Texas Hunter Education Instructors Association

10/23/2026

We are going to be doing a major update to the website. We are planning to try and do this over the weekend, it should take 24 to 48 hours to complete, but might take slightly longer. If you have any photos from hunter ed classes, training, etc. that you are willing to share for publication on the website, please feel free to send them to us for possible inclusion.

10/22/2026

10/07/2026

Introducing our Parliamentarian, Sanford "Sandy" Mason III. A valuable member of the THEIA leadership team. The Parliamentarian is a non-voting member of the Board, who helps us stay right with Roberts Rules of Order in Board Meetings and General Membership Meetings. Learn more about Sandy below:

Sanford ( Sandy) Mason Texas Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education Area Chief.

I began my affiliation with TPWD in 2009 taking a Hunter Education class with my son. Soon after that a member of the local school board was discussing the Hunter Education class at the local high school and how limited the size was. That led to me becoming a Hunter Education Instructor and working with the local ISD in Joshua Texas to teach Hunter Education in the school's community room.

I became more involved in Hunter Education programs and in 2019 was the recipient of the TD Carroll award from THEIA. In 2018 and 2019 I traveled over 5000 miles teaching classes from Rockdale TX to Sanderson Texas. I became an area chief along the way and began holding Hunting 101 classes. These have included Antler Scoring, Am******on Reloading, White Tail Deer Hunting and Bow Hunting classes. I am the Parliamentarian for THEIA , a Bowhunter Instructor, do scoring for TBGA and am a Tree Stand Safety Instructor.

I've had an interest in hunting and fishing all my life, one grandfather was an avid fisherman and the other an ardent bird hunter. That grandfather would either borrow his brother's bird dog or have me fetch his downed dove and quail.

My passion is shooting and big game hunting and I've been very fortunate to enjoy both of these for over 50 years. As a Navy veteran I was selected to become a Navy Armorer and Master Small Arms Instructor. I shot handgun and sh***un competitively during my different enlistments and have attended numerous classes and programs on fi****ms and am******on maintenance and alterations all over the world.

I also became involved with the Texas Youth Hunter Program and became a Huntmaster in 2015. Both TPWD and TYHP programs have led me to some wonderful times working with youth hunters and youth programs. I've also met several amazing landowners who've allowed me to host TYHP Programs, Veterans programs and let our volunteers do hog hunts on their ranches.

Recently I was asked to be the liaison between THEIA and the newly forming Instructor Association in Michigan working with the state's DNR group and volunteer instructors. This is an inspiring task and I thoroughly enjoy the drive and commitment the instructors in Michigan have in building their program.

I would encourage any of our volunteer instructors to be active through the year with Hunter Education and Youth programs. The opportunities to be visual at community days, county celebrations, veterans meetings, and hosting education stations at local events puts TPWD and THEIA volunteers in the community focus.

Being visible at the local Academy or Tractor Supply stores on a Saturday, giving a safety brief at the local Trail Life group, or teaching a private course for a church or VFW Post are all areas that can occur year round.

In closing, take some time to look around and meet with the new hunters in your area. Invite them to be more involved with the outdoors and ask them to help you with a class or local event. Give these folks the opportunity to work and become the next generation of instructors and volunteers to carry our traditions and safety culture into the future.

09/28/2026

This past Saturday, THEIA was privileged to attend the 2026 State YHEC at the Arlington Sportsman's Club. Below is the report from YHEC Outdoor Sports (YOS) President and THEIA Member, Mike Rantala:

Young Texans Put Outdoor Skills to the Test at the 2026 State YHEC

The 2026 Texas State Youth Hunter Education Challenge was held September 26 at Arlington Sportsman’s Club near Mansfield, Texas. It was an exciting day for participants, from experienced competitors who had attended for years to newly certified students taking their first shot in a particular fi***rm discipline. For instructors, few moments are more satisfying than seeing students put classroom lessons into action—whether breaking their first clay or watching smoke roll from the barrel of a muzzle-loading r***e. Their smiles said it all: “I got it.”

Participants began the day on the Hunter Skills Trail, making decisions about whether a shot was legal, ethical, or appropriate to take. Because the trail followed the sporting clays course, they also had plenty of opportunities to shoot at flying clays. After the morning course, they moved inside for the written portion of the contest, which included questions about muzzle-loading r***es, orienteering, and land navigation. Between testing sessions and a much-needed lunch break, they rotated through the wildlife identification area. In the afternoon, the group divided to tackle the muzzle-loading r***e course and the orienteering field course. Everyone found the way back to the clubhouse for an impromptu discussion with Doug DuBois, president of the Texas Hunter Education Instructors Association (THEIA), about youth outdoor activities available across Texas. Brooklyn Chan also spoke about her experience with the Texas Brigades youth camp.

Once all scores were tabulated, it was time to recognize the participants’ accomplishments. Brooklyn, a Texas 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador, assisted with presenting the awards. Her involvement was another welcome example of the youth leadership that continues to strengthen the program.

Every participant deserves recognition for the hard work shown throughout the competition. The top championship honors were awarded as follows:
Junior Level Champion: Clade L.
Senior Level Champion: Cody R.
Sportsmanship Award: Addison L.

Arlington Sportsman’s Club has graciously hosted the Texas State YHEC for many years—longer than many current participants have been alive. The program would not be what it is today without the club’s generosity and the many volunteers who contribute their time and, at times, their own hard-earned dollars. Their investment in young people helps secure the future of outdoor education in Texas.

David and Jeanette Hammonds were instrumental in starting YOS and sustaining the program, and they continue that legacy today. Although participation has slowed during the past couple of years, current YOS President Mike Rantala plans to keep teaching young people and encouraging other instructors and clubs to train for YHEC events. YHEC is about more than the state contest. The NRA National YHEC Championship, previously held in Bentonville, Arkansas, is scheduled to become a traveling competition in 2027. Individuals, families, 4-H clubs, church groups, Scout groups, and other youth organizations may participate in YHEC events. Competitors must have completed hunter education to take part in state contests.

For more information about YHEC in Texas, visit www.texasyhec.com. You can also follow YHEC Outdoor Sports on Facebook. Mike Rantala YHEC Outdoor Sports

09/11/2026

Remembrance Day…Never Forget.

08/20/2026

What the heck is YHEC??

It is the Youth Hunter Education Challenge and the Texas State Challenge will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, September 26, 2026 at the Arlington Sportsman's Club, 11500 CR 525, Mansfield, TX 76053.

Challenges will include Sh***un, Muzzle loading R***e, Skills Trail, Wildlife Identification, Orienteering/Map Skills.

Youth must have completed Hunter Education before this event.

Registration is $50.00 and pre-registration is required.

Please visit www.texasyhec.com for more information, or email [email protected].

This event is hosted by YHEC Outdoor Sports!

Send a message to learn more

08/20/2026

For anyone in the New Braunfels/San Marcos area, there is Hunter Education Instructor certification Course set for September 19th at the Headquarters of the Texas Wildlife Association.

Become a Texas Hunter Education Instructor. Make a difference in your community by teaching safe hunting and conservation of Texas resources. Want to learn more? Link in profile.

08/01/2026

Hunting Season is right around the corner -- make sure you are legal -- enroll in the mandatory Hunter Education class today!
# Anyone born after Sept. 2, 1971 must complete hunter education to legally hunt in Texas;
# 9 is the youngest age for certification.
# Certification is lifetime and reciprocal in all of North American, including Canada, Mexico, and several other countries including Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, and many more.
# *if you are born before 1971 and are “exempt” from taking Hunter Education in Texas, if you ever have the chance to go beyond Texas to hunt, this certification is required in addition to a valid hunting license.
# Every state has their own ‘born-after’ date where Hunter Education is required, and most all require non-residents to have the certification as well.
# Many Texas landowners also require Hunter Education before hunting on their property, as well as TPWD drawn hunts which require the certification as well.
# This course covers the core competencies of fi***rm and hunting safety, hunting ethics and wildlife conservation.
# All materials are provided.
# State fee = $15.00 for Hunter Education certification
--> upcoming classes Hunter Education classes held in Seguin -- (check links below for course location and times):
August 15th, 2026
https://tpwd.elementlms.com/.../hunter-education.../
September 12th, 2026
https://tpwd.elementlms.com/.../hunter-education.../
October 3rd, 2026
https://tpwd.elementlms.com/.../hunter-education.../ See less

07/14/2026

The US Government response to the New World Screwworm is being led by Rear Admiral Michael Schmoyer, PhD. (US Public Health Service), who is working with the US Department of Agriculture as Associate Director of their Animal & Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) and Director of NWS Directorate.

In Texas he is working closely with the Texas Animal Health Commission the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and Texas AgriLife, along with producer groups such as the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Farm Bureau and the Texas Wildlife Association to identify areas of NWS impact, to trigger the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to address the problem.

The most current information regarding the response to NWS can be found at www.Screwworm.gov, which is updated regularly. Please check it out for the latest information.

Learn how the U.S. Government prevents New World screwworm and what to know about risks, surveillance, sterile-fly control, travel, and more.

07/11/2026

Introducing Mrs. Monica Spradlin - THEIA Treasurer for 2026 - 2027:

I'm honored to serve on the THEIA Board as Treasurer. I have a passion for Hunter Education, responsible fi***rm ownership, and for helping others discover and enjoy the outdoors.

My journey into Hunter Education began with a simple desire to spend more time volunteering alongside my now-husband, Randy, while we were dating. What started as an opportunity to be together quickly grew into a genuine commitment to the Hunter Education program and the incredible volunteers who help make it successful.

Since becoming an instructor, I've assisted with Hunter Education classes and supported numerous events behind the scenes. I'm also an NRA Recruiter, and I enjoy encouraging safe, ethical hunting while helping introduce men, women, and children to hunting, shooting sports, and our outdoor heritage.

Outside of my volunteer work, I own Sage & Stitch, a small handcrafted business where I manage the finances, operations, and day-to-day responsibilities. My experience as a small business owner has strengthened my organizational and financial management skills, and I'm excited to bring those skills to my role as THEIA's Treasurer.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside such a dedicated board and look forward to supporting THEIA's mission and helping our organization continue to grow and make a positive impact in the hunting and outdoor community.