EAST TEXAS HOG DOGGERS FORUM

I know that many of us on ETHD support the TDHA, but to those of you that do not support, this post is directed at you.
If you don't want to post publicly PM me and I will post your concerns about TDHA anonymously.

What are some reasons that you choose not to be a member of the TDHA?

Cost of membership? If this is a genuine concern, and you want to be a member, but cannot afford the cost of membership, PM me and we will find a way to make you a member.

You don't know what TDHA does?
Here are a few things the TDHA does do for Texas Dog Hunters - this was posted in the TDHA website

Don't know how to join TDHA?

Is it because you feel you get the benefits of what the TDHA does, regardless of being a member?


Are you a member of another organization and don't feel the need to overlap support? If so, can you please let me know what organizations you do support?

Now when I say support, I mean being a member of the organization, nothing more. If you choose to volunteer your time to help the organization, that's even better, but not necessary to show your support.



Is there a good reason not to join the TDHA?


Now, for those that are members of the TDHA, what other organizations are you a member of?

We all know that there is strength in numbers, so what are some ideas to get more people signed up and showing their support for TDHA?

 There are no reason for a dog hunter not to be a member of TDHA. I hope some helpful info is gathered by your thread, Chris.


TDHA
DU
Delta Waterfowl
NRA
LSBA

TDHA
NRA
RMEF
SCI
DU
NWTF
FNAWSF ( Wild Sheep Foundation, helps preserve habitiat for Bighorn sheep and mountain goats)
was at one time an LSBA member but pulled my membership due to their stance on crossbows but that's another thread.

Savoy is right, THERE ARE NO GOOD REASONS A DOG HUNTER SHOULD NOT BE A MEMBER OF TDHA!!!

DU
TDHA
NRA
NSCA
CCA
Texas GOP

Chris,
Thanks, would like to get some feed back on this.

Thanks also for your support and agreeing to be on the panel to translate the bills before they become laws.

  Awesome Thread!!!  We are members of:  TDHA, Ducks Unlimited, Endangered Breed Association (they fight breed specific legislation), Texas Trophy Hunters Association,  Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, TBBA, IBBA and others not related to land and hunting stuff.  I would like to become a member of the NRA.  I just need to find a membership application. 
 Gilbert

How much does it cost to sign up?

$25

awesome thread!!!!! I agree all dog hunters should be a member if they like doing it and want to keep it available for the future.. Thanks Chris.

ouch this one is gonna leave a mark, i guess, heck cause i am a procrastinator,,
  im sorry please dont beat me or chastize me :-[
    Dexter

come on Dexter, I did it today and it didnt hurt a bit!

Great tread

i joined today as well!

Guy's this thread was not intended to shame people into signing up... of course if a few do sign up because of it, that's great. ;D

My intent with this thread is simply to find out why the MAJORITY of Texas dog hunters choose not to be a member of TDHA.  I figure there has to be a reason, I just have not been able to figure it out on my own. I was hoping that some non members would enlighten me as to what their reasons are for their lack of support.

I will say this, a few years ago the TDHA seemed to be a little stagnant, but with the current group that is heading it up is a lot more active. Keeping us informed of upcoming legislation, setting up the crimestoppers fund, and putting on the best damn hunting contest in the state!   For me, I figure that $25.00 is cheap insurance to know that I have the entire TDHA backing me should I need it for legal concerns relating to my hunting dogs.

I know you asked for replies from Texas dog men, but what about guys not in Texas how will becoming a member help us. I was a member at one time. I just didn't see how it would benefit me being next door in Louisiana. I know its a great organization and Mr. Mason, Krystal, Cody and yourself are all good folks but how can it help us out of staters who hang around you Texas boys boards. Thanks, Thre'

Thre'

   How you been?

     Only you can decide if the cost of membership is worth it to you as an out of state hog hunter. The primary reason I can see to still be a member is this.  If legislation passes in Texas, there is a good chance the state government of our neighbors to the East, North, and West  can and will follow suit. I am not sure if that is worth the price of admission....but it is food for thought.

    I read recently that someone was wanting to start a Louisiana Dog Hunter's Assoc. might also be worth looking into that and see how to get the ball rolling. If y'all get one started, let me know the membership cost and I will be the first Texas member ;D

    Thre', one last reason to be a TDHA supporter from out of state, and this is directed at you personally....if you don't help support us here in Texas, and dog hunting gets outlawed, I will be forced to relocate along with my dogs to the Baton Rouge area and start hunting your woods :o  haha

   
 

Chris, I keep thinking there are two main reasons people don't sign up...

First, primarily hog hunters get targeted, and you can only get so much saturation in each group. The more groups that are approached, like bird guys and trappers and anyone else who uses working dog, the more potential members are reached. You have to remember that some people just aren't joiners, and many people don't have a long-term interest in the sport, especially when it comes to hog dogging. How many people do you see jumping in and selling out in the classified ads each day? Why would people with fickle tastes dedicate themselves to the future of an activity they may not be a part of in 5 years? Perhaps there will be greater traction with hunters who have a longer lifespan in their sport.

But I also don't think people truly know what the TDHA does. I'm a member, and I have no qualms at all about donating a mere $25 each year, but I still don't totally understand how it's being used. I think the legislation is the best example. There are a ton of disconnected posts in a bunch of places. Yes, even in the Courtroom section on the TDHA board, there isn't a clear narrative to follow to know what's going on. And there is a lot of reposting from other groups that doesn't get pulled back to dog hunters. And since Mr. Mason already has so much going on, there should really be another person (or people) who work on concisely communicating these issues. There should be easily scanned and digested stats for everything - how much was donated, how much was raised, how many votes made the difference - so people can see in simple numbers what the TDHA does.

When someone asks, "What does my $25 get me," there is a page that says "It funds X scholarships, feeds Y hungry people, influences Z critical votes, defeats A bills and passes B bills, etc etc." Without numbers like that, it can sound like lip service. Because I know the people involved and have heard about their positive impact from friends, I trust my money is being put to good use, but if I didn't have that personal background, I wouldn't join without details.

And what Gilbert said about advertising on the TDHA board is right on. Once all this information is in place, get it out there and let people know about it. It makes for a very powerful marketing campaign. Just saying "We help you" doesn't convert new members the same way as "We get you XYZ concrete results."

There are so many things on my plate between my job, the eating disorder advocacy and the Lacy association, not to mention working to keep my dog sane, that I don't have the time to do the legwork. But I'd be happy to give advice as a marketing professional, nonprofit activist and former journalist.

I was a member but due the wreck I been out of pocket, soon as I get $25 bucks it's on like donkey Kong

TWA - Texas Wildlife Assco.
TDHA
SEA - Saltwater Fisheries Enhancement Assco.
ABBA - American Brahma Breeders Assco.
The Wildlife Society

Was going to join LSBA but read Butcher's reasoning and we think alike ;) ;D ;D ;D

Julie,

   Some very good points!

   As for how the dog legislation is presented to the general public, that issue is currently being addressed. Hopefully the new changes will help people understand more clearly how each bill may affect them. Bryant and I will be assisting Paul (Silverton Boar Dogs) in putting the bills into layman's terms and posting them on the message board.  Also being discussed is a forum within ETHD to address the legal issues that arise.


   The question about where the $25.00 goes is a good one, and one of the TDHA bod will have to address that, as I am not involved with TDHA operations.  I do know that there are funds within TDHA that are supported by dues, such as the crimestoppers fund.

 
    I also agree that TDHA would benefit from being involved in dog related events outside of hog dogging. I think the problem is a chicken and egg dilemma.  The hog hunters are the ones that have traditionally supported TDHA. Will the coon hunters, retrievers, etc support TDHA if we support them at their events?  If so, the only hurdle seems to be finding volunteers that are willing to take the initiative and plan/coordinate being at an event with the TDHA booth. 

   Now I am just as guilty as most all TDHA members in that I don't volunteer my time. I would rather be in the woods ;)...Problem is, if we all continue to have the same attitude about volunteering/supporting that I have had the last couple of years, the people that are doing the bulk of the work will burn out! Then we all lose. ;)


Y'all keep the feedback coming....

I believe alot of people want to personally see the Tdha in their area. They want to see the bayings, contests, ect. in their part of Texas.

The scholarships are a big jump in the right direction. Crime stoppers, the legal team, and those sort of things are great... but we as a society usually do not appreciate those types of benefits until it is too late.

I am not a member but need to be.....please dont punch me. I will try to do that this week.

Chris, getting the bills up like that would be a huge step in the right direction, that is awesome y'all are working on that! The more people know, the more they'll understand the importance of an organization like the TDHA. Legislation is such a big part of it, but it must be effectively communicated. Bill and laws are complicated to begin with and it's hard to figure out how exactly they impact us as individuals. The more clarity the better. And keeping a running tally of bills the TDHA helped pass and helped defeat, a scoreboard of legislative success, would be a neat way to sum it all up.

Eric, I agree that people don't appreciate it until it's too late, which is why we need to show that the TDHA really does make a difference. For things like the legislative fund and scholarships and even the Hunt for the Hungry, there should be personal anecdotes for people who were helped. Even if it is just a short paragraph saying "Thanks, I'm a real person, and you helped me." And they shouldn't be buried in the message board, they should all be collected on a static page that is part of the main site. Combine that with solid stats and you are building a compelling case.

As far as getting people from other disciplines, I think it is necessary, and I don't think it's gonna happen without some serious outreach. A great place to start would be the TDHA emailing the Texas chapters of Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl and figuring out how they can partner with them and reach their members. I'm sure they have web sites and news letters than could include a small blurb. The banquets are always a big deal, and I bet setting up a table at one would get a huge number of new members. Of course the coon and squirrel dog people, but I have a feeling the same issues will come up there as with hog hunters. So I'd say the first outreach efforts should be the fowl folks.

i've made this same comment about DU banquets, or an SCI event would be outstanding. Even NWTF banquets would be a step in the right direction, albeit turkey hunting isn't dog related but a lot of those same guys upland and waterfowl hunt. I've noticed that i'm not the only TDHA member that is also a DU member, i've also noticed a few Delta Waterfowl members as well.   This may seem weird but most of the people in these clubs are more willing to join an organization that fights for hunting freedoms than most of the people i've encountered in the hog dogging community.

it was mentioned that if we can't reach our own segment of dog ownership (hog doggin) how are we going to reach others??  my reply is putting forth the effort to try and branch out to other segments of hunters and getting told NO is no different than getting the same shut door within our own group.  at least the effort was put forth.  I'd be more than willing to volunteer any time to help reach other groups of hunters if i had at least one person to stand beside me.

so  i might not have my dues paid yet  but i have a question for everyone.....
 

     how many of you have asked business you trade with for donations to the TDHA  i have 3 so far  ,,,  come on now  let all of us do some door knocking  and face to face asking for donations you would be suprized what responces(sp?)  you will get

 SO GET OUT THERE AND RATTLE SOME CAGES :o

Dexter, that is a really good idea, but I still think we need to know where the funds go to responsibly raise donations from companies and our communities. Small one-time donations are fine, but it would be great for the TDHA to build long-term relationships that could be highlighted at the Hunt for the Hungry, etc. Also, the TDHA is a 501c3, which means donations are tax deductible. Does anyone at the TDHA have forms/receipts to give to people who donate?

i am not a member yet but it is on the top of my list  :-[
but i am a member of NRA

Julie, Mr.Mason keep sup with the money, reciepts, and forms along with so many other things he does, not just for TDHA but other wildlife organazations he is involved in. YES He does have the forms they can be handwritten and sent, all you have to do is request what you need and in what name you want it under, as talented as he is, he still needs help with all this stuff too!

Someone asked where does the money go?


1- We fight against bills that would take away their rights. Mr. Mason has been at the capitol of Austin persoanly several times this year while legislation was in session, he had made several posts on this board to inform everyone of what he was doing

2- We have the Crimestoppers to help them,
3- We have a Legal account to help out if they have legal problems.
 Seperate money set aside to help out dog hunters who have had crimes committed against their hunting/dogs
3- We have a Legal account to help out if they have legal problems.

4- We have a Youth program that informs the youth about hunting with dogs, which only a few work at. This has been going on for several years, Trailblazer programs where TDHA introduces/teaches thousands of youth about dog hunting, Youth are the future Voters Yall

6- We're trying to get a program started to give schoarships to High Schools for collage that are going into some field related to dogs and hunting. This is in Discussion amoung the board of directors right now trying to get it al ironed out and set up, will be done soon

7. I know All of you already know about the TDHA Hunting Contest - Feeds people who are Hungry-It helps Hog populations,  OVERALL PUTS A POSITIVE IMAGE OF DOG HUNTERS IN MANY COMMUNITIES


I will tell you what the the TDHA also needs is mover and shakers, PLENTY of people got ideas, but that does not work with out folks who are willing to follow through, hands on, get the work done. TDHA does not have the funds to pay folks to do these things, VOLUNTEERS make things happen, the funds help when materials are needed to educate, publish, Advertise what is being done

Krystal, I was in no way implying I don't think the money is accounted for, just saying people want to see the results. So that could be personal testimonies, a scoreboard of legislation, statistics for events... but it should be quantified somehow. I feel like this is a huge problem for a lot of nonprofits. When you are performing these public services, metrics can be an afterthought, but the most successful NPOs do a good job of it.

But I'll certainly second that people need to volunteer. Everyone, even Mr. Mason who does so much of the work, has a real life outside of the TDHA. If we all chipped in a little bit - one person goes to this event, another goes to that hearing, another organizes finances, etc - much more could get accomplished. People should run for office, join committees, offer up their services, whatever. So maybe the goal shouldn't just be to raise membership numbers, but to increase the number of current members that are involved. Just joining isn't enough.

Here's an example of what I'm talking about.... from the HSUS: http://www.hsus.org/about_us/accomplishments/counting_the_ways.html. Doesn't matter if you agree with them, there is no question they are making things happen. PETA, ASPCA and everyone else has similar pages. And that is the level or communication and transparency that leads to a growing membership.

But for an example y'all might be a little more pleased with, here's a PDF of the Ducks Unlimited fact sheet, which I think is very straightforward and easy to digest: http://www.ducks.org/media/News/_documents/National.pdf.

The biggest hurdle is not getting those things made, it is getting the numbers. Once you have the numbers and statistics and testimonials, putting up a web page or even making a flier is easy. And if that is what DU does, that is what the TDHA needs to do to reach that population of dog hunters.

Julie,
  Great posts on the spread sheets from DU and the HS. I think those,or something like that, is needed. I am not one of the people who likes to know where it goes BUT many(if not most) are. 25 bucks is a drop in the bucket. If there was a detailed sheet explaining where each dollar goes many people like my self might be will to go above and beyond the 25 dollar donation.


  On a side note. I would like to get the ball rolling to inform other Orgs about the TDHA. I have many in with DU and Delta. I am with the Austin Chapter(we are small) but the Reg. Director is a friend of mine so he can help get the word out to other Texas Chapters. In order to do this I would like the support of Mr.Mason and the BOD. Would be great if someone else would join with me(if given permisson) to get this going. I think a small group that is comitting to this would be a step in the right direction. That way we have "X" person/s talking to the other Orgs. instead of just anybody. What do yall think?

Mike, go for it.  we NEED people like you that are already in some of these organizations to help pitch the TDHA and the benefits of joining to them.  The more we branch out and recruit the more ammo our representatives like mr mason will have when he goes to austin.  Just imagine how much of a difference it would make to a legislator if instead of "We have 300 members"  he could say " We have 3000 members".

i was on a vol.fire  department  for years annd year and  it was funded purly by donations and grants and on donation goods have the vendors give you a reciept of the goods  and a business card,, then TDHA  will  mail a reciept on a letter head back to the vendor  for thier  tax deduction ,,,
  I talked to Mr Mason  just to  make sure and he said  absolutely  so to speak......

 i have another question is there a P.A system where is someone can  call out like winning raffle tickets..

 have a  ticket for your gate fee and along with a line of prizes that would be giving away then also have a second raffle  for  other prizes

 at this time now i have  3  sponsors that have givin me a verbal promise of  goods ..

 if my stuttering self can do it anyone can
   Dexter

id rather hear 30,000  people ,, you need to put it it just doesnt support  dog hunters but ALL dog owners
  look into taking out ads for  membership drives  in lets say texas trophy hunters magazine,,  the ad  is a donation also
 American classifieds... once again a state wide publication  ,, along with  the other  texas based hunting and fishing  publications..

lets  do this thing right and build a force that to be reconed with and not a lil piss ant  group

and thier is  corporate companies that would  help sponsor such groups as academy, dicks sporting goods,cabelas,ect.. that donate thousand of dollars each year to  organizations such as TDHA,,

 one other ideal comes to mind  get posters made and say one day cover every  just say TSC and sit out front  sign folks up and hand them a window sticker and a reciept   Bam bam  more  folks on board ,,

Great posts from everyone!!!  This is so exciting to see others getting amped about TDHA!!!  We need members like you guys to help spread the word about TDHA, to talk with prospective sponsors, and to volunteer your time and voice to an organization that is here to help ALL dog owners!! 

THIS IS FANTASTIC!!!!  Thanks for posing the question Chris!!

Julie, nothing is personal or directed at you. Please don't take it that way. Mr.Mason does keep up paperwork and would be great if we had enough active volunteers that would keep and do the paperwork so it can be posted and made public, not that anything is secret, just short of actual hands to do the work involved. Money is set aside for programs voted into place by the board of directors, mostly looking to serve the membership when needed.

My major focus is we have alot of folks with suggestions, that is never a shortage.

Now if all the great suggestions that were made here today would be acted on, and folks will join up and keep following up on those actions this really would take off! So Yall keep this rolling -  ;D

TDHA also is an active member/supporter of the US sportsman Alliance, by the smaller grassroots orginizations working with groups such as USSPA and could be part of DU and others, but it takes people keeping track, making contact and most importantly following through to see everything is finished and completed.

Savoy, I hope you go for it! I was thinking you'd be perfect for that. Maybe dabutcher can help.

Perhaps the TDHA should list out some of the skills that are needed and actively recruit volunteers for those positions. Instead of grabbing help when it is offered, you could spread the word that for someone with accounting and financial experience is needed, or someone with a marketing background, legislative experience, whatever. It would be interesting to see who comes out of the woodwork or who active members can find if they know to look.

As far as membership, in addition to teaming up with DU and Delta and such, it would be a good idea to reach out to breed clubs. I know the NLDA supported the Hunt for the Hungry and hopes to be even more involved in the future. Our mission is to promote and preserve Lacys as a working dog, and losing dog hunters' rights would seriously impede that goal. I have a feeling the Catahoula, BMC, Jagd, etc. people would feel the same way. Just promotion on their boards or newsletter could help. And one thing I thought of was offering a discounted membership to the TDHA along with NLDA membership. Or splitting the discount so you get $5 off NLDA and $5 off TDHA membership when you join both at the same time. Not only would it save members a little cash, it would save them time and hassle by combining the forms. Does that sound like something the TDHA would want to pursue? It would be neat to roll it out at several breed groups at once, and the NLDA would be willing to help promote that.

Mike, I'm in with you if we can get it going.

Cody

Cody,
  Great works for me. I will get a list of people to talk to in the next two or so days. I will also get some help from Julie(truebluelacys) on a generic e-mail to send out. Who ever is the powers to be, can you please contact me on this matter. Cody and I dont want to step on toes or be out of line taking the steps needed to get the ball rolling on this. My number is 512 635 9679. Email is mikesavoy@msn.com

The only way a group can have a stronger voice in Goverment is to have more members.
Ask just the people you know to join would be a start.

Get in with the Coon hunters, DU, fox hunters, cow dogers, and any one that uses a dog.

The bills we fight efects them also.


NOTICE;

Masonda writes:
Folks,
That's why TDHA has a CPA.

Over $8000.00 was paid out for the Hog Hunting contest.
Web site cost TDHA $400.oo a year.
CPA is $300.00 a year for all IRS repost's
P O Box $38.00 a year.
Stamps and mail out aprox. $140.00 a year.
USSA dues $250.00 a year, this is where we get our Liability ins for youth hunt,

When we mailed out the news letter it cost over $350.00 each time and we did it every quarty.

I made over 15 trips to Austin this pass year, over 3600 miles
at no cost to TDHA because I believe in what TDHA stands for.  I have the time where most people work and can't get off.

I'll be meeting with TOP in Austin on June 17 and if any one wants to be there would welcome you.  TOP is Texas Outdoor Partners which TDHA is a charter member along with DU and 64 other out door groups.

We have 192 paid to date members which = $4800.00 a year.

Most people join but never renew unless your looking at them.  We have had over 350 names on the list but have started dropping pass due people after pass due 6 months.

  
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Entity Information:  DOG HUNTERS ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS INC
PO BOX 972
COLUMBUS, TX 78934-0972
 
Status: IN GOOD STANDING - EXEMPT ENTITY  
Registered Agent: DOUGLAS MASON
1036 HICKORY PLACE
WEIMAR, TX 78962
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like i said before... i'm more than willing to help with anything needed.  i'm a little shy, when i get around a large group and i'm not a salesman.  but, if i have at least one other person with me i feel more at ease.  may sound weird but i don't do well with large groups or gatherings for some reason. 

any how, if someone is really going to pursue this i'd be more than willing to lend a hand.  i'd like to be able to get together on the phone or in person so we can discuss points of interest and facts.  i'd be more than happy to. 

if cantexduck is needing people to help, he or anyone looking for assistance can reach me at 361-258-1646, Jordan.

No one has ever asked me to join is the only reason I havent joined.

ushog will you please join tdha and tell tour freinds.

i am in austin so if there is anything i can do please let me know.

Consider it done

ushog,

If you need any thing or have questions about how to get signed up... be sure to ask. Thanks for your support. :)

Well if i was in texas and not florida id sure be a member

I just moved out of florida to missouri, I've never lived in TX, and for what ever it might be worth... I just joined the TDHA last week.

I'm also involved with the Indiana Beagler's Alliance... and I've never lived in Indiana or owned a beagle. But I've helped them with dog legislation in their state because the enemies of hunters, houndsmen, ranchers and farmers are united... we need to be united in our effort to defend the right to hunt and keep livestock. If you don't want to support a TX dog hunting advocacy group, that's ok, but at least consider joining one in your state, or a national group like the US Sportsmen's Alliance http://ussportsmen.org/ (http://ussportsmen.org/)

Name-M.A.Guerrero Jr.-DU Feather Society member,past secretary,vice pres of Lamar University as well as a founding father of it.Past vice Pres of Beaumont Chapter DU,Delta Waterfowl,N.R.A.,U.K.C Hunting Club,countless others and pissed at a few butts that run things that drive our sport down!Also proud bearer of a T.D.H.A sticker on my girls B.M.W. as well as my Suburban!