Texans interested in learning the art, skill, and tradition of bowhunting will have a hands‑on opportunity next month as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Community Archery Program partners with Brazos Bend State Park for a special “Explore Bowhunting” event. The workshop, set for Feb. 7 in Needville, brings together state agencies, conservation groups, and outdoor educators for a day designed to introduce the public to responsible and effective bowhunting practices.

Supported by Texas Game Wardens, Operation Game Thief, the Texas Youth Hunt Program, TPWD Hunter Education, the Outdoor Tomorrow Foundation, the Archery Trade Association, and several local partners, the event offers participants a chance to learn what it takes to prepare for bowhunting season—from equipment basics to ethical shot placement.

“We are excited to once again partner with Brazos Bend for another year, to bring to the public this one‑of‑a‑kind archery event,” said Adam Lewis, TPWD community archery specialist. “Whether you are a seasoned archer, beginner or just starting to gain interest in the sport of archery and bowhunting, this is a great event to hone your skills, further your knowledge and understand what it takes to be a successful bowhunter.”

The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free with park entrance. All equipment is provided, making the event accessible to newcomers and families who may be exploring archery for the first time.

Lewis noted that the instruction will focus on essential skills such as gear selection, concealment techniques, and understanding animal anatomy to improve accuracy and reduce recovery time after a successful harvest. “This is an all‑ages event and is a great way to spend some time outdoors with your family and friends,” he added.

Participants will have access to a wide range of interactive stations, including:

• A state‑of‑the‑art archery trailer with adaptive‑archer options
• An introductory range with 3D targets emphasizing anatomy and shot placement
• Demonstrations on animal processing, including skinning, quartering, and butchering
• Cooking conversations and gear displays
• Youth‑focused hunting simulation activities
• Staff available to answer questions about public hunting opportunities, regulations, and more

The event also highlights the broader mission of TPWD’s Community Archery Program, which operates on a “train the trainer” model. Through the National Archery in the Schools Program curriculum, TPWD trains teachers and community leaders in range setup, safety, coaching, and program design. The curriculum supports schools, military bases, veterans’ groups, scouts, camps, and parks departments, and provides certification for hosting mobile archery ranges.

Community archery specialists also deliver Explore Bowhunting and Explore Bowfishing programs statewide, introducing new audiences to outdoor skills through hands‑on activities and guided discussion. Portions of that curriculum will be showcased during the Feb. 7 event.

Those interested in connecting with a community archery specialist or learning more about the program can visit the Community Archery Program webpage on the TPWD website.