We hunted quail with heavy hearts as we learned of the passing of Bubba Wood. Bubba was a beloved sportsman whose knowledge and passion for the outdoors was matched by his generosity in support of wildlife and habitat conservation. He created the Texas Duck Stamp program which earned over $7 million in royalties to Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, and was also instrumental in the formation and success of Park Cities Quail Coalition, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Collectors Covey, and countless causes to help raise funds to protect our sporting resources and heritage. Bubba was recognized as a world champion skeet shooter and published 14 sporting books. His father was a former chairman of theTexas State Wildlife Commission in the 60s who laid the foundation for Bobba’s passion for wildlife conservation. “I grew up in that culture,” Wood said. “Three game wardens were groomsmen at my wedding. But I never thought back then there would be a shortage of quail.” After a deep freeze in 1982 decimated the quail population, Wood was determined to do everything in his power to bring the bobwhite back to West Texas. He carried a humble demeanor while walking with giants, as Gil Clements, Ray Sasser and Boone Pickens were his best friends – Governor Clements and Perry Bass were second fathers. Bubba once said. “if you ever needed proof of a higher being, there is a bird dog..a twenty gauge shotgun and a bobwhite quail….it’s too perfect to be random.” Amen, Bubba…and may your new quail fields be brimming with birds and every bird dog that you ever loved be waiting for you.
Martin Frank “Bubba” Wood 1940 – 2024
