Newsletter February 2002
This was one of those hunting seasons where everyone is still trying to figure out what happened. We had plenty of rain early on, the deer numbers and horns looked great, but it just didn’t happen for many of us. I’ve heard the big thing was all the acorns fell at one time, no rain or hard frost to "sour" them, not to mention a full moon that seemed to last all season. I’ve always believed a bad day in the woods is better than any day at work, so for me…they are all good.
This hunting season may not of been as exciting as some, but we didn’t lack excitement in other happenings throughout the county. Our wardens had their hands full, and extra manpower had to be brought in on more than one occasion. Our warden’s had some serious confrontations with some "questionable" groups, ending with a half of dozen of them visiting our jail facilities. One of our Commissioners was even confronted at his home by some folks and assaulted, which also ended with a jail visit for the attackers. We’ve got some " hot spots " in our county that revolves around dog hunting, and we had some decisions made in these areas that have sparked a lot of controversy. The Commissioner’s Court in a two to three vote made an administrative decision to designate some roads as "public", opening up all kind of opportunity for misuse. Luckily, there are a lot of folks out there that disagree with that action, and the final outcome will ultimately be decided in a District Court. We’ve got some groups here that feel like they are going to hunt where, how, and when they want, and no one is going to stop them. They have no respect for property rights, game laws, and a total disregard for our police, wildlife enforcement personnel, and now even our elected officials. The only good side to this is; it’s just a handful of these criminals, and it will catch up with them sooner or later. With the type of folks we are talking about; all we have to do is give them enough rope…they’ll do the rest.
It’s apparent to a lot of us, we need all the help from TP&W and our elected officials that we can get. We have already started a campaign to increase our wardens in Newton County, and we won’t be satisfied until that’s accomplished. This past season went a long way in "opening" some eyes in Austin, with the type of people we’ve all have had to deal with. The NCLLA is also fortunate to have some valuable contacts in our Texas Legislature, so we plan on pursuing every available option. I think we all have had a belly full of illegal dog hunters, poaching, trespassing, and want our county back!
One of the NCLLA efforts has been to try and support the elected officials in Newton County that have backed our Association’s goals. We’ve been fortunate to have received the support of many, and wanted to mention some of the upcoming elections….
Remember to VOTE !!!
" We can and will make a difference in Newton County"
Commissioner Precinct 2:
Thomas Gill
Mr. Gill has been very supportive of our Association, and he and his family are members of the NCLLA. He has been a valuable asset to Precinct 2, and will be so in the future. His position is important to all of Newton County, and we all look forward to his re-election.
Commissioner Precinct 4:
Buddy Green
Mr. Green also has been very supportive of what the NCLLA represents, and is a valuable member of our Association. He has represented Precinct 4 well, and has been an asset to Newton County. We appreciate Mr. Green’s past support, and look forward to that support in the future.
Justice of Peace Precinct 1:
Calvin Starkie
Mr. Starkie is running for JP this year, and we are all excited about this Precinct 1 position. Calvin has shown a genuine interest in what the NCLLA is trying to accomplish, and has offered his full support of our Association. With many of the issues we as landowners and leaseholders face coming to this office, Mr. Starkie has the knowledge and ability to get things done! He would be an asset for Newton County, and the NCLLA supports and welcomes his election.
Justice of Peace Precinct 3:
Robert C. Woods
Mr. Woods is running for JP in Precinct 3, and we are all pleased he has chosen to run. Mr. Woods not only supports the goals of the NCLLA, but also can appreciate many of the problems we deal with. Robert’s experience in law enforcement in addition to managing a hunting lease for years, makes him a perfect choice for our support. Robert Woods will make an excellent JP for Precinct 3, and a good choice for Newton County.
District Clerk
Bree Allen
Bree Allen is running for District Clerk, and brings experience, honesty, and dedication to this office. She and her family are members of the NCLLA, and support the goals of our Association. We all appreciate her past service to the District Clerk’s office, and look forward to her election as District Clerk in 2002.