines.

ARTICLE BY PLATEAU LAND & WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Owning agricultural or timberland in Texas is a dream come true. But managing these properties can be a daunting task, often involving significant time, effort and resources. If you’re looking for a way to simplify your land ownership while preserving its natural beauty and securing valuable tax benefits, a wildlife valuation might be the perfect solution.

WHAT IS A WILDLIFE VALUATION?

A wildlife valuation is a special type of agricultural valuation that allows you to maintain your existing low

property taxes by implementing practices that benefit native Texas wildlife. Unlike traditional agricultural and timber valuations, which require active and annual farming, ranching or timber production, a wildlife valuation centers around habitat conservation, improvement and wildlife management.

THE BENEFITS OF A WILDLIFE VALUATION

• Same Low Property Taxes: When you qualify for a wildlife valuation, you keep the same taxable value you have under agriculture or timber.

PHOTO BY SEAN HOFFMANN

• Preserving Natural Beauty: Wildlife management practices can enhance your land’s natural beauty and ecological value.

• Flexibility and Simplified Land Management: You can enjoy the freedom to rest your land as long as you need, stock according to your property’s capacity rather than the appraisal district’s requirements, or enjoy your property without the challenges of livestock and timber operations.

• Legacy for Future Generations: Leave a lasting legacy by preserving your land for generations to come and giving your heirs the freedom to choose the future, whether that is agriculture, timber, or continuing wildlife management

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM A WILDLIFE VALUATION?

A wildlife valuation can be beneficial for a wide range of landowners, including:

• Ranchers and Farmers: If you’re looking to simplify your operations, add flexibility, protect a low-yield or unproductive part of the ranch, or retire from farming and ranching, a wildlife valuation can provide a seamless transition.

• New Landowners: If you’re a new landowner seeking a different and recreational-focused approach, a wildlife valuation is an ideal choice.

• Conservation-Minded Individuals: If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation and protecting natural habitats, a wildlife valuation aligns perfectly with your values.

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR A WILDLIFE VALUATION

To qualify for a wildlife valuation, your land must meet specific criteria:

1. Existing Agricultural or Timber Use: Your land must already be qualified for agricultural or timber use.

2. Wildlife Management Plan and Open Space Application: You’ll need to develop a comprehensive wildlife management plan and submit it to your local appraisal district before May 1st along with the standard 1-d-1 open space application for agricultural use

PLATEAU LAND & WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT: YOUR PARTNER IN WILDLIFE VALUATIONS

Plateau Land & Wildlife Management has been helping Texas landowners for almost three decades. Our team of experts can take you through the entire process, from developing a customized wildlife management plan to dealing with the complexities of the valuation application.

www.plateauwildlife.com (737) 380-1533

How Grazing Practices Impact Mycorrhizal Fungi in Arid Rangelands Roots of Resilience

ARTICLE BY ASIA CORNELIUS, CARLOS E. GONZALEZ, and J. SILVERIO AVILA-S.

Figure 2. The Mimms Ranch near Marfa, Texas, located within the Chihuahuan Desert. This arid grassland serves as the study site for exploring the effects of grazing systems on mycorrhizal fungi and soil health, with dominant vegetation such as blue grama supporting livestock production and ecological balance.

PHOTO

ASIA CORNELIUS

The Chihuahuan Desert is home to rangelands that are vital to ranching operations, providing forage for livestock and supporting various ecosystem services. These rangelands are not only economically and culturally significant, but ecologically important, offering habitat for wildlife and contributing to carbon sequestration, soil stability, and nutrient cycling. Unfortunately, these ecosystems are fragile, making them vulnerable to overgrazing, soil erosion, and changes in land use practices. It is important to develop grazing strategies that balance range productivity with ecosystem health to ensure the sustainability of these rangelands.

insights into how grazing management practices influence underground processes, with implications for sustainable rangeland management. This study was conducted on the Dixon Water Foundation’s Mimms Ranch, located in the Chihuahuan Desert, on the northwest edge of Marfa, Texas, an arid environment with limited rainfall (Figure 2). Blue grama is a dominant grass species in this ecosystem and plays an important role in supporting livestock forage and maintaining ground cover. The unique environmental conditions of the ranch, including distinct soil types and different grazing regimes, was ideal for exploring how grazing practices influence mycorrhizal fungi.

1. Two stained root segments of blue grama showing colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Structures formed by mycorrhizae, including arbuscules (A), vesicles (V), and hyphae (H), are labeled.

Underground processes drive rangeland health, and one often overlooked component is mycorrhizal fungi. Mycorrhizal fungi (Figure 1) are microscopic organisms that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, extending their reach into soil through networks of microscopic filaments called hyphae. They can enhance plant access to nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, improve water uptake, and strengthen the plants’ ability to overcome environmental stressors such as drought or poor soil conditions. In arid environments like the Chihuahuan Desert, where water and nutrients are limited, mycorrhizal fungi are especially important for supporting plant health and resilience.

To better understand how grazing systems impact soil health, we conducted a comparative analysis of rotational and continuous grazing systems in the Chihuahuan Desert. Our research focuses on analyzing differences in mycorrhizal colonization across these grazing systems to provide

Research on grazing systems has shown that the effects of grazing on mycorrhizal fungi can vary depending on the ecosystem. While some studies have shown differences in mycorrhizal colonization and community composition between grazing systems, these effects are often influenced by local soil and environmental conditions. In the Chihuahuan Desert, where conditions are arid, little is known about how grazing practices specifically affect mycorrhizal fungi. Our findings provide insight into this understudied region and suggest that rotational grazing may provide more favorable conditions for mycorrhizal colonization in blue grama.

We looked for differences in mycorrhizal colonization between two grazing systems—continuous and rotational— and two soil types—Marfa Clay Loam (hereafter, Marfa soil) and Musquiz Clay Loam (hereafter, Musquiz soil). By examining the interactions between these factors, we aimed to identify any differences on colonization levels. The statistical analysis conducted for this study showed

Figure

PHOTO

that grazing systems had a different effect on mycorrhizal colonization while colonization levels between soil types were not different. Rotational grazing resulted in higher mycorrhizal colonization compared to continuous grazing, suggesting that rotational grazing creates more favorable conditions for mycorrhizal fungi. Further analysis showed that with continuous grazing on Marfa soil, mycorrhizal colonization started at around 11%. When we looked at rotational grazing, mycorrhizal colonization was 22% higher than the baseline colonization rate (11%). Musquiz soil had 10% higher colonization compared to Marfa soil. When rotational grazing was used on Musquiz soil, colonization increased by an additional 3%. These results suggest that grazing system, rather than soil type, plays a bigger role in influencing colonization in this system. While mycorrhizal colonization generally enhances nutrient uptake by plants, the relationship is not always a 1:1 correlation, as factors like soil properties and plant nutrient demands also play a role. However, it is likely that increased colonization under rotational grazing supports improved nutrient uptake and plant health in desert grasslands.

Rotational grazing involves periodically moving livestock between pastures, allowing the vegetation in these areas to have periods of rest and recovery. This practice helps maintain soil structure, reduces compaction, and preserves ground cover, which are all beneficial for mycorrhizal fungi. Our results suggest that continuous grazing can pose a challenge for soil and fungal health. Studies show that the long-term, unrestricted access of livestock to rangelands can result in soil compaction, which reduces the pore spaces that mycorrhizal fungi need to establish and grow. This compaction can also impact plant root systems, reducing water infiltration and nutrient availability. The reduction in plant diversity and vegetation cover associated with continuous grazing can also reduce the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi. This can lessen the fungi’s ability to support plant health in the ecosystem.

Soil nutrient levels also play a role in influencing mycorrhizal communities. Livestock redistribute nutrients through excrement, creating patches of higher nutrient concentrations within a site. This nutrient redistribution can benefit plants and fungi in nutrient-deficient areas, but excessive nutrient enrichment can reduce plants’ reliance on mycorrhizal fungi. In these nutrient-rich conditions, plants can increase nutrient uptake through their roots, lowering fungal colonization. When this happens, plants lose the benefits of mycorrhizal fungi such as more efficient nutrient uptake, drought resistance, and improved soil structure.

For landowners and ranchers in the Chihuahuan Desert, this study emphasizes the importance of adopting sustainable land management practices that support the health of mycorrhizal communities. By prioritizing rotational grazing, ranchers can reduce soil compaction, maintain vegetation cover, and in turn support the symbiotic relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi.

To further support rangeland health, landowners and managers should also integrate soil health monitoring into management plans. Assessments of soil compaction, organic matter content, and pH levels can provide understanding into the environmental conditions affecting mycorrhizal fungi and plant communities. Partnering with local agricultural and natural resource extension services or conservation organizations can also provide resources and knowledge on implementing sustainable grazing practices and restoring degraded land.

By encouraging the relationships between plants, soil and fungi, ranchers can ensure long-term productivity and resilience of their rangelands. Intentional grazing management not only supports livestock production but also supports the ecosystem services that desert grasslands provide, benefiting the environment and ranching livelihoods for future generations.

CENTER FOR LAND STEWARDSHIP & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

THEPOSSUM CO P CHRONICLES

Arthur McCall Warden Spotlight

ARTICLE BY JON BRAUCHLE

Back when there were no cell phones, global positioning systems or reliable communications, if a game warden left his patrol vehicle to walk into a remote area for patrol, he was on his own. Portable radios, if available, didn’t always work. Even if they did, the chances of any backup officers being able to respond in a timely manner – or even find the place where help was needed – were slim.

That type of scenario happened more often than not when Game Warden Arthur McCall graduated from the Texas Game Warden Academy in 1969. Arthur’s first duty station was Real

County. When he reported there, he didn’t have an assigned field training officer (FTO) or anyone to show him the ropes. A couple of neighboring wardens gave him advice and counsel from time to time, but other than that, he was on his own.

As Mike Tyson famously said, “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Arthur’s punch in the mouth came courtesy of his time in the First Infantry Division of the United States Army in a place in the Democratic Republic of Vietnam called “War Zone D.” It was there that he figured out how to handle himself in sticky situations.

Arthur McCall received his 40 year Certificate of Service from TPWD Commission Chairman Peter Holt, left, and TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith, right, in 2008.

Arthur’s first contact with law violators as a field game warden was with some fishermen camped along the Nueces River. They knew he was coming; the gravel crunching beneath his tires as he approached gave him away. He parked his patrol car as close as he could get to the group and walked the rest of the way. Before he announced himself, he saw three men at the water’s edge with six fishing poles out. A woman was there as well, but she wasn’t anywhere near the water or a pole. Only one of the men claimed to be fishing. He was the only one Arthur observed actually holding a fishing pole, and conveniently, the only one with a fishing license. Go figure.

Only one of the men claimed to be fishing... and conveniently, the only one with a fishing license. Go figure.

Something about the contact didn’t feel right. Things were tense. Arthur bid the group adieu and formulated a plan to get a better look at what might be causing them to be stressed. From a hillside on the opposite side of the river, he watched and waited until he saw all three men fishing. Additionally, he observed that one of the men had taken it upon himself to strap on a big ol’ six-shooter that he hadn’t thought to wear before Arthur came by the first time. Interesting.

Noting the six-shooter, Arthur decided he’d make a second contact. Once again, the gravel gave notice that he was on his way. Before exiting his patrol car, he radioed a neighboring warden for backup, but the neighbor would be a while getting there. Arthur grabbed his Winchester .30-30 out of his patrol car and started walking back down to the group. When he rounded some brush near the water’s edge, the three men were waiting for him, and Arthur could tell right away that things were fixing to go south in a hurry. The barrel of the .30-30 came up quickly and met the pistol-toter in the face. This apparently quelled his enthusiasm for whatever he had planned, but he nonetheless refused to hand over his weapon. A few encouraging words from Arthur coupled with the business end of the .30-30 pressed upon the pistoltoter’s nose, resulted in the gun being surrendered.

At gunpoint, Arthur marched the guys back down to their original spot along the river. It was now dark. He held them at bay by the light of a lantern while waiting for his backup to arrive. Against Arthur’s instructions, the now pistol-less pistol-toter made a move that he ought not have. Arthur said, “If you do that again, I’ll shoot you.”

On patrol near the Rio Grande in a new pickup truck.

Sometimes

alligators decide to cross interstates, as this one did in Atascosa County, south of San Antonio, in 1988.

McCall received the Wildlife Officer of the Year award in 2010 courtesy of Shikar Safari Club International.

Illegally harvested white-tailed deer were often confiscated and transported in the trunk of the game warden’s patrol car.

This sent the woman there into a tizzy. She started screaming, “He’s gonna kill them all!” Affirming the woman’s proclamation and looking down the barrel of the Winchester at the former pistol-packer, Arthur said, “If y’all try to jump me again, you can count on it.”

When Arthur’s backup arrived, citations were issued, and the pistol-packer was hauled off to jail in Rocksprings.

Arthur transferred to Atascosa County in 1971, and over the course of his career, he got into plenty more sticky situations. One night during deer season sometime around 1984, Arthur received an anonymous call about a guy hunting deer at night on a ranch in Black Jacks area northwest of Poteet. Something about the call seemed strange. The thought crossed his mind that it might be a setup, so he proceeded - as he always didwith caution.

Arthur got to the suspect’s place well after dark. The gate to the ranch was locked. Arthur parked off to the side and grabbed a shotgun, a flashlight, binoculars and a ticket book, before hopping the fence and hiking in towards a house about 400 yards from the road. Knowing most rural homesteads have dogs, he didn’t dare get too close to the house. He sat down about halfway to it and watched and waited.

There wasn’t much to see. Heck, it didn’t even look like anyone was there. But along about 11 o’clock… ka-BOOM! Arthur stood up. Moments later he saw headlights driving towards the house from way in the back of the place. Arthur walked closer. Luckily, there were no dogs.

The suspect parked at the house and was fiddling around in the back of his truck. Arthur got close enough to see a dead yearling deer in the bed of the truck and kept approaching. When he got to within about 10 yards of the guy, Arthur flipped on his flashlight and identified himself, “State Game Warden.”

It’s a dangerous game that game wardens sometimes play when they catch people who have no idea anyone is near, out in the middle of nowhere doing that which they ought not do. The reactions run the gamut: some will run, some will scream in fear, some will just stand there dumbfounded, and some will immediately own-up and take their medicine. In this particular case, the guy picked up a machete.

The crazy part about it though, was that he didn’t immediately drop the machete when Arthur stuck a shotgun in his face. In fact, Arthur had to use a little of what he calls “verbal judo,” whereby he carefully explained to the guy that his guts would soon be splattered all over the place if he didn’t drop the machete, pronto.

The guy complied and calmed down. Apparently, it took him a while to register that Arthur was a game warden there to do his job and not some trespasser with bad intentions. Taking that into consideration, Arthur gave the man a ticket, confiscated the deer and went about his way.

Indeed, as a game warden, you never know what you’re going to get in to. Even minor offenses, like fishing without a license, can turn ugly fast.

Arthur McCall served the State of Texas for 43 years before retiring in 2012.

A lifelong artist, McCall entered his first painting competition in the third grade.

www.OGTTX.org

Purpose

O er rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest & conviction of natural resource crimes

Provide nancial aid to the families of game wardens & park peace o cers killed in the line of duty

Obtain technologically advanced equipment for game wardens, resulting in safer & more e cient operations

Outreach & educate all Texans in order to protect our natural resources and private property rights

Operation Game Thief is a 501(c)(3) nonpro t organization whose mission is to improve our quality of life by intentionally engaging individuals and communities across Texas to prevent theft and destruction of our natural resources through outreach, education, and a direct con dential link to report violators.

If a violation is currently in progress, please call 800 792-GAME (4263) immediately - 24/7 PROGRAM

TWA Member Photo Contest

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

PHOTO BY SEAN HOFFMANN

Hunters Encouraged to Participate in 33rd Annual Texas Big Game Awards

ARTICLE BY SEAN HOFFMANN, TWA DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Wanda Bazemore entered her Hudspeth County pronghorn in the 2023 Texas Big Game Awards.

With 2024-25 hunting season waning for most Texans, hunters are reminded to participate in the Texas Big Game Awards (TBGA).

Established in 1991, this free program is designed to promote big game hunting in Texas and encourage proactive habitat and wildlife management. The Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department co-sponsor the program and the ensuing eight regional recognition banquets that will be held in summer 2025.

The TBGAs recognize youth hunters, first big game harvests, and qualifying scored entries for white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn, javelina and bighorn sheep. Each hunter is honored with a certificate presented during one of the banquets.

The deadline to apply is March 1, 2025. Online entry forms and program rules are available at https://www.texasbiggameawards.org/.

“The Texas Big Game Awards program recognizes exceptional native Texas big game animals, as well as the

“It is encouraging to see high levels of participation in the TBGAs, especially the young Texans and new hunters experiencing what our great state has to offer.”

Justin Dreibelbis, TWA CEO

landowners whose conservation efforts and stewardship create ideal habitat that supports our native wildlife. The program celebrates our hunting heritage and brings together Texans of all ages,” said TWA CEO Justin Dreibelbis.

In spring 2024, more than 1,000 award applications were received.

“It is encouraging to see high levels of participation in the TBGAs, especially the young Texans and new hunters experiencing what our great state has to offer,” he said.

TBGA program sponsors include the Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships, Carter’s Country Outdoor Stores, Busch Light, Hixon Land and Cattle Company, Capital Farm Credit, Stealth Cam, Skull Hooker, Yeti, NAP Archery, Muddy, Lee Hoffpauir Outdoor Superstore, Cyclops Lights, Walker’s Game Ears, Cold Steel, Silver Stag, Mossberg Rifles, and Hawk Hunting Products.

For more information about TBGA, email Matt Hughes at mhughes@texas-wildlife.org

Exceptional white-tailed deer, like this one harvested by Kendall McMahon in Cass County, have been recognized in the Texas Big Game Awards annually since 1991.

ARTICLE BY DENELL JACKSON, TWA DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

TWAF invites you to be part of making TWA’s 40th year the most impactful yet.

As the Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, the Texas Wildlife Association Foundation (TWAF) is honored to reflect on the legacy of this extraordinary organization. For four decades, TWA has been a cornerstone of conservation and hunting heritage, bringing together landowners, educators, and wildlife enthusiasts with a shared mission: to safeguard Texas’s natural resources and traditions for future generations.

The Foundation has been privileged to advance TWA’s mission by supporting initiatives that educate, engage, and inspire. This milestone anniversary is a testament to the dedication of TWA’s members, supporters, and partners whose contributions have made this journey possible.

WHAT THE 40TH YEAR HOLDS

TWAF is excited to be part of the celebrations commemorating TWA’s 40 years of impact. One of the highlights is the 2025 Texas Outdoorsman of the Year (TOOTY) Award, to be presented in May in Fort Worth. This prestigious recognition honors individuals whose contributions reflect the values and mission of TWA. The honoree will be announced in February, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements with you.

Beyond the TOOTY event, TWAF is focusing on expanding TWA’s programs and projects that deliver meaningful impact. From increased opportunities for youth and adult hunting engagement to new conservation education initiatives and landowner support programs, the 40th year is focused on building on TWA’s storied legacy and preparing for an even brighter future.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: HOW YOU CAN HELP

This anniversary is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action. TWAF invites you to be part of making TWA’s 40th year the most impactful yet.

A highlight of the year is the 2025 TWA Wildlife Convention, taking place July 10–12 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa. This special event will commemorate TWA’s 40 years of dedication to Texas’s wildlife, lands and hunting heritage

that we cherish. It’s an opportunity to connect, celebrate, share fellowship, and help shape the future of conservation. We encourage all members, partners and supporters to join us for this historic occasion.

In addition to attending the convention, you can support TWAF by contributing to our fundraising efforts, volunteering for programs, or spreading the word about TWA’s work. Your involvement ensures that this milestone year propels TWA into the next era of success, preserving Texas’s natural legacy for future generations.

We’ve made giving easier than ever with a variety of methods:

Online Donations

Visit www.twafoundation.org to make a secure one-time or recurring donation. Your generosity funds critical conservation and education programs across Texas.

Mail-In Donations

Prefer to send a check? Make it payable to Texas Wildlife Association Foundation and mail to:

Texas Wildlife Association Foundation 6644 FM 1102

New Braunfels, TX 78132

TAX-SMART GIVING OPTIONS

• IRA Distributions: If you’re 70½ or older, you can make a taxfree gift directly from your IRA, satisfying your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) while reducing taxable income.

• Stock Donations: Donating appreciated stock avoids capital gains taxes and maximizes your impact. For guidance, contact Denell Jackson at djackson@texas-wildlife.org

THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT

Your unwavering support has driven extraordinary achievements. This year, the Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) and Adult Learn to Hunt Program (ALHP) hosted a record number of hunts, connecting participants with the land and fostering a lifelong love of conservation.

Meanwhile, Conservation Legacy is on track to distribute over 425,000 Critter Connections educational materials to Texas students in 2025. These programs not only educate but inspire

the next generation to protect and care for Texas’s natural resources, ensuring that TWA’s mission endures for decades to come.

Every contribution—whether time, funds, or advocacy—creates measurable impact, helping us preserve the wildlife, lands, and traditions that define Texas.

JOIN US IN HONORING 40 YEARS

As the TWA Foundation, we are proud to support and celebrate TWA’s remarkable legacy. We invite you to join us in commemorating 40 years of conservation success and making 2025 a year to remember.

Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to the TWA family, your involvement is essential. Together, we can ensure that TWA’s mission thrives for generations to come. Let’s make this 40th anniversary a celebration of all we’ve achieved—and a bold step toward an even brighter future.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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

Ijust wanted to let you know that the recent 2nd annual Student Mentored Hunt was amazing! All four of our hunters harvested a deer and they all had a blast! Our huntmaster, Emilie Brochon, was fantastic and it was also so special to have Kristin Parma and Kriss Abigail out there as well. My father and I are exceptionally grateful to be able to offer the property for this - it’s so rewarding. Also, personally I’m excited to keep participating in the ALHP program and plan to guide some this season.

Thank you for introducing me to this program. It’s a special highlight each year.

Attached are some photos of the weekend.

Best,

Kennedy Bailey

Student Intern | Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute

Huntmaster | Adult Learn-to-Hunt | Texas Youth Hunting Program

RWFM Wildlife Management Student