More than $250,000 was raised in support of ETAMU’s Lyon Center for Gamebird Research.

On the morning of Aug. 21, dozens of hunters, conservationists, business leaders and philanthropists filled the Texas Gun Ranch lodge in Terrel, Texas, gathering over breakfast burritos, coffee and conversation before heading out for a shared cause. Beneath towering displays of big game taxidermy and beside a display case holding several baby bobwhite quail, the room buzzed with stories of hunting seasons past and anticipation for the day ahead.

Soon, after a welcome from East Texas A&M University President Mark Rudin and a safety briefing from Texas Gun Ranch staff, teams climbed into golf carts and spread across the course, where the sounds of shotgun blasts, shattered clays and cheerful banter echoed through the warm Texas morning. As temperatures climbed and the scent of gunpowder drifted through the air, the enthusiasm of the participants never waned.

More than $250,000 was raised during the inaugural fundraiser in support of the university’s gamebird research efforts, aimed at restoring one of Texas’ most iconic gamebirds—the northern bobwhite quail.

Hosted by the Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research, the fundraiser combined a morning of sporting clays with fellowship and networking with an afternoon luncheon highlighting the center’s research and conservation mission.

A Morning Built on Camaraderie

Funds raised during the event will support research in Dr. Kelly Reyna’s laboratory, where scientists are working to better understand the factors driving the dramatic decline of wild northern bobwhite quail and develop practical solutions to restore sustainable populations.

“The most important thing quail hunting brings is camaraderie,” Reyna said. “You can walk through the woods or walk through the grassland with your buddies and colleagues. You have the shared passion of bird dogs and the love of open space, and the relaxation of open space that brings you together.”

That sense of community was evident throughout the day as teams rotated through the sporting clay course, encouraged one another between stations and gathered afterward to learn more about the Lyon Center’s work. Designed to accommodate shooters of varying experience levels, the event welcomed both seasoned sportsmen and first-time participants while reinforcing the importance of firearm safety and responsible outdoor recreation.

The competition provided plenty of excitement, but organizers emphasized that the day’s greatest success was bringing together people who share a commitment to conservation.

More Than a Fundraiser

“Giving isn’t transactional, it’s transformational,” said Devin Girod, vice president for Philanthropy and Engagement. “You’re building a community around a cause.”

That community included university alumni, longtime supporters of wildlife conservation, hunters, local businesses and donors who may have discovered East Texas A&M through their passion for gamebird research. Together, their contributions will help advance studies focused on reversing decades of bobwhite population decline and preserving Texas’ upland hunting heritage for future generations.

The event also highlighted the growing momentum behind the Lyon Center for Gamebird Research, which will serve as a hub for innovative wildlife research and education. Among its long-term goals is developing restoration-trained bobwhite quail with improved survival skills, giving released birds a greater chance of establishing sustainable wild populations.

Looking Ahead for Quail Conservation

Following the competition, attendees gathered for a barbecue luncheon and heard from several speakers who reinforced the importance of the Lyon Center’s mission. Remarks were delivered by former Texas Senator Ted Lyon, Texas Rep. Keith Bell, Dr. Kelly Reyna and former Texas Sen. and former East Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp, each of whom emphasized the importance of gamebird research.

Sharp praised the university’s vision for the Lyon Center, saying, “This facility is the last great hope for bobwhite quail. It’s a real game-changer.”

The inaugural event attracted strong support from businesses and community partners, including:

• Title Sponsor: Sandow Lakes
• Premier Sponsors:
  • Ted B. Lyon & Associates
  • Graff Motors
  • The Law Offices of H. Grady Chandler
  • Pat Crow
  • Reggie Hickerson
  • Glenn Thurman, Inc.
• Golf Cart Sponsor: Lone Star Neurology
• Ammunition Sponsor: Lyons & Simmons, LLP
• Luncheon Sponsor: Sage Settlement Consulting
• Cup Sponsor: Active Computer Technologies

Organizers hope the inaugural clay shoot marks the beginning of a long-standing tradition that not only raises critical funding for wildlife research but also strengthens the community of hunters, conservationists and supporters working together to ensure the northern bobwhite remains part of the Texas landscape for generations to come.

As the event concluded, Reyna reminded attendees that the work extends well beyond a single fundraiser or hunting season. “Universities should not only study problems,” he said, “they should solve them.”