Have you heard about TDA’s Rising Circle?  This month’s meeting was held at the G5 Ranch in Pearsall where guest speakers Bob Price, Patrick Tarlton, and Mark Hubbard addressed a large turnout. Following the meeting the group went on a dove hunt and had a fajita dinner.

The idea for the Rising Circle began in January of this year, when a few friends in south Texas approached then-TDA President Chase Clark about meeting with them to fill them in on legislative issues and to hear their ideas and concerns about the state of the deer industry.  

After the initial meeting, it was decided this gathering would be beneficial to continue and they group began to invite any others that were equally interested and concerned with what was going on in Austin during the legislative session.  Meeting once every two weeks at local restaurants, Clark was invited to speak to the group about legislation, issues affecting the industry, and most importantly listening to their shared concerns and ideas.

 Once the legislative session came to an end, the group decided to meet once a month.  A number of ranches in the region have hosted a meeting, including the Empire Ranch, Sunset Ranch, El Tesoro, and Texas M3 Ranch.  A guest speaker is usually arranged and someone attends to present any updates from TDA.

In the past, some of the special presentations included talks on proposed MLD changes, herd health, CWD information and more.  Speakers have included TDA Immediate Past President Chase Clark; Alan Cain, TPWD Deer Program leader; former TDA Vice-President Dr. Scott Bugai, DVM; and Texas Trophy Hunter Association Horace Gore.

To find out how you can get involved with the South Texas Rising Circle or get more info on starting meetings in your region please email Ben Schmidtke at ben.schmidtke@cajunusa.com.