TPW Television 2019-2020 Season

Featured Segments

 Arts in the Parks

The beauty of a natural place takes on fresh dimension and draws some different crowds when arts activities like sculpture, painting and photography, are paired with parks.

 Back to the Boardwalk

Hurricane Harvey wiped out one of the best birding boardwalks on the coast. It's now back in business. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of this birding hot spot!

 Skill Builders: Safe Muzzle Control

Firearm safety requires you to know where the muzzle is pointed at all times. Follow these basic safety rules for a safe, fun, enjoyable hunting trip.

 The Pronghorn Puzzle

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.

 Postcard From Texas: The Kirchoffs´ Prairie

Southeast of San Antonio is a restored prairie full of flowers. It's on the Kirchoff Family Farm.

Featured Segments

 Caddo Lake State Park

Straddling the Texas-Louisiana border, swampy Caddo Lake in Northeast Texas has an unusual history and an enduring air of mystery. And Caddo Lake State Park is the ideal gateway to exploring the fascinating lake.

 Lone Star Land Steward: Killam Duval County Ranch

Thoughtfully managed and cared for, the Killam Duval County Ranch is a real working ranch that is successfully making its own way through cattle ranching and hunting leases. At 125,000 acres, on a scale much larger than most ranches, they have implemented planned grazing and strategic brush management resulting in habitat that is now thriving for both wildlife and cattle.

 Skill Builder: Proof of Hunter Education

One of the top hunting violations in the state of Texas is no proof of hunter education. Learn the requirements to be complaint and to keep your hunt safe and enjoyable.

 The Last of the Stringos

Shrimping is and has always been a way of life for the Stringo family. Five generations of Stringos have shrimped the Gulf and Bays of Texas. But times are tough, and while most of the family have given up, there is one Stringo still on the water.

 Postcard From Texas: Bees & Butterflies in Wildflowers

Watch some bees and butterflies flit around some wildflowers in super-slow motion.

Featured Segments

 Ruby the Retriever

Witness the best of the best hunting dogs in action as they compete at the Master National retriever competition. Learn what it takes to breed and train a top-level hunting dog.

 Coastal Birds and Birders

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.

 When Plants Attack

Just because it's pretty, doesn't mean it's good. Some common landscape plants are escaping our yards and causing problems for native plants and wildlife. Find out how to fight the invasion and grow “green” in more ways than one.

 Postcard From Texas: Fall Above the Hill Country

A fall flight above the changing colors of the Texas Hill Country.

Featured Segments

 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.

 Lone Star Land Steward: Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch

Quail are the most imperiled game bird in Texas. Their survival means the survival of small towns like Roby, Texas, which depends on hunting dollars. That's the mission of the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch; a place dedicated to study every factor that impacts quail abundance, which in turn, helps all grassland songbirds.

 Skill Builders: Safe Zone of Fire

When hunting in a group, each hunter has a safe zone of fire. Find out how to determine where that safe zone is, and why it's so important.

 The Legend of Ethel

Ethel was the very first bass in the ShareLunker Program. She became a symbol of how good management and forward thinking could drive conservation efforts to wonderful results. Over the years, millions of people have traveled to see Ethel, only a few were aware of the dramatic events behind Ethel's survival, and because of her survival, the establishment of the ShareLunker Program.

 Postcard From Texas: Russell Graves Wildlife Photography

Enjoy some of the wildlife photography of writer/photographer Russell Graves.

Featured Segments

 The Parrot Investigators

Bird-enthusiasts in the Rio Grande Valley are turning their attention to a bird with a strong personality about which researchers know very little: the Red-Crowned Parrot. Threatened by habitat loss and the pet trade, the Red-Crowned Parrot has moved to the cities of south Texas, while researchers and volunteers are just now learning the basics about this quirky bird.

 Parks & Wildlife People: Regional Interpretive Specialists Team

Teaching the teachers is the focus of the Regional Interpretive Specialists Team. They help to educate the public who visit Texas State Parks by teaching the staff at the parks about the park's natural, historical and cultural resources.

 Chasing a Ghost

In 2005 news of the extinct Ivory Billed Woodpecker being found in the woods of Arkansas electrified the birding community. Now a team is searching for the elusive Ivory Billed here in Texas. We followed the Texas team for six months as they explore the bird's historic range, The Big Thicket National Preserve in East Texas. From using state of the art technology to good ole foot power, see what it takes to try and find a bird that hasn't been seen in 60 years.

 Postcard From Texas: Killam Duval County Ranch Wildlife

Take in the sights and sounds of the abundant wildlife on the Killam Duval County Ranch.

Featured Segments

 Shrimp Science

Shrimping in Texas is a billion-dollar business, but concerns are mounting that introduced diseases could pose a serious threat to native shrimp and an entire industry. See how scientists and saltwater anglers play a role in keeping Texas shrimp stocks healthy.

 Lone Star Land Steward: The Kirchoff Family Farm

Siblings Don, Brenda, Scott and Susan Kirchoff have spent 10 years restoring the native prairie grasses that once dominated their family's 200 acres. Today it is under a conservation easement with Native Prairies Association of Texas, ensuring that it won't be broken up into smaller pieces, keeping their prairie project intact for years to come.

 Brazos Bend State Park

Known as a nature-lovers paradise, the diverse ecosystems of Brazos Bend State Park attracts equally diverse people from the nearby metropolis of Houston. Learn about some of the things visitors enjoy doing at this popular state park.

 The Gulf Wardens

For the folks tasked with enforcing fish and game laws along 350 miles of coastline, going to the office can mean heading out to sea. Climb aboard with the Texas Game Wardens who patrol offshore to protect the state's precious Gulf resources.

 Postcard From Texas: Big Bend's Spring Blooms

Spring colors soften the rugged Chihuahuan desert landscape at Big Bend National Park.

Featured Segments

 Crazy Ants Invade

Some new invasive ants are driving biologists crazy, but new research into control methods is underway at the lab and in the field.

 Birdwatching and the Guide to Immortality

Victor Emanuel entered the birding world when, as a boy, he joined a small ornithology club in Houston. That was over seventy years ago, and since, he's been chasing birds over the world. Considered one of the preeminent birders anywhere, he has been an inspiration to tens of thousands of people. And even today, he's helping prep a new generation of naturalists that will solidify his legacy long after he puts down his binoculars.

 Lone Star Land Steward: The Pigfoot Ranch

The story of the Pigfoot Ranch is not one of stark before and after, but rather of a long-time legacy of excellent land stewardship. Dating back to 1885, the Head Family has worked to preserve Pigfoot's pristine native prairie savannahs and its crystal-clear creeks. Not to mention one of the best sunset views you can find in Central Texas.

 A Creel Survey

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.

 Lake Brownwood State Park

Near the geographical center of Texas, this park offers an atmosphere of rustic beauty and tranquility with hiking, camping, boating and fishing opportunities. Many structures in use today were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930's from timber and native rock found in the park.

 Postcard From Texas: Caddo Lake Colors

From Cypress trees to backwater bayous, enjoy the serenity of Caddo Lake, the largest naturally formed lake in Texas.

Featured Segments

 The Birdman of East Texas

Ever wonder what that brilliantly blue bird is in your backyard or how to make hummingbird food? Just ask state ornithologist Cliff Shackelford on Red River Radio during his call in show, “Bird Calls”. The hour-long call-in show airs every month and reaches four states answering questions, giving tips and providing conservation methods about the avian species.

 Parks & Wildlife People: Rick Torres

One of Rick Torres´ passions is leading families on night hikes at Ray Roberts Lake State Park. Rick is able to reach visitors who would not otherwise be exposed to the natural, nocturnal world.

 An Office in the Ocean

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 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.

 The Volunteer Family

With two teens and a toddler, the Gibson family has a hectic schedule. But every year they squeeze in time to volunteer at the Texas Coastal Expo. Mom, dad and the kids all pitch in to help other families learn about the natural world. In return, the Gibsons say they've learned a lot about themselves.

 Postcard From Texas: Packery Channel

See some of the beauty from where Texas meets the Gulf of Mexico at the Packery Channel.

Featured Segments

 K-9 Wardens, A Nose for the Job

Game Wardens do a lot of varied tasks with a wide variety of tools. One of their tools has a fuzzy face and four legs. Meet the Texas Game Warden K-9's. Searching for hidden game, weapons, missing people, or playing with a tennis ball, it's all in day's work for these canine commissioned Texas Game Wardens.

 Parks & Wildlife People: Chad Norris

San Solomon Springs in west Texas is a true oasis in the desert. But oil and gas production can threaten the spring, placing its endangered species at more risk. Teaming with universities, local citizens, federal conservation groups, and the oil and gas companies themselves, Chad Norris is working to save the springs.

 Flocking With Friends

A Classic Competition from the Coast is now statewide and open to all. How many different birds can be seen in a day, a morning, or from just one spot? Follow some folks who decided to find out.

 Postcard From Texas: Scenes From San Angelo State Park

Wild and wide-open vistas await visitors at San Angelo State Park.

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: Rebecca Hensley

Hurricanes cause terrible damage to coasts, bays and wetlands. Rebecca Hensley is leading a team to monitor and preserve these valuable coastal assets.

 Tent Revival

Many families in cities have lost touch with the great outdoors and all it has to offer, but the Texas Outdoor Family program is here to help, getting folks with little camping experience outside for some weekend fun.

 Plants of The Big Bend

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.

 Postcard From Texas: Port Aransas Beach

Watch the waves reveal some reflections on the beach at Port Aransas.

Featured Segments

 A Spirit Rises

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a park of immense beauty, but it also was the site of a historic battle. While the general facts about the 1874 Battle of Palo Duro Canyon are known, specific details are not. Archeologists are working with Native American tribe elders to unearth 100-year-old artifacts to more accurately depict the area's history. See what it takes to unearth artifacts from a battle that took place over a hundred years ago and learn more about Palo Duro Canyon State Park and the historic battle that took place there.

 Parks & Wildlife People: Nicolette Ledbury

Nicolette Ledbury's passion is recruiting and providing opportunities for minorities, veterans, and women at Texas Parks & Wildlife.

 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.

 Will Hunt for Food

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.

 Postcard From Texas: Flying Along the Devils River

Enjoy a bird's eye view of the Devils River as it passes through the Devils River State Natural Area Del Norte Unit in Val Verde County.

Featured Segments

 Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame: Alan Haynes

Alan Haynes of Tyler is the former C.E.O. and President of The Sportster Inc. retail sporting goods chain and lifelong sportsman. For more than 45 years he has demonstrated through his professional work and personal contributions to the community a commitment to promoting fishing and the conservation of our natural resources.

 Lone Star Land Steward: Lochridge Ranch

The overriding management goal for the Cox family with Lochridge Ranch in Henderson and Anderson counties is to enhance and conserve the native ecosystem while maximizing the health, welfare and productivity of the local flora and fauna. Today's ranch is a far cry from the landscape that existed 50 years ago. Wetlands have been restored, upland timber thinned and burned, bottomland hardwoods reestablished, and fish and wildlife populations have responded accordingly.

 Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site

The Lyndon Baines Johnson State Park and Historic Site is all about history, from the visitor center honoring our country's thirty-sixth president … to a living-history farm depicting life on the farmstead as it was back in 1918, when President Johnson was a young boy.

 On the Right Track

Follow along as biologists track Whooping Cranes at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Using satellite GPS technology, the team hopes to help protect this endangered species.

 Postcard From Texas: Coastal Prairie Morning

Enjoy a variety of prairie plants as the sun rises on a coastal prairie south of Houston.

Featured Segments

 Texas Game Warden Search & Rescue Disaster Response

Texas Game Wardens help protect our lands, our waters, our fish, our wildlife, our property, our environment, but also our lives. The Texas Game Warden Search and Rescue Disaster Response Team is here to help in times of need.

 Lone Star Land Steward: Vacek Family Farm

By keeping their Central Texas farm in agriculture for more than a century, Rick Castello and the Vacek family honor their heritage. By restoring native grasses, rotating cattle, and conserving land in perpetuity, they also secure their farm's future and improve water quality for all who live downstream.

 A New North Deer

North Deer Island near Galveston is the largest bird rookery island on the Upper Texas Coast, and it is shrinking. Erosion from waves has pounded the island for years. See what's being done to preserve this island and protect it for the thousands of birds that nest here every year.

 Choke Canyon State Park

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.

 Postcard From Texas: Rush Hour at the Waterhole

This South Texas waterhole is a busy place as songbirds, snakes and quail gather for a bit of refreshment on a hot day.

Featured Segments

 The Ballad of John Talley

Meet a mechanic and mountain-biking musician who has been taming trails in San Angelo for decades and who considers the local state park a hidden treasure.

 The Prairie Dogs of Caprock Canyon

The Bison that roam the prairies of Caprock Canyons State Park have some little friends. Check out the park's prairie dog town and the furry animals that call it home.

 Skimmer Savers

You see it flying along Texas beaches skimming the surface of the water, it's the Black Skimmer, and it's in trouble. Take a look at efforts underway to save one of the most threatened coastal birds in Texas.

 Postcard From Texas: Springtime in the East Texas Woods

Visit some savannahs, pastures and bottomlands in the woods of East Texas.