The Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) commemorated the beginning of a new year with record growth by announcing a new membership total over 10,000 members as of December 31, 2015.

The new membership figure represents a monthly increase which has continued each month from just one year ago. In fact since January 2015, there has been a 32% growth in membership, marking the highest single year of membership growth in TWA’s history. Over 50 new life members came to the organization in 2015. The organization plans to see continued membership growth in 2016 due to increased membership benefits and new membership incentive programs.

“We are very pleased to have such an enthusiastic and supportive membership base. Recent growth is proof that TWA is providing value to our members through our programs.” said David Yeates, TWA Chief Executive Officer.

Founded in 1985, TWA’s mission is to serve Texas wildlife and its habitat, while protecting property rights, our hunting heritage, and the conservation efforts of those who value and steward wildlife resources. Support through members, sponsors, and donors, helps TWA’s Conservation Legacy education programs reach roughly 500,000 people annually. That same support also helps TWA promote safe and ethical hunting, hosting over 160 hunts, taking over 1,600 youth hunting, and recognize nearly 1,500 hunters and landowners who are practicing sound wildlife and habitat management each year. Finally, the support bolsters the TWA Advocacy Team who work diligently on land, water, and wildlife issues at the State Capitol in Austin.

Renowned professional hunter, wildlife biologist and writer Larry Weishuhn, who co-founded TWA said, “In 1985 we were looking to create an organization dedicated to landowners, wildlife, and habitat. Beginning with 50 potential members, the Texas Wildlife Association was formed. Today, TWA represents a membership base now over 10,000 members that own or manage over 40 million acres in Texas. TWA’s greatest achievement is making people aware of the role private land stewards play in perpetuating wildlife and habitat. Without our care, wildlife would not have a home in Texas – and the state and its people would be much poorer for it.”

TWA is also achieving a larger following through its social media platforms. Facebook recently saw a major increase in page visits and likes, while the TWA Wildlife Wire, delivered to the inboxes each Saturday morning of Texas wildlife experts and enthusiasts, keeps professionals informed of topics that impact their lifestyle.

TWA’s monthly full-color magazine Texas Wildlife is published in Texas every month, providing our readers with the most up to date information on conservation education, habitat management, landowner tips, wildlife management, fisheries management, guns and ammo, advocacy work at the state and national levels, and our hunting heritage.

Texas conservation is alive and well with TWA at the center of numerous growing statewide and regional conservation initiatives. All in all, TWA is working for tomorrow’s wildlife today, whether through education or legislation. We need your help, because this fight isn’t just ours – it’s yours. Add your strengths to our efforts by joining today. To learn more visit www.texas-wildlife.org.