Texas Hunting Leases

I was surprised when I saw the title of National Geographic Magazine’s Feature article on their website. “Hunters, for the Love of the Land” by Robert M. Poole, is a wonderful story which validates the benefits of hunters and hunting to our wildlife and their habitat.  I have always enjoyed National Geographic’s pictures and stories about the world we live in.  But, I have to admit that I was surprised to find a “pro-hunter” article among pages that most would argue are usually not so favorable to a conservative viewpoint.

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Poole, a hunter himself, writes about the various ways hunting and hunters help the very animals they seek to harvest.  Through the support of scientific research to habitat protection, America’s hunters (and more specifically their dollars and voting numbers) have done more to preserve and restore wildlife then any other group.  This especially includes the so-called environmentalists groups combined.

Traveling across the country, Poole observes how local communities and ranchers still survive on hunting dollars.  Even media-mogul Ted Turner advocates the use of hunting to manage free-range herds of wild game on his large ranch lands.   The article also contains a series of pictures to chronicle the author’s travels.

Looking forward, Poole recognizes the threat of population growth and the urbanization of our youth.  The number of people who hunt are dropping across the country.  And, one can only surmise that this will have a direct correlation to the health and abundance of our wildlife.

Earlier this year Texas lost a hero.  But like Texans do, they made sure he would always be remembered in a way that would befit his contributions to the people and wildlife resources of the state.  Justin Hurst, Texas Game Warden, lost his life in a gun battle with a poacher and left behind a legacy as a husband, father and dedicated public servant.   For that, and all that he stood for, Texas Parks & Wildlife named the 15,000 acre Peach Point Wildlife Management Area after him during a ceremony on October 12th, 2007.

Its really hard to connect the dots.  As a hunter, its hard enough to accept a poacher among our ranks.  But, then again, a poacher is not a hunter.  He is a thief and a traitor to the men and women who nurture the tradition along.  And, in the case of this poacher, he can add murderer to a long list of adjectives that we could list here but would not be fit to write.

Justin left behind a family and friends who thought a lot of him.  He earned their respect both professionally and personally.  The next time you hunt waterfowl, say a little prayer for Justin and guys like him.  They represent all the is good and right about Texas and the outdoorsmen who live in it.

Texas hunters and fishermen who have purchased either a combination or individual hunting or fishing license can take advantage of some good discounts from Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine. 

TPW Magazine has been a monthly guide to the Texas outdoors since 1942.  Its award-winning pages are packed with outstanding color photos and articles about every facet of outdoor recreation: fishing, hunting, camping, birding, boating, traveling and more.  You also get information about state parks, environmental issues and events taking place all across Texas.

Currently, state residents with a regular hunting or fishing license can receive 12 issues at a 70% discount off the cover price.  Super-Combo holders can get a 75% discount off their subscription.  There are also specials for giving a subscription as a gift.

TPW magazine is a welcome site in my mailbox each month.  Now, with such a great deal like that, you can make it welcome in your home too!