COUNTY LIFE
Juice: 220-volts of doggy drive Trainer Joel Moore prepares to take on Hunting Retriever International Grand
Joel Moore and Juice on a cold training morning. (Courtesy photo)
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Bowie’s Joel Moore says it takes three things to reach the top at the Hunting Retriever Club International Grand: A good dog, good luck and the stars have to align just right.
He and his dog, Juice, a three and a half year old female Labrador Retriever, hope the heavens will shine on them this week as they compete in part two of the “Grand.” The pair will travel to the international competition in Opelousas, LA, Oct. 6-10 where about 600 dogs are expected.
The 41-year-old Moore says training hunting dogs is a passion sparked when he was in high school, but it was not until after college he got back into the sport and he has been with it the last 15 years.
Moore is assistant fire chief for the City of Bowie Fire Department where he has worked the past 16 and a half years. He grew up in the Boyd area and before becoming a firefighter worked as a journeyman electrician. Moore makes his home outside Bowie with his wife Kathy and a bevy of dogs he says are “like family.”
Moore started training a dog for basic retrieval for him on duck hunts.
“Duck hunting is much more social than other hunting sports. There is lots of talking, joking around and hanging with your buddies. I hunted deer for a long time too, but I found duck hunting more appealing and through the years deer hunting phased out for me,” he explains.
Moore laughs training a hunting dog follow a stereotypical line, “Mine is better than yours.” Everyone wants to have the best dog in the field. Dog training has become a big part of his life and while it is hobby, it could become a business if he ever retires from fire fighting, but for now it is mainly for fun.
“You are taking an animal that will give you everything it possibly can and really you don’t give them much back. Water, food, some affection. They give you all their love, their attention, their devotion. It always amazes me how much an animal will give you. With me they become part of the family,” exclaims Moore.
Read the full feature in your weekend News.
Joel Moore says Juice is all business when it comes to retrieving and her eyes reflect it. (Courtesy photo)
Take time to remember all those who gave all for our freedoms in America. The Bowie News staff wishes you a safe and happy holiday day weekend this Memorial Day. The News office will be closed on Monday for the holiday.
AUSTIN – With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start to summer boating season, Texas Game Wardens are preparing for one of the busiest boating weekends of the year and reminding Texans and visitors alike to put safety first before heading out on the water.
In 2025, Texas recorded 178 reportable boating incidents that resulted in 50 fatalities and 77 serious injuries. Eighty-four percent of those who died in boating incidents were not wearing a life jacket. Texas Game Wardens also made 223 Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) arrests last year.
“Memorial Day weekend is when many families get back on the water for the first time this year,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, director of Law Enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Before you leave the dock, take a few minutes to make sure your life jackets are on board, your boat is properly equipped and you have designated a sober operator.”
Texas Game Wardens encourage boaters to keep the following in mind before launching:
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children younger than 13 are required to wear one while underway.
- Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The operator must wear the lanyard or have the engine cut-off switch fob on their person when operating a boat equipped with one.
- Operate at a safe speed and maintain a proper lookout.
- Take a boater education course. It is required for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993.
- Check the weather before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Leave a float plan with someone you trust.
- Don’t overload your boat.
“Boating should be fun,” said VanderRoest. “A little planning and some common sense help keep it that way.”
Renting a Boat or Personal Watercraft
If you plan to rent a boat or personal watercraft, choose a licensed vessel livery (a business establishment engaged in renting or hiring out vessels for profit).
By law, vessel liveries must provide all required safety equipment, explain how to operate the vessel, review applicable boating laws and have the operator sign a form acknowledging they received this information. They are also required to carry liability insurance.
Before leaving the dock, renters should make sure the vessel has enough life jackets for everyone on board and that they understand basic operating rules, including those specific to personal watercraft.
Personal Watercraft Safety
Personal watercraft, including jet skis, are subject to special laws in Texas. Operators and passengers must always wear a life jacket, the operator must use the engine cut-off switch, and these vessels may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. Operators must also stay at least 50 feet from other vessels, people and the shore unless traveling at headway speed.
“Whether you’re launching your own boat or renting one for the day, take the time to understand the rules and make safety part of your plan,” said VanderRoest. “If you take safety seriously from the start, you’re far less likely to need help later.”
For more information about boating laws, required equipment and boater education courses, visit the TPWD Boater Education Program at tpwd.texas.gov/boatereducation.
Starting at noon on May 25 at The V (VFW) in Nocona there will be a program for the Memorial Day featuring speakers, cannons and a rifle team.
There will be a Memorial Day Celebration Dinner at 5 p.m. on May 25 at the Nocona Senior Citizens Center (Carpenter Shop).
Call for reservations at 940-825-3148. The meal will include barbecue ribs, french fries, beans, cole slaw, dessert and ice team. Adults are $10 and children $5.
Proceeds benefit the senior center and the Meals on Wheels program at Nocona.
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