The Irving Police Athletic League's (PAL) Urban Outdoors Program has been honored with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education Partner of the Year award for its deer hunting initiative.
Since its establishment in 2013, PAL has collaborated with TPWD's Hunter Education Specialist Monica Bickerstaff, local Texas Game Wardens, and Lake Whitney Fort Worth District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide 108 young people with fully funded hunting trips. These participants, selected for their exemplary behavior and consistent involvement in PAL activities, undergo Texas Hunter's Education training led by PAL coaches to learn about wildlife management and safety.
With the guidance of nearly 30 Irving Police Department personnel and PAL volunteers, the program has enabled youth to harvest 69 deer, providing valuable meat for their families. The success of the program is attributed to the dedication of volunteers and supporters, and there are hopes for its continued growth in the future.
