TPW Television Season
Program 2901 - October 11-17, 2020, and April 11-17, 2021
Fox Finders, Kraken Diving, Brushland Birds
The swift fox is seldom seen and could be vanishing in Texas. Follow a crew of researchers searching for this fox in the Panhandle Plains. The 2017 sinking of a 371-foot cargo ship called The Kraken created a new underwater oasis for fish and...
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One fleet little fox is seldom seen. Is it vanishing from its range in Texas? A crew of researchers labors long hours to learn if time is running out for this elegant animal in the Panhandle Plains.
In early 2017, Texas Parks and Wildlife's Artificial Reef Program created a new underwater oasis for fish and fishermen with a 371-foot cargo ship called The Kraken. Just months after sending the Kraken to the floor of the Gulf of Mexico, biologists return to investigate one of the Texas Gulf Coast's largest artificial reefs.
Join a group of Harlingen high school students as they discover birding. These South Texas teens realize they have some amazing birds right in their own backyard.
Postcard From Texas: Flying Above Fort Parker State Park
Get a bird's eye view of Fort Parker State Park.
Program 2902 - October 18-24, 2020, and April 18-24, 2021
Texas Hunting Traditions
Meet an Austin man who took up hunting and fishing as an adult and is now passing along these traditions to his sons. Follow a conservationist and hunter as he hits the woods in search of the Eastern Wild Turkey. Every year 98-year-old Mabel Birkner...
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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.
Conservationist and hunter Terrance Jackson will be the first to tell you, “If Wild Turkeys could smell, they'd be nearly impossible to hunt.” Follow Terrance as he travels across East Texas working to restore and harvest the Eastern Wild Turkey.
Every year Mabel Birkner hits the woods and heads for the family's favorite deer blind. At nearly 100 years old, this feisty woman of the wilds has a lot of knowledge to pass down to her family.
Postcard From Texas: South Padre Island National Seashore
Take a leisurely look at the sand and surf at South Padre Island National Seashore
Program 2903 - October 25-31, 2020, and April 25-May 1, 2021
Wild Game Cooking Texas Style
A couple of accomplished chefs demonstrate some wild game recipes you'll want to try yourself. Restaurant owner and cookbook author Jesse Griffiths gives us his take on feral hog tacos, venison loin on the grill, teal yakitori and redfish fried...
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Wild hogs are a nuisance but they sure are tasty if cooked right. Wild game chef, cookbook author and restaurant owner Jesse Griffiths turns these wily beasts into a melt-in-your-mouth south Texas classic.
Take the gamey flavor out of wild game. Jesse Griffiths shows how to grill venison to tender perfection and then dress it up with a tasty cream sauce.
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.
Wild duck is the ultimate free-range bird. Regional cooking expert Jesse Griffiths demonstrates an easy recipe for grilling teal to complement its natural flavor.
Jeff Martinez is back with a simple, yet delicious recipe for Red Snapper Ceviche. Take some lemon, some lime, a bit of oregano, a dash of salt and some fresh caught snapper, mix em together and you are on your way to dining delight.
This isn't your same old fish fry. Jesse Griffiths demonstrates three different ways to fry redfish for a fresh twist on this crowd favorite.
Postcard From Texas: Spicewood Springs Trail
There's lots to see at Colorado Bend State Park, including the flowing waters of Spicewood Springs.
Program 2904 - November 1- 7, 2020, and May 2- 8, 2021
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. In the driest region of Texas, meet some ingenious landowners who created their own desert birding...
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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.
In the driest region of Texas, meet some ingenious landowners who created their own desert oasis'. From Presidio to Balmorhea, new man-made wetlands are attracting not only birds but some excited birders. And if you head to one particular oasis, you'll see one of the rarest hummingbirds found in the United States.
The Rio Grande Valley is a haven for birds and birders alike. For Father Tom Pincelli, this area is an earthly paradise. Follow along as Father Tom finds beauty and inspiration in some unusual birding spots.
Postcard From Texas: Coastal Birds
See some coastal birds at Bolivar Flats, and at raucous rookery at Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary.
Program 2905 - November 8-14, 2020, and May 9-15, 2021
State Park Biking Trails
From short pedals at local parks, to epic journeys through rugged landscapes, mountain biking is a great way to experience the wild side of Texas. Texas State Parks offer the full range of off-road opportunities to riders of all ages. Go biking with us...
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From short pedals at local parks, to epic journeys through rugged landscapes, mountain biking is a great way to experience the wild side of Texas. And Texas State Parks offer the full range of off-road opportunities to riders of all ages.
Franklin Mountains Bike Trails
Get ready to actually ride your bike in the mountains, the largest sustained mountain range in Texas, in fact! From downright nasty single track to some easy open riding, Franklin Mountains State Park has some of the best mountain biking trails in the state.
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.
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!
Pedernales Falls State Park is known for its falls of course. Lesser known are the 20 or so miles of hike and bike trails. Take a tour of the trails on two wheels.
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.
Postcard From Texas: Mountain Biking at Tyler State Park
Tackle the mountain biking trails at Tyler State Park.
Program 2906 - November 15-21, 2020, and May 16-22, 2021
Fishing the Texas Coast
Wade fishing on the Texas coast not only puts you right where the action is, but the experts say you can catch more and bigger fish. Sea Center Texas is the largest redfish hatchery in the world. Now biologists hope to replicate that success with...
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Grab a pole and start wading! It's a style of fishing few try, yet some anglers say it's the only way to go. Wade fishing not only puts you right where the action is, but the experts say you can catch more and bigger fish.
Sea Center Texas is the largest redfish hatchery in the world. Now biologists hope to replicate that success with spotted seatrout.
Heralded for their awe-inspiring jumps and tenacious power, tarpon are the stuff from which fish tales are spun. But over the last couple decades, their populations have taken a serious dive. Today, a group of scientists are trying to learn about the biology of this secretive fish in hopes of raising its' presence in the Gulf.
Postcard From Texas: Jamaica Beach Sunset
Enjoy the end of the day at Jamaica Beach.
Program 2907 - November 22-28, 2020, and May 23-29, 2021
The Science of Wildlife
Some owls in El Paso have a fancy new home, complete with a surveillance system, which gives biologists a bird's-eye view of owl life. Pronghorn antelope populations in west Texas have wavered in recent years. Biologists are finding new...
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Some owls in El Paso have a fancy new home, complete with a surveillance system, which gives biologists a bird's-eye view of owl life. Meet Lois Balin, the urban wildlife biologist who's helping keep an eye on the owls.
Pronghorn antelope populations in west Texas have wavered in recent years. Using satellite tracking data, biologists are finding new information and solutions to help the Pronghorns.
We follow along with some biologists that are worried about a tiny fish that is on the edge of extinction. We'll also take a trip to the Fort Worth Zoo to see how breeding these fish in captivity serves as a safety measure for the Pecos Pupfish.
Postcard From Texas: Bison Babies on the Roam Ranch
Bison babies start out ‘small’ before they get big. See some little ones as the roam on the Roam Ranch near Fredericksburg, Texas.
Program 2908 - November 29-December 5, 2020, and May 30-June 5, 2021
Texas Game Wardens Past & Present
Meet some Game Wardens of the past as we discover an old film that showcases the agency's history. Kathleen Stuman and Shawn Hervey have both been Texas Game Wardens for 20 years. See how they are involved in helping folks in their communities....
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Texas Game Wardens, A Look Back
Meet some Game Wardens of the past as we open the vaults to an old film that showcases the history of the agency. Sit around the campfire with some longtime Game Wardens, and hear some tall tales.
Kathleen Stuman has been a warden since 2000. Helping those with disabilities catch their first fish is all in a day's work for this Texas Game Warden.
Each year, Game Warden Shawn Hervey takes kids hunting. Kids from Texarkana, from a nearby orphanage, even a teenager fighting cancer. Throughout his career as a Game Warden, he's introduced thousands of children to the outdoors. Some of these kids have never seen a deer. All of them will have an opportunity to experience stewardship, many for the first time in their young lives.
K-9 Wardens, A Nose for the Job 2809
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.
Postcard From Texas: Morning at Goliad
Enjoy the peace and quiet of an early morning at Goliad State Park & Historic Site.
Program 2909 - December 6-12, 2020, and June 6-12, 2021
Texas Paddling Trails
There are new paddling trails popping up all over Texas. Grab a canoe or a kayak and come along as we check out some of the state's best river trips. Discover paddling trails in San Antonio, Dallas, the Hill Country, Caddo Lake, Port O'Connor...
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There are new paddling trails popping up all over Texas. Grab your canoe and come along as we check out some of the state's best river trips, on the coast, in Houston, and on the Guadalupe River. All you need is a paddle and an excuse to get wet.
When you think of a river adventure in San Antonio, the famous Riverwalk comes to mind. But there is a paddling trail of a different sort that's worth checking out.
Grab a paddle and hit the river, wherever you live there is a paddling trail nearby. For folks in Dallas there's one right in the heart of the city. The Dallas Trinity Paddling Trail is 10.2 miles of unexpected fun.
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.
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.
Postcard From Texas: Goliad Paddling Trail
Take a leisurely float down the San Antonio river on the Goliad Paddling Trail.
Program 2910 - December 13-19, 2020, and June 13-19, 2021
Explore Texas State Parks & Historic Sites
Texas state parks are becoming more popular than ever. Here's a sampler of places where you can get away from it all. Start at South Llano River State Park where tubing the river or biking the trails go hand in hand. At Fort Richardson State Park...
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This Texas hill country park, near the town of Junction, has the cure for what ails you. Tubing for the summer sizzle, biking for the weekend warrior, birding for the quiet escape, and some serious fly-fishing for those that crave a tug on the line.
Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site & Trailway
History is the highlight at Fort Richardson, where buildings of this North Texas frontier fort continue to loom large. But even if today's travelers aren't settling the West, many still come to pitch tents and blaze trails.
Abandoned by train traffic long ago, a century-old tunnel near Fredericksburg has become a seasonal home for millions of bats. Now this small state park provides a grand wildlife viewing opportunity on summer evenings.
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
If you've been to Goliad State Park & Historic Site, you're probably familiar with the rich cultural history of the site. What you might not have experienced are the outdoor activities at the park; like camping, nature hikes, biking, and paddling the nearby Goliad Paddling Trail. There's a lot to do here no matter you primary interest.
Huntsville State Park opens a door to 2000 acres of outdoor adventure. You can camp, mountain bike, and of course fish the day away on Lake Raven. Your East Texas Pineywoods adventure awaits.
Postcard From Texas: A Campfire
Sitting around the campfire is one of the things that makes camping in a state park even more relaxing.
Program 2911 - December 20-26, 2020, and June 20-26, 2021
Wildlife in the Lone Star State
Texas is home to a lot of unusual and interesting wildlife. At Houston's Cockrell Butterfly Center, watch as crawling caterpillars turn into beautiful butterflies. Discover the real story behind Old RIP, Texas' most famous toad. To find out...
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There's a place in Houston that recreates a tropical rain forest, not for people, but for butterflies. At the Cockrell Butterfly Center, watch as crawling caterpillars turn into beautiful butterflies.
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.
Prairie Dogs of Caprock Canyons
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.
Postcard From Texas: Leaf Cutter Ants
Texas leaf cutting ants feed on a live oak tree at Lake Corpus Christi State Park.
Program 2912 - December 27, 2020-January 2, 2021, and June 27-July 3, 2021
A Diversity of Jobs
When you think of Texas Parks and Wildlife you might think of game wardens, or park rangers, or wildlife biologists. We're all that, but we're also a whole bunch of other people doing a wide range of wildlife related work. Take a look at some...
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An Angling Educator: Kiera Quam
Aquatic Education Training Specialist Keira Quam uses her love of fly fishing to connect others with the outdoors. Through fishing education, Kiera is able to make tangible the outdoor experience for many people.
Friend of the Toads: Paul Crump
Fires in Bastrop County threatened the already endangered Houston Toad population. Thanks to the efforts of Paul Crump and others, a captive breeding program was established to help boost population numbers.
Let's Get Digital: Electronic On-site Registration Team
Hunting on public land requires that hunters register at the site where they are hunting. Meet the Texas Parks and Wildlife team updating and digitizing that process!
It's a Wild-ful Life: Danielle Rucks
Administrative Assistants, like Danielle Rucks, serve a vital role in the operation of Texas Parks and Wildlife offices and facilities. Without the work they do, offices would cease to function. It's possible to imagine a world without Danielle, but would you want to?
Conservation by All: Adriana Leiva
Without diversity, Texas Parks and Wildlife would not be adequately equipped to face the challenges of the future. Folks like Adriana Leiva are doing whatever they can to ensure that our agency is made of every kind of Texan, from every walk of life.
The Park Patrons: Local Parks Recreation Grants Team
Often there are projects that are too big for a local park system to tackle on their own. That's where our Local Parks Recreation Grants Team comes in. They help ensure the right park receives the right funding and that the project is completed for everyone to enjoy.
Since so much of our land in Texas is privately owned, we have to work diligently with private land-owning citizens. Tom Heger and his team help landowners in Texas make smart choices for the rivers and streams running through their properties. This ensures clean water and healthy wildlife populations for all Texans.
Protecting Our Wild Heritage: Meredith Longoria
Texas is home to many threatened and endangered species. Meredith Longoria works with Texas landowners to help take care of these special creatures.
Postcard From Texas: LBJ State Park Flowers
Relax among the wildflowers at LBJ State Park near Stonewall, Texas.
Program 2913 - January 3- 9, 2021, and July 4-10, 2021
Freshwater Fishing In Texas
Long the domain of the locals, Lake Fork fishes a little bit differently when you're a professional angler trying to make a living. Threatened by loss of habitat and hybridization, the Guadalupe Bass was close to being wiped out. Learn how...
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Lake Fork is undisputedly the top largemouth bass lake in Texas. For the first time ever a professional bass fishing tournament was held on the lake in April 2007. Follow along with the tournament favorite and a young newcomer just trying to make the cut. If you think being a bass pro is the “dream job”, then you need to see what it's like to literally fish for your supper
The Return of the Guadalupe Bass
The official state fish, the Guadalupe Bass, has been restored to the South Llano River. Threatened by loss of habitat and hybridization with non-native, introduced Smallmouth Bass, the Guadalupe Bass was close to being wiped out. We'll learn what happened and how biologists figured out how to restore the Texas native back to the South Llano River.
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.
Postcard From Texas: Slow Day on the Llano River
Slow down and take it easy along the Llano River.
Program 2914 - January 10-16, 2021, and July 11-17, 2021
Plains Playas, Bastrop State Park, Hang Ten
Grab your surfboard and hang ten in Corpus Christi. We go surfing at a popular spot that locals call Texas Point Break. Forest fires and floods have ravaged Bastrop State Park in recent years. Now comes rebirth: new trees, new plants and new life....
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Many playa lakes of the Southern Plains have been plowed under cropland, silted over, or diverted into irrigation pits. But the value of these shallow lakes for groundwater recharge and wildlife habitat has landowners and conservation groups working together to restore playa lakes for the Plains and the future of its economy and biodiversity.
For more than 70 years, folks have visited Bastrop State Park to enjoy its history and marvel at the Lost Pines. Forest fires and floods have ravaged the park in recent years. Now comes rebirth: new trees, new plants and new life. Come experience the park's recovery from nature's fury.
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.
Grab your surfboard and hang ten in Corpus Christi. We go surfing at a popular spot that locals call Texas Point Break.
Postcard From Texas: Fox and Flowers
A fox frolics in the Springtime flowers near Austin.