Speaker of the Texas House Joe Straus to speak at Texas Wildlife Association gathering

San Antonio-The Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) is proud to announce Speaker of the Texas House Joe Straus as WildLife’s 2009 keynote speaker. A San Antonio native and avid outdoorsman, Speaker Straus will deliver his address to 1,500 TWA members and reflect on his first legislative session as presiding officer of the House at Noon on Saturday, June 27, as part of the Statewide Texas Big Game Awards Banquet, held in conjunction with WildLife 2009. 

“Speaker Straus’ address promises to draw a large TWA crowd as a result of the many connections and relationships he has with TWA members and leadership.  We look forward to his insight and thoughts on critical issues affecting the TWA family of private landowners, hunters, conservationists and others,” explains Gary Joiner, Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Wildlife Association.

WildLife 2009 is the Texas Wildlife Association’s 24^th annual convention, held in San Antonio at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, June 26-27. Wildlife enthusiasts from across Texas will come together to enjoy a wide range of activities such as wildlife seminars, presentations, banquets, demonstrations, outdoor fun and wildlife contests for the kids, and over 50 exhibitors showcasing the latest in outdoor equipment, farm and ranch real estate, telecommunications, food services, vehicles, and banking and loan services.

The Statewide Texas Big Game Awards Banquet (TBGA) will features some of the most spectacular specimens of white-tailed deer, mule deer and pronghorn antelope taken during the 2008-2009 hunting season. The specimens will be on display at the banquet. The program recognizes both the hunter who took the outstanding animal and the land manager whose efforts produced the habitat necessary to sustain the animal.

 

This year's celebration features all of the traditional activities along with several new offerings that promise to add enjoyment to the two days.

 

Convention highlights include:

• The Texas Wildlife Association Foundation (TWAF) Luncheon at Noon on Friday features futurist and accomplished author Richard Louv. Louv authored the book, “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Distorder,” which is the first book to bring together the growing body of research indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for the health of children and adults.
• The return of TWA Member John Karger and his Last Chance Forever Birds of Prey Conservancy exhibit and show. John will display the birds during the TWA Family Reunion by the Hyatt's "ramblin' river" on Friday evening. A special show will be featured on The Lawn on Saturday.
• The Statewide Texas Big Game Awards Banquet featuring the top big game taken last season in Texas.
• The Wildlife Education Seminars featuring top speakers on wildlife and habitat management topics.
• The Little Lonestars Program for all kids.
• The C.H. Guenther and Son, Inc. TWA Family Breakfast.
• The Grand and Silent Auctions. A sneak peek at some of this year's Grand Auction items include: a Custom Jeep 4x4 Hunting Rig, equipped and ranch ready for hunting, donated by South Texas Outfitters; King Ranch Trophy Whitetail Hunt (two-day, guided hunt on the historic King Ranch, no limit on B&C score. Breakfast and lunch included for two); Custom 4x4 Bad Boy Buggy, custom guns, quail hunts, trophy whitetail hunts, youth hunts and much more!

For additional information on WildLife 2009, registration information, sponsorship information, updated schedule of events, and regularly updated list of the Silent and Grand Auction items, contact David Brimager at dbrimager@texas-wildlife.org or call the TWA office at (800) 839-9453.