NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: May 19, 2026
Contact: Sean Hoffmann, Director of Communications, shoffmann@texas-wildlife.org
Texas Big Game Award banquets slated across the state this summer
New Braunfels, TX — Hunters, conservationists, wildlife managers and landowners across Texas are invited to join Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) at one of eight regional Texas Big Game Awards (TBGA) celebrations this summer.
Enjoy a delicious dinner, drinks and exciting raffles with great prizes at these family-friendly events celebrating outstanding achievements in ethical hunting and conservation practices.
The 35th annual banquet schedule includes eight stops around the state.
July 31, 2026
Lufkin, Region 6 Texas Big Game Awards, 5 p.m. Pitser Garrison Convention Center, 598 N. 2nd St., Lufkin, 75901
Aug. 5, 2026
Alpine, Region 1 Texas Big Game Awards, 5 p.m. Museum of the Big Bend, 400 N. Harrison St. C-101, Alpine, 79832
Aug. 15, 2026
La Grange, Region 7 Texas Big Game Awards, 5 p.m. Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 W. Fair Grounds Rd., La Grange, 78945
Aug. 21, 2026
Austin, Region 4 Texas Big Game Awards, 5 p.m. Warren Wildlife Gallery, 1401 Bouldin Ave., Austin, 78704
Aug. 22, 2026
Athens, Region 5 Texas Big Game Awards, 5 p.m. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, 5550 FM 2495, Athens, 75752
Aug. 28, 2026
Cotulla, Region 8 Texas Big Game Awards, 5 p.m. Alexander Convention Center, 290 N. I-35 Access Rd., Cotulla, 78014
Sept. 18, 2026
Abilene, Region 3 Texas Big Game Awards, 201 Mesquite Event Center, 201 Mesquite St., Abilene, 79601
Sept. 19, 2026
Lubbock, Region 2 Texas Big Game Awards, National Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 4th St., Lubbock 79409
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,” said TWA CEO Justin Dreibelbis.
More than 1,200 award applications were received prior to the March 1 program deadline. All applicants will be recognized and receive 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.
Learn more and register at https://www.texasbiggameawards.org/awards-banquets/.
The 2026 TBGA are sponsored by Hixon Land and Cattle Company, Carter’s Country Outdoor Stores, Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships, Capital Farm Credit, Land.com Network, Lee Hoffpauir Outdoor Superstore, Yeti, Skull Hooker, NAP Archery, Muddy, Stealth Cam, Cyclops Lights, Walker’s Game Ear, Cold Steel, Silver Stag, Mossberg Rifles, and Hawk Hunting Products.
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