TPW Television 2016-2017 Season
Program 2501. October 16–22, 2016, and April 16–22, 2017
Catching Copperheads, City Camping & Delicious Dove
Follow some folks as they catch copperheads for cancer research. Enjoy some city camping during the work week. Experience the windy waters of Port O'Connor.
Featured Segments
A slithery copperhead sliding around your backyard is just about the last thing you would want to run into. Well imagine hundreds of them coming out, as you have a copperhead honey hole of sorts. That’s exactly what’s happening to one Texas landowner. He used to eliminate them, now he saves the snakes for science.
Armed with a smartphone and a savvy for social media, one Austin urbanite’s outdoor experience might be a little different than his grandfather’s, but getting outside can still fit with a modern, urban lifestyle.
You don’t have to grow up in a family of hunters to enjoy hunting. Meet an Austin man who took up hunting and fishing as an adult, and is determined to pass along these traditions to his sons.
Wild Game Cooking: Buffalo Dove Breasts
It’s time for some wild game cooking with Chef Jeff Martinez. Jeff introduces us to a new twist on an old favorite, a dove recipe buffalo style.
Just north of Dallas and Fort Worth, the trail system at Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers hours of riding for mountain bikers, from a smooth riverside greenbelt to hilly routes along the lake.
It’s windy out on the water near Port O’Connor.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2502. October 23–29, 2016, and April 23–29, 2017
Conservation Art, Seeing Selah & Hermit Crabs
Meet an artist whose prints raise cash for conservation. Learn about the legendary vision of David Bamberger. Watch a crowd of Hermit Crabs on Lavaca Bay.
Featured Segments
Through the vanishing art of lithography, a Fort Worth artist captures a conserved habitat and its wildlife in living color, while proceeds from his prints help save wild places, like pristine Powderhorn Ranch.
Nearly Fifty Years ago David Bamberger went public with Church’s Chicken and used the capital to purchase 5,500 acres of overgrazed land that was considered some of the poorest acreage in the Texas Hill Country. His example of land stewardship has been replicated across the region and he’s considered a visionary in land management and water conservation.
Once upon a time, in a Wildlife Management Area far, far away, a group of dedicated conservationists put their skills to work, building special rainwater catchment systems, aka “guzzlers.” These magical guzzlers were designed to provide water for bighorn sheep, and any other animal looking for a drink in the desert.
It’s time to trade up and get a bigger shell for Hermit Crabs along a shoreline in Matagorda Bay.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2503. October 30–November 5, 2016, and April 30–May 6, 2017
Biking Tyler, Desert Skies & Charlie’s Cannon
Bike between the tall trees at Tyler State Park. View the vast skies of the Trans-Pecos in black & white. Meet a man with a cannon, and a purpose.
Featured Segments
Grab your bike and enjoy some of the best mountain biking East Texas has to offer. We hit the hills and tackle the miles of single track trails at Tyler State Park.
Texas Parks and Wildlife photographer Earl Nottingham uses black and white imagery to document the majestic skies associated with the late summer rains that travel across the broad expanses of the Big Bend region of Texas.
The whistle blows, and the championship battle is underway. We’re not talking about Texas high school football, it’s the finals for high school fishing. The hottest sport to hit the south these days isn’t on the field, it’s in the water. Check out a profile on high school fishing.
What do a fireman, a computer analyst, and a semi-retired private land owner all have in common? The battle for Texas’ independence at San Jacinto, of course. One of the most significant historical events in the westward expansion of the United States took place in an unlikely marsh in south east Texas, now known as the Battle of San Jacinto. Each year hundreds of re-enactors gather to relive this pivotal battle that changed the path of Texas and all of North America.
The fishing pier at Goose Island State Park is an active place.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2504. November 6–12, 2016, and May 7–13, 2017
Flying the Franklins, Blue Mountain Peak & A Frog Pond
Fly high above the Franklin Mountains in a paraglider. Blue Mountain Peak Ranch owners are returning the land to its roots. Discover a homemade frog pond and see what animals it attracts.
Featured Segments
Take to the skies and fly with the birds at Franklin Mountains State Park. With the right wind and a perfect place to launch this state park is prime territory when it comes to Paragliding.
When you spend most of your working day staring at computer screens, it’s nice to enjoy nature when you get off work. Show producer Don Cash has created a haven for frogs & other wildlife at his home in Austin.
Lone Star Land Steward: Blue Mountain Peak Ranch
When Richard Taylor and his late wife, Sally, moved to Texas in 2001 and bought land in the heart of Mason County, they knew their work was cut out. The land was in desperate need of restoration. Fifteen years later, the Taylors’ dedication to habitat and wildlife conservation has earned their Blue Mountain Peak Ranch recognition as the 2016 Leopold Conservation Award recipient for Texas.
Marshall Wright is an Austin blogger, a gourmet cook, and now a… hunter? Urbanites interested in healthy, tasty, locally-sourced foods are trying hunting for the first time. Follow Marshall as he learns about hunting from this new perspective.
Discover some of the wildlife at Yoakum Dunes Wildlife Management Area.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2505. November 13–19, 2016, and May 14–20, 2017
Coastal Birds, Horned Lizards & Desert Plants
Travel with some dedicated birders along the Texas coast. Biologists work to restore the Texas Horned Lizard to its historic range. The plants in Big Bend may be prickly, but they serve many purposes.
Featured Segments
The sounds of the waves, a breeze in your face, and the peeps of a scurrying shorebird, you are birding at the beach and you didn’t even know it. We visit a couple prime birding hot spots along the coast and we’ll let you know where they are.
For generations, Texans grew up seeing Texas Horned Lizards throughout much of the state. Today the threatened lizards are common only in certain spots, but research at the Muse Wildlife Management Area is investigating how lizards fare and where they go when they are relocated to restored habitat.
The west Texas desert may look harsh but its unique plants are like nature’s grocery store for the wildlife and humans who call the desert home. At first glance scrubby, thorny and spindly, Big Bend plants take on new beauty when you learn how to read them.
The Guadalupe Bass lives in the cool running waters of the Texas Hill Country. But over the last few decades, competition from the popular small-mouth bass population has reduced the Guadalupe Bass to near extinction. Discover what fisheries biologists at the Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center are doing to bring back the official state fish of Texas.
Sees some of the plants and animals that thrive on the Harkins Ranch in West Texas.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2506. November 20–26, 2016, and May 21–27, 2017
Traveling Turkeys, Wild Teachers & Saving Sharks
Follow some turkeys as they are moved from Iowa to east Texas to help restore depleted populations. Project WILD takes teachers out of the classroom and into nature. Tagging and tracking sharks helps biologists keep tabs on these top predators.
Featured Segments
Decades of restocking the Eastern Wild Turkey has proven successful for some East Texas counties, but many areas still aren’t seeing birds. A new research study will focus on some recently transplanted birds outfitted with GPS transmitters to find out what turkeys think is a good home.
Children growing up in increasingly urban areas need to understand to role that wildlife plays in our world, but not all teachers know enough to teach it. Project WILD is empowering teachers with the lessons and activities they need to educate the next generation of wildlife stewards.
Sharks are disappearing from the world’s oceans at an alarming rate and biologists are worried. From shark finning to unregulated fishing these apex predators are in trouble. We take a look at what’s being done along the Texas coast to help save these wolves of the ocean.
Bonham State Park is small by Texas standards, but that’s what people like about it. It’s a great place to swim, hike, fish, and meet the neighbors.
There are a lot of different birds to see at Estero Llano Grande State Park.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2507. November 27–December 3, 2016, and May 28–June 3, 2017
Hunting Laurens, Diving Wardens & an Outdoor Writer
Join a couple of Houston area ladies as they experience hunting for the very first time. Meet the game wardens who make up the Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Team. Get to know Ray Sasser, the Dallas Morning News' outdoor writer.
Featured Segments
We head to Bay City, Texas for a weekend goose hunt with the ladies. For some it’s a first time experience, and for others it’s a weekend break from the family. No matter the reason, if you get a group of ladies together with some guns and geese… it’s going to be a blast.
Fishing Hall of Fame: Ray Sasser
Ray Sasser has been an outdoor writer for more than 40 years and is currently the outdoor editor for the Dallas Morning News. Largemouth bass fishing is his favorite outdoor activity, but he has written about everything from invasive species to the environment, penning hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles and a dozen books.
Parks & Wildlife People: Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Team
Highly trained, dedicated and compassionate, the Texas Game Warden Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Team finds evidence to solve cases and perform the necessary duty of recovering drowning victims.
This West Texas mountain bike festival draws folks from around the world to the trails around Lajitas and Big Bend Ranch State Park. The annual event is a great time for anyone who would like to go fixin’ or freewheelin’ around the old frontier.
Paddling Port O’Connor on a slightly windy day.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2508. December 4–10, 2016, and June 4–10, 2017
Saving Bison, Hunting Access & Corralling CWD
See the efforts being made to save the last of the Southern Plains Bison. Discover how Inks Lake State Park is making hunting accessible for the physically challenged. Meet the biologists who are keeping track of CWD.
Featured Segments
Saving the Last of the Southern Plains Bison
Caprock Canyons State Park holds the last remnants of pure Southern Plains Bison that exists in North America. Once numbering around 60 million, now there are only 80; the history of how they came to live at the state park, on their native historic land is a long one. Because of the hard work of a few individuals, these Bison live on.
Most hunting blinds are not designed for people with disabilities. Inks Lake State Park northwest of Austin has tackled that problem by building special hunting blinds that are accessible for people with physical limitations.
Lone Star Land Steward: T Star Ranch
When Bruce Thomas acquired the T Star Ranch in 2004 from a local rancher, mesquite had invaded the majority of the property, decreasing the native grasses and limiting the food supply for wildlife on the property. For the past 12 years, his family has worked to restore the once-overgrazed pastures back to native grassland on this 231 acre property.
Parks & Wildlife People: Chronic Wasting Disease Response Team
When Chronic Wasting Disease made its way to Texas White-tailed Deer, the Texas Parks and Wildlife CWD Response TWIMS Reprogramming Team took action to save our natural resources.
About two hours east of Dallas, you’ll find a quiet state park that has everything from hiking to fishing. Lake Bob Sandlin is a perfect hidden getaway for folks of all ages.
Wild Things: Why Did the Turtle Cross the Road?
Many folks find turtles crossing busy roads and wonder “What’s the right thing to do?” State Herpetologist Andy Gluesenkamp helps answer that question.
Early morning dew blankets the Blue Mountain Peak Ranch.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2509. December 11–17, 2016, and June 11–17, 2017
Ocean Office, Hill Country Haven & a Conservation Career
A few hours scuba diving in the ocean is just another day at the office for a couple of marine biologists. Brent Ortego has spent a lifetime focused on conservation. Meet a cancer research who spends his free time exploring caves and conservation at his Hill Country ranch.
Featured Segments
Exploring the depths of Texas’ artificial reefs, documenting species of fish and coral, and monitoring the health of our reefs – these are all in a day’s work for Dr. Brooke Shipley-Lozano and Chris Ledford of the TPWD Artificial Reef Program. These two are fortunate enough to make the undersea world of the Gulf of Mexico their office.
Lone Star Land Steward: Winkler Ranch
Meet a man who explores the frontiers of cancer research at his job, and who explores caves and conservation at his Hill Country ranch.
Parks & Wildlife People: Brent Ortego
Having spent a lifetime with his eyes focused on conservation, Brent Ortego is now working to save our coastal native prairies.
The slightly rolling plains of west central Texas are covered in scrubs like mesquite and juniper. Lake Colorado City is a cool contrast to the arid environment. Visitors from nearby cities like Abilene and Midland come to Lake Colorado City State Park to enjoy the best water recreation spot for miles around.
What’s the real story behind Old RIP, Texas’ most famous toad? Travel to Eastland, Texas where the memory of Old RIP is kept alive and well, and encased in glass.
Butterflies invade the Chaparral Wildlife Management Area.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2510. December 18–24, 2016, and June 18–24, 2017
Pocket Prairies, Catching Carp & Meet the Greeter
Follow along as some Houston area school kids discover the value of native prairies. Once maligned, carp have emerged as a much sought after sport fish, especially among European visitors. Wildlife Biologist Steve Nelle helps landowners answer conservation questions.
Featured Segments
Urbanization has reduced the once 600,000 acre Katy Prairie near Houston, Texas to just 200,000 acres affecting many species of wildlife. Now the Katy Prairie Conservancy has partnered with nearly a dozen schools to create pocket prairies. These small urban prairies are helping wildlife as well as children to become healthier, happier and smarter.
The once-maligned carp is emerging as a sought-after sport fish, and anglers are coming to Texas from around the world just to catch them. Tag along as we hit the Texas carp hotspots, Lady Bird Lake in Austin, and Lake Fork near Dallas. Yes, the same Lake Fork that’s known for monster bass is now famous for its monster carp as well.
Lone Star Land Stewards: Steve Nelle
Can you sustain a healthy native ecosystem on a cattle ranch? How can land recover after a devastating flood? Wildlife Biologist Steve Nelle helps landowners answer these questions, working with them to maximize the health of their land.
Parks & Wildlife People: Paul Israel
If you visit Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, Texas, you might be greeted by Paul Israel, who won’t let you leave without a smile.
Enjoy an early morning at Huntsville State Park.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2511. December 25–31, 2016, and June 25–July 1, 2017
Pronghorn Puzzle, Changing Habitats & Blanco Cleanup
Travel to the Trans Pecos to find out what's causing declines in Pronghorn Antelope populations. See how a change in habitat philosophy improved the Pecore Farm. When flood waters hit Blanco State Park, the park's staff took care of the visiting campers, and the cleanup.
Featured Segments
Lone Star Land Steward: Pecore Farm
Bert Pecore wasn’t always a conservationist. He let cattle overgraze the land and overworked the soil. However, he changed his ways 10 years ago, after having already owned his ranchlands for 51 years. By implementing sustainable wildlife and habitat management practices, Pecore and his wife restored their 196-acre ranch in Fayette County to its native grassland glory.
Parks & Wildlife People: Ethan Belicek
When flood waters hit Blanco State Park in May of 2015, Ethan Belicek and his team took care of the park guests and cleaned up the mess.
Something is amiss with pronghorn antelope populations on the Marfa Plateau, but a coalition of landowners, biologists, and concerned citizens is on the case. Find out what is being done to bolster dwindling pronghorn numbers while researchers investigate possible reasons for the sudden decline.
If you like catfish then this is a park you have to visit. The 26,000 acre Choke Canyon Reservoir is a catfishing haven, and is really good for bass fishing as well. Birders love the hiking trails and the large numbers and varieties of birds attracted to the water and upland habitats, including many Mexican species of birds.
Wild Things: Black Capped Vireo Nests
Get an up close look at the endangered Black-capped Vireo. We travel to Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge during nesting season for these birds.
Fly through the tall trees of Tyler State Park on a mountain bike.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2512. January 1–7, 2017, and July 2–8, 2017
Bat Noses, Involved Angler & Wildlife Watchdogs
Researchers track white nose syndrome in bats as it gets closer to Texas. Randi Wayland has spent a lifetime promoting fishing and water safety to young people in Texas. Follow along as the Kills & Spills Team works to save wildlife after unnatural disasters.
Featured Segments
A deadly fungal disease killing millions of hibernating bats is spreading through North America, with Texas in its path. Learn what biologists and conservationists are doing to prevent the deadly White Nose Syndrome from affecting Texas bats.
Fishing Hall of Fame: Randi Wayland
Randi Wayland has spent a lifetime promoting fishing, water safety and involving young people in the outdoors. A past president of the Texas Association of Bass Clubs, she has also served as a board member of Texas Black Bass Unlimited. She is an instructor in Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman program and is an area chief of the department’s boater education program.
When there’s an oil spill along the coast or down a small county creek the fish and wildlife that live there are often hit the hardest. When it’s time to investigate meet the team of biologists who are called in to action.
When it comes to mountain biking in Texas one of the best spots is Government Canyon State Natural area. Grab your bike and helmet as we hit the park for some single track fun!
Spring rains bring flowers and flowing water to the Pedernales River.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2513. January 8–14, 2017, and July 9–15, 2017
Moving Bees, Razing Cane & Wildlife Winds
Watch a bee specialist relocate a hive of European honey bees, giving them a safe new home where they can keep on buzzing. Invasive giant reed is a threat to Texas rivers. Watch as biologists work to control this towering cane. See how wind energy production impacts wildlife.
Featured Segments
Moving day can be tough. Especially if your family numbers in the thousands. Watch a bee specialist relocate a hive of European honey bees, giving them a safe new home where they can keep on buzzing.
Texas Rivers and stream are under attack. The invasive Giant Reed threatens pretty much every river system in the state, but biologists are fighting back. We focus on the pristine Pedernales River and see what it takes to knock back this towering cane invader.
Texas leads in the country in wind energy production, and with this new energy source there are new questions. What will wind farms do to the already fragmented habitat here in Texas, and how will they affect the birds that live and migrate through our state. We look at the Panhandle wind farms and their effects on the threatened lesser prairie chicken.
Whether under sun or clouds, in detail or at a distance, the views in Davis Mountains State Park are always scenic.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2514. January 15–21, 2017, and July 16–22, 2017
Bee Searcher, Coastal Winds & Turkey Work
Meet a researcher who's investigating the health of native pollinators. Learn how wind farms use radar to protect migrating birds near wind turbines. Find out where the turkeys lurk when biologist trap and tag Rio Grande gobblers.
Featured Segments
A North Texas researcher investigates the health of our most productive native pollinators, and how we might simply help them bee.
Texas leads in the country in wind energy production, and with this new energy source there are new questions. What will wind farms do to the already fragmented habitat here in Texas, and how will they affect the birds that live and migrate through our state? Head to the coast to see how wind farms use radar technology to spot migrating birds coming their way.
Check out a snake that often times gets a bad rap as state herpetologist Andy Gluesenkamp introduces you to the Texas Rat Snake.
Mountain bike through breezy cottonwoods and down along scenic wetlands. Brazos Bend State Park has 35 miles of bike trails sure to keep you on your toes. And keep an eye out for those alligators.
On a ranch in South Texas, biologists are tapping the latest technology, and fitting turkey with tiny backpacks, to learn where the turkey lurk. With this data, scientists are gaining a better understanding of the habitat needs and preferences of Rio Grande turkey populations. See how these findings may benefit turkey and all who enjoy them.
Blue Mountain Peak Ranch in the Hill Country is a haven for wildlife.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2515. January 22–28, 2017, and July 23–29, 2017
Hatching Fish, Seeking Squirrels & River Reclamation
The Dundee Fish Hatchery is back in business after shutting down due to drought. Join a father and his daughter as they hunt squirrels in east Texas. Some central Texas citizens help restore damaged habitat along the Colorado River.
Featured Segments
The Dundee Fish Hatchery near Wichita Falls has been producing fish for stocking in lakes and reservoirs since 1927. Severe drought forced the hatchery to stop production on 2011. But with recent rains Dundee is back in business and the fish are flowing again.
See how some technical guidance and a lot of teamwork can transform an old mine site and mud pit along the Colorado River into an asset for a town and its wildlife. Deepening a community’s connection to its river pays dividends in Bastrop.
There are lots of ways to introduce your kids to the outdoors. Taking them hunting is one option. Join a father and daughter as they go squirrel hunting at the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area, and discover that time spent together in the woods is time well spent.
The lake is like a mirror when no breeze stirs the trees on a quiet evening in Tyler.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2516. January 29–February 4, 2017, and July 30–August 5, 2017
Hiking Dogs, Telling Stories & Protecting Paddlefish
Join a dog hike at Franklin Mountains State Park. Students tell the story of Garner State Park using their phones. A freshwater fish from the time of the dinosaur is being returned to Caddo Lake.
Featured Segments
Take a hike with dogs through Franklin Mountains State Park and learn tips for keeping your canine companion comfortable and safe on the trail.
The ancient art of storytelling gets a new twist when a group of students attempt to tell the story of Garner State Park using nothing but their phones.
A freshwater fish older than the dinosaur is being returned to Caddo Lake in a grand experiment. Can restored water flows bring back a breeding population of paddlefish? A broad coalition of partners, from non-profits to landowners and government agencies, is working to answer this question.
Join a team of fisheries technicians as they perform a creel survey on Lake Conroe. Fisheries biologists doing creel surveys interview anglers, measure fish, and track the number of hours fished. These surveys help get information about the fishing quality and the health of fish populations in the lake.
A turtle, a turkey, and an alligator walk into a pond…don’t worry, there won’t be blood. That and more scenes from the historic Parks Ranch.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2517. February 5–11, 2017, and August 6–12, 2017
Magazine History, Outdoor Photography & Texas Wildlife
Meet the people who craft the Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine and see what it takes to publish this great outdoor periodical. Get some outdoor photo tips from photographer Russell Graves. Enjoy some outstanding Texas wildlife photography by Earl Nottingham and Chase Fountain.
Featured Segments
The outdoor magazine of Texas has seen some changes over the last three-quarters of a century. Meet the people who craft it each month and see what it takes to deliver the state’s great outdoors to mailboxes and newsstands everywhere.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Photographer Earl Nottingham takes a look at the daily life on the Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead.
Freelance photographer, and regular contributor to the Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, Russell Graves shares some of his thoughts on what it takes to create quality outdoor photos.
Between them, photographers Earl Nottingham and Chase Fountain have been shooting photos for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for 31 years. Take a look at some of their favorite wildlife photographs.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2518. February 12–18, 2017, and August 13–19, 2017
San Pedro Success, Fishing Fan & Lovely Landscapes
Visit the San Pedro Ranch and see how they sustain diverse wildlife populations and a productive cattle herd. Michael Homer helps make fishing easy and fun for both kids and adults. Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine photographers share some of their favorite landscape images.
Featured Segments
Lone Star Land Steward: San Pedro Ranch
Joseph Fitzsimons and his sister, Pamela Fitzsimons Howard, own the San Pedro Ranch in South Texas. The property supports 36 different plant communities and has been home to four distinct cultural groups over the years. Newly implemented wildlife habitat management techniques have improved the native habitat, which has helped sustain diverse wildlife populations and a productive cattle herd.
Parks & Wildlife People: Michael Homer
Michael Homer’s job title says Natural Resource Specialist. While he helps make fishing easy and fun for kids and adults, Michael also finds a deeper meaning to fishing, it makes him feel alive.
The Caddo Indians were attracted to this site because of its proximity to water. That’s true today for visitors to Atlanta State Park. Located on the shores of Wright Patman Lake, this popular camping spot is known for its rolling hills and towering trees. It’s a great place to catch some cats; catfish that is.
50 Years Later, the Same Photo
A 50-year old family photo taken at Inks Lake State Park leads to an interesting reunion and a renewed interest in getting outside.
Catfish are the largest freshwater sport fish in Texas and are second only to bass in popularity among anglers. They are also quite popular on the dinner table, but for many, the fun is in getting them there.
Enjoy some outstanding landscape photography by Texas Parks and Wildlife staff photographers Earl Nottingham and Chase Fountain.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2519. February 19–25, 2017, and August 20–26, 2017
Kangaroo Rats, Student Host & LBJ’s Legacy
Trap and track the seldom seen Texas Kangaroo Rat with some eager researchers. Meet a college student who also volunteers as a park host at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. President Lyndon Johnson's legacy lives on at the Sauer-Beckman Living History Farm.
Featured Segments
Hop for the Future, Keeping the Texas Kangaroo Rat on the Map
The range of a unique hopping rodent has dwindled to just a few areas near the Red River. Researchers are in a race to learn more about it before it disappears into the night.
While most park hosts are retired folks with lots of free time, Palo Duro Canyon’s youngest host has a very full schedule. By being a volunteer Lindsay Stroup found a way to save money on housing while attending college.
Learn how to safely and securely store your hunting firearms at home. Guess what? It’s not in the bedside table.
When Lyndon Baines Johnson helped create the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, he wanted to give visitors an appreciation for the hard work and ingenuity of the pioneers and farmers from long ago. Costumed interpreters and volunteers show life as it really was, complete with all the sights, sounds, and smells of a turn-of-the-century Hill Country farmstead.
A busy holiday weekend packs Galveston Island State Park, but there’s still space to enjoy the waves or a scenic sunset.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2520. February 26–March 4, 2017, and August 27–September 2, 2017
Bobcat City, Ranch Reboot & Coastal Birds
Follow a study that sheds new light on how bobcats live in the suburbs and edges of cities. The Harkins Ranch has been transformed into an oasis for wildlife. Get up close to some of the birds that thrive on the Texas coast.
Featured Segments
Our pets aren’t the only cats prowling around urban areas at night. A study is shedding new light on how bobcats live among us, in the suburbs and edges of our cities, without conflict and almost completely without notice.
Lone Star Land Steward: Harkins Ranch
The Harkins Ranch in Terrell County has been in the family since 1905. Land that was historically overgrazed by livestock has been transformed by rotational grazing, brush management, and building a network of water features. This change in habitat management has turned the ranch into an oasis for wildlife.
Parks & Wildlife People: Steve Schroeter
While not always glamorous, the supporting services behind the scenes at Texas Parks and Wildlife rely on the leadership skills of Steve Schroeter. Policy and procedures to support conservation are Steve’s passion.
Coastal birds of Bolivar Flats, and a raucous rookery at Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2521. March 5–11, 2017, and September 3–9, 2017
Say Cheese, Blue Suckers & Nature Photos
See some of the wildlife that is attracted to man-made watering holes in the Trans Pecos. Follow some biologists as the search for the rare blue sucker fish in the Colorado River near Austin. Experience man in nature through the eyes of Texas Parks and Wildlife photographers.
Featured Segments
In Search of the Blue Sucker
Biologists on the Colorado River are searching for a rare fish. It’s called a Blue Sucker, and not much is known about this Texas native. We follow along as a research team searches rapids and riffles on the Colorado, hoping to find, and learn more about this elusive fish.
Water for Wildlife, and the Pictures to Prove It
In the middle of a desert, along the Rio Grande River, in the middle of nowhere, is Black Gap Wildlife Management Area. It’s here that you can find a surprising wealth of wildlife such as deer, bear, quail, mountain lion and desert bighorn sheep. But without water, none of these animals could exist here. So biologists build and maintain water catchment devises called guzzlers to help the wildlife. With the aid of game cameras, it’s amazing to see the variety of animals that benefit from the guzzlers.
Get Started Camping
Headed out for a camping trip in a Texas State Park? Here are some tips to help you get set up quickly and comfortably.
Winter Wonderland for Waterfowl
Check out the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area, where the bottomland hardwood swamps make it the perfect place for wintering waterfowl.
Postcard From Texas
Experience man in nature through the eyes of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine photographers Chase Fountain and Earl Nottingham
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2522. March 12–18, 2017, and September 10–16, 2017
Prairie Chickens, Gargantuan Gar & Lionfish
Follow along as biologists struggle to save one of the most endangered birds in all of Texas. As more anglers view the alligator gar as a sport fish, more research is required to sustain this mysterious species. The invasive Lionfish is threatening the balance of the Gulf of Mexico.
Featured Segments
The Last Dance
Historically there used to be one million Attwater’s prairie-chickens throughout the coastal prairies of Texas and Louisiana, now less than one percent remain. We follow along as biologists deal with one of the toughest breeding seasons on record, as they struggle to save one of the most endangered birds in all of Texas.
Parks & Wildlife People: Lone Star Lionfish Team
What do you do when an invasive species threatens the waters off the coast of Texas? You bring together the best minds and get to work on the problem.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Visit a one billion year-old rock in the Texas Hill Country that has long had a natural allure, for people and for wildlife.
Gargantuan Gar
Alligator gar are among the largest freshwater fish lurking in Texas lakes and rivers. But because gar have not traditionally been seen as sport fish, much about them has remained a mystery. That is beginning to change, however, as anglers seek them out. New research is revealing more information about the gargantuan gar, and these misunderstood monsters of the deep are starting to get some respect.
Postcard From Texas
Researchers use a helicopter and net gun to catch mule deer in the Texas Panhandle. The captured deer are fitted with radio-collars and GPS units to collect data for a long-term study looking at mule deer movements in this region.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2523. March 19–25, 2017, and September 17–23, 2017
Ranch Wildlife, Conservation Dollars & Kickapoo Cavern
See how a ranch in Goliad County has improved its quail populations by improving grasslands. Meet the woman whose enthusiasm and passion has helped conservation funds reach Texas' youth. Discover the birds, bats, and caves at Kickapoo Cavern State Park.
Featured Segments
Lone Star Land Steward: Parks Ranch
David Crow manages the Parks Ranch in Goliad County, maintaining its status as a site with one of the highest quail populations in the area. Crow consistently implements conservation management techniques that have resulted in a greater density of native grasslands, which in turn support a greater diversity of native wildlife.
Parks & Wildlife People: Darlene Lewis
With one part enthusiasm and a large amount of passion mixed in, Darlene Lewis loves joining outdoor community outreach programs with grant money to keep them going.
Kickapoo Cavern State Park
Bats, birds and caverns are what you’ll find at this secluded state park. Located north of Del Rio, you can experience the flight of the Mexican free-tailed bat, have a guided cavern tour to see the largest column formation in Texas, and possibly see the endangered golden-cheeked warbler while exploring the park.
Caddo Lake Paddling Trails
Straddling the Texas-Louisiana border, swampy Caddo Lake in Northeast Texas has an enduring air of mystery. And the paddling trails is the ideal way to explore this fascinating lake.
Casting Call
How do you get kids out of the house, and away from the television? It is a concern for all parents. Texas Parks & Wildlife has a new neighborhood fishing program that may help. In cities throughout Texas local lakes and ponds are stocked with fish so the kids are sure to get a bite, and hopefully they’ll get hooked on the outdoors.
Postcard From Texas
See some stunning Texas landscapes through the eyes of Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine photographers Chase Fountain and Earl Nottingham.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2524. March 26–April 1, 2017, and September 24–30, 2017
Horned Lizards, Young Guns & Outdoor Ethics
Learn what may be causing declines of the Texas horned lizard, and what's being done about it. Join a group of enthusiastic first time hunters, and their parents, on a cold, wet duck hunt. Discover some ideas for leaving the environment better than you found it.
Featured Segments
Help for the Horned Lizard
Texas horned lizards are icons of wild Texas, but they are getting harder to find. Learn what may be causing declines of this legendary critter, and what’s being done about it.
Leave No Trace
The mantra of the true outdoors lover is “Leave no trace”. Here’s some ideas for leaving the environment better than you found it.
Purtis Creek State Park
With great bass fishing, Purtis Creek State Park is known as a ‘little Lake Fork.’ But that’s not all there is. Secluded campsites, a pleasant swimming beach, and guided canoe trips make this east Texas park the perfect place to bring the family.
Young Guns
There’s a crisp bite in the air on a cool December morning. The mist covers the pond, as pintails fly overhead. It’s duck hunting season. Join us as we follow two boys as part of a special hunt just for youngsters.
Postcard From Texas
In an area scarce of water, the San Pedro Spring located on the San Pedro Ranch is a riparian corridor which eventually flows into the Rio Grande. It supplies year round water to wildlife.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2525. April 2–8, 2017, and October 1–7, 2017
Park Hiker, Paddling Port O’Connor & Finding Flounder
Follow a walker of Texas ranges as he visits the state parks one step at a time. Slide through silent saltwater marshes as you paddle the coastal trail at Port O'Connor. One of the top three sport fish in Texas, more and more fishermen now set their sights on the southern flounder.
Featured Segments
A Walk Across Texas
Dave Roberts didn’t know much about Texas, so he decided to crisscross it, from east to west, entirely on foot. Follow this walker of Texas ranges in his unfolding adventure as he explores the state’s park system one step at a time.
Port O’Connor Paddling Trail
If you love to paddle and you want to get away there is no better paddling trail than the one in Port O’Connor. From paddling the bays, to sliding through a saltwater marsh, this one of the best coastal paddling trails in the state.
The Rise of the Forgotten Flounder
One of the top three sport fish in Texas, more and more fishermen now set their sights on the southern flounder. In fact, it’s become so popular that fish hatcheries have started stocking flounder in Texas bays. We take a closer look at what it takes to catch these fish and how the species is holding up.
Postcard From Texas
West Texas is often thought of as a desert. But there is lots of beauty in the small wildflowers that flourish in that region.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
Program 2526. April 9–15, 2017, and October 8–14, 2017
Eroding Island, Fire Crew & Jamaica Beach
See what's being done to save one of the most important rookery islands on the Texas coast from eroding away. Meet the crew on a prescribed fire and learn about all the different skills necessary for a successful burn. Enjoy the end of the day at Jamaica Beach near Galveston.
Featured Segments
A Shrinking Sundown
One of the most important rookery islands on the Texas coast is in trouble. Chester Island in Matagorda Bay is slowly shrinking, as the shoreline is eroding at an alarming rate. But now efforts are underway to save the island, and help the thousands of birds that nest there.
The Business of Burning
Prescribed fires by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are carefully planned events conducted by a specially trained and skilled crew. From the burn boss to the grunt and the engine to the drip torch, see what and who it takes to safely put on a prescribed fire.
A Brighter Future for State Parks
Take a look at a couple of projects that are underway as part of a push to improve state parks. Creating a modernized park system for a rapidly growing state is just one of the goals of this infrastructure work.
Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame: Texas State Bass Tournament
The Texas State Bass Tournament is the world’s oldest competitive bass fishing tournament open to anyone. The Texas State Bass Tournament emphasizes family involvement in fishing and awards no monetary prizes to winners. Competitors may enter as family teams, and senior and high school divisions have been added in recent years. Throughout its 60-year history, the tournament has maintained its focus on conservation and sportsmanlike competition among friends and family.
Intro to Geocaching
Looking to get out and explore Texas? Try geocaching, a modern-day treasure hunt played by millions of fans around the world. Learn how to get in on the game. We’ll show you what you need to get started.
Postcard From Texas
An escape is waiting for you at Jamaica Beach near Galveston.
SHOW FEATURED SEGMENTS
The Texas Parks & Wildlife series on PBS is made possible in part by a grant from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.