5M Farms, owned by Matt and Sydney Murphy, was honored as Region 6 Landowner of the Year by the Texas Wildlife Association at the Region 6 Texas Big Game Awards Banquet on July 31 at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin.
The Texas Wildlife Association is a statewide membership organization that serves Texas wildlife and its habitat, while protecting property rights, hunting heritage, and the conservation efforts of those who value and steward wildlife resources.
Hunters, conservationists, wildlife managers and landowners across Texas were invited to join Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) at one of eight regional Texas Big Game Awards (TBGA) celebrations this summer for the 35th annual banquet which includes eight stops around the state.
Established in 1991, the TBGA promote big game hunting in Texas and encourage proactive habitat and wildlife management. TWA and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department co-sponsor the awards programs and banquets.
“For 35 years and counting, the Texas Big Game Awards program recognizes exceptional native Texas big game animals, as well as the landowners whose conservation efforts and stewardship create ideal habitat that supports our native wildlife. Each banquet serves as a celebration of our hunting heritage and brings together Texans of all ages,” TWA CEO Justin Dreibelbis said.
More than 1,200 award applications were received prior to the March 1 program deadline. All applicants were recognized and received a certificate at one of the regional banquets coordinated by TWA. Eligible Texas big game harvests include white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn, javelina and desert bighorn sheep.
“It is encouraging to see high levels of participation in the TBGA. Even more encouraging are the number of entries for youth and first harvest, which is 304 and 252 respectively. It is exciting to see young Texans and new hunters experiencing what our great state has to offer,” he said.
