I wish it was all this simple…have a good year for the deer, get the lease ready, and then hunt and enjoy…unfortunately, we aren’t there yet. We’ve still got a few folks out there itch’n to help you thin out your deer population. And if you’re really selfish like many of us, and actually put gates and posted signs up on the land you and your members work and pay for…you might as well figure on "busted" gates, locks, stands, and tacks on your roads. I’ve heard just about every excuse in the world from these knotheads…"Been hunt’n here all my life", "You don’t own them deer", "You don’t live here", anything to help justify what they are doing. Simply put….it’s poaching…and trespassing…and many of us aren’t going to put up with it.

In just a year and a half, our Association has really been changing some attitudes in our county. From the big shots in Austin…every political office in Newton County…to the people that can’t seem to get with the program…everyone knows about the NCLLA and what we represent. At our banquet with Sabine County this spring, we ended up with 341 people walking through the doors. Roy Lawrence (acting TP&W Law Enforcement Director), Buddy Turner (Operation Game Thief), Commander Williford, and a host of others, were all there to congratulate us and to offer their support. We had over $2000.00 worth of door prizes, a good chicken fried steak lunch, and a room full of people that support our "Goals"…mighty impressive!!!

Last season we were fortunate to really score some points for "OUR" side. Captain Ranft made sure we had some extra muscle, our wardens turned up the heat, and A.W. Davis our District Attorney with Billy Springer his Chief Investigator managed to cramp their style on the legal end. We ended up with 13 Class A & B Misdemeanor convictions, not to mention the Class C’s that go to the JP’s. Our TP&W wardens filed the Class C’s, and all were found or plead guilty. The offenses were on hunting club leases in Newton County, and included some Major fines (up to $4,675.25) and probated jail time. It’s getting to where Newton County isn’t that great of a county to break the law, and expect it to go away.

We’ve had a lot of new clubs join this year; many renewals already in, but still have a ways to go. If you haven’t had a chance to renew….now would be a good time…we need and depend on your support. Our dues are only $5.00 per membership (which includes a posted sign)…which is some major "BANG" for your "BUCK". Contact one of the NCLLA officers if you need a renewal application, or go to our web site at www.nclla.bizland.com and print an application. Remember…the NCLLA is yours, and it’s the best chance we’ve got to make a change.

• Sign up a new member: With dues of only $5.00 per membership, the NCLLA is a bargain!
• Report poachers: Report all game violations to our local wardens or phone into Operation Game Thief @ 1-800-792-4263.
• Vote: When election time comes around, use your vote to support the elected officials that back NCLLA goals…make your vote count!
• Meet our members: Remember, we’re in this together.
• Your opinion: Attend the meetings and express your thoughts on improving our Association.

July 2000 Newsletter

November 2000 Newsletter

April 2001 Newsletter