Texas Parks and Wildlife Season 29, Episode 19: Texas Tussle: A Gator Hunt, Balancing Act

Austin's Warblers, Pedernales Falls Bike Trails, Selling Texas

Join some biologists as they monitor nesting Golden-cheeked Warblers in the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve near Austin. Take a tour on two wheels at this park that is known for its glorious waterfalls but is also a great place for mountain biking. Outdoor tourism contributes more than $36 million to the Texas economy, and a lot of folks find out about the state through national television shows. We'll show you how that works.

30 min

Recovery at Possum Kingdom, Texas Horned Lizards, Remembering Bois d’Arc Creek

Two years after wildfire roared through Possum Kingdom State Park, this popular getaway is back. Take a look at how the park has recovered. Learn what's causing the decline of the iconic Texas Horny Toad, and what's being done about it. Bois d'Arc Creek and much of the land around it in Fannin County will soon be replaced by a water supply reservoir. Meet Russell and Bubba Graves, filmmakers who have made a documentary about what the loss of this bottomland hardwood forest means to those that have a history with this land.

30 min

Will Hunt for Food, Nicole's Big Adventure, 50 Years and Counting

Urbanites interested in healthy, tasty, locally-sourced foods are trying hunting for the first time. Follow Austin blogger Marshall Wright as he learns about hunting from this new perspective. Travel to Big Bend Ranch State Parks with a group of teens from Houston as they make a spiritual connection with the West Texas landscape during their first real experience with wide open spaces. Texas Parks and Wildlife is celebrating its 50th birthday by inviting people to share their stories and photos about memorable moments in the Texas outdoors. Here's a look back at what this means for Texans.30

Waiting for Winter Trout, A New North Deer, Talking to the Animals

The annual winter stocking of rainbow trout in the Guadalupe River is a much anticipated event. Check out some of the best spots to go to catch these feisty freshwater fish. North Deer Island near Galveston is the largest bird rookery island on the Upper Texas Coast, and it is shrinking from erosion. See what's being done to preserve this island and protect it for the thousands of birds that nest here every year. Gerald Stewart is a professional animal caller. Using mouth calls and audio cassettes, Gerald can attract birds, owls, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, deer and many more animals.

30 min

Flocking with Friends, Where to Wade

A Classic Competition from the Coast is now statewide and open to all. Follow some folks who decided to find out how many different birds can be seen in a day, a morning, or from just one spot. Wade fishing not only puts you right where the action is, but the experts say you can catch more and bigger fish.

30 min

The Inspired Artist, Geocaching Changed My Life, Fishing the Late Shift

From a migrant worker as a youth to an artist that discovers he has an amazing talent. Meet Clemente Guzman who is an inspiration for all of us. A woman with Asperger Syndrome sees her social life blossom when she takes up geocaching. Whether in saltwater or fresh, Texas has many great spots to spend a day fishing. But for a special breed of angler the best days of fishing are always nights.

30 min

Fitting In, Standing Out, The Burden of Bounty

Meet one East Texas game warden whose involvement with the kids in her community not only helps change their lives, but enriches her as well. The Gulf of Mexico is known to some as "America's Sea." In the first segment of a six part series on the state of the gulf, we'll explore the rich diversity of habitats and creatures in the Gulf of Mexico and the economic benefits they provide to the nation as a whole. We'll visit the beautiful coral reefs of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, shallow meadows of seagrass in Redfish Bay and the longest undeveloped barrier island, Padre Island National Seashore, one of the homes of the endangered Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle. Last we will consider how the BP oil spill illustrates the inseparable dynamics of economic and environmental interests.

30 min

Calling All Pintails, Hurricanes: A Force of Nature

The population of Pintail ducks has been declining over the past decade, and wildlife biologists are trying to figure out why. Watch as captured hens are fitted with transmitters and tracked as they winter on the coast and migrate north. Examine how hurricanes have impacted Texas; past, present and future. In part two of a six part series on the state of the gulf, we'll see how a century ago a hurricane determined the future of Indianola and Galveston. Then take a look at how recent hurricanes, Rita and Ike, devastated Sea Rim and Galveston Island State Parks, and the progress of their recovery. We will reiterate the benefits of healthy marshland to diminish the force of hurricanes. Then visit oyster reef restoration sites in Galveston Bay and see how new technology is being used to map the bottom of Texas bays so that future damage from hurricanes can be more accurately assessed.

30 min

K9 Wardens, Fisheries for the Future, Buck Fever

Texas Game Wardens don't normally work outside their home state, but the creation of a new canine law enforcement unit has taken five wardens to Utah for some specialized training. In the third of six stories examining the state of the gulf, this episode looks at the challenge of managing fisheries resources for sustainability. We will look at redfish as an example and show how the tools of research, regulation, enforcement and fish stockings have protected and elevated redfish to almost cult status with anglers. We'll look at efforts to monitor and protect sea grass beds from scarring by boat props. Finally we recognize how private groups like the Coastal Conservation Association have supported the management of redfish and changed the way anglers approach their sport. "Buck Fever" is a condition afflicting both deer hunters and wildlife biologists. And after 25 years of studies, we have learned so much more about how habitat and diet contribute to a healthy herd.

30 min

The Invaders, What’s in the Water

Caddo Lake in East Texas is just one example of how invasive plants are taking Texas by land and water. In part four of a six part series on the Gulf of Mexico, take a look at conditions, both natural and man-made, that impact water quality along the Gulf. We will examine the infamous "Dead Zone," off Louisiana, how it occurs and what its effects are. Learn about harmful algal blooms, such as red tide, where and when they occur and what the public needs to know when they happen. We'll also look at how water pollution has led to fish consumption advisories for many coastal waters and the trends in coastal water quality.

30 min

Above Texas: Rivers & Lakes, Climate of Changes

We fly over our rivers and lakes, hearing from some of Texas' greatest thinkers about how our stewardship of these resources are so vital to the economic and cultural future of our state (the first in a four-part series). Hear predictions on how the Texas Gulf Coast will be impacted by climate change over the next century. In part five of a six part series on the state of the Gulf, scientists and biologists discuss how the documented rise in sea level is ongoing and what it will mean in the future for coastal communities in Texas. We will also look at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's long documentation of warming water temperature and how some species like flounder have declined, while other species like the gray snapper have increased. We will also look at the spread of black mangroves and the newly detected red mangrove, as another indication of a warming climate.

30 min

Outdoor Family Camping, Action for the Oceans

Many families in cities have lost touch with the great outdoors and all it has to offer, but the Texas Outdoor Family program is getting folks with little camping experience outside for some weekend fun. Hear predictions on how the Texas Gulf Coast will be impacted over the next century. In part five of a six part series on the state of the gulf, scientists and biologists discuss how the documented rise in sea level is ongoing and what it will mean in the future for coastal communities in Texas. We will also look at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's long documentation of warming water temperature and how some species like flounder have declined, while other species like the gray snapper have increased. We will also look at the spread of black mangroves and the newly detected red mangrove, as another indication of a warming climate.

30 min

The Rio Grande: Down But Not Out, The Boat Builder

Join a group of students from Corpus Christi as they head up to Big Bend to float the Rio Grande. Houston architect Skip Johnson builds wooden kayaks that would be right at home in an art gallery, but are built for the water. Follow along as Skip designs, builds, and finally paddles his latest creation, the 'Bionic Log'.

30 min

Above Texas: The Coast, Paddling Caddo Lake, Student Parking

In the second in a four part series that highlights the Lone Star State from high above and down below, we fly over the Gulf of Mexico and our coastlines, where you'll get a different view of the wildlife, the habitat, and man's impacts. The paddling trails in swampy Caddo Lake in Northeast Texas is the ideal way to explore this fascinating lake. Put on some old clothes and tag along for a hands-on look at science class Parks and Wildlife-style.

30 min

Eye in the Sky, LBJ's Hill Country Legacy

See how biologists use technology to gather information about desert bighorn sheep as they move the through the mountains of west Texas and Mexico, and the endangered Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle as they travel the Gulf of Mexico. Costumed interpreters and volunteers at the Sauer Beckmann Living History Farm show life as it really was, complete with all the sights, sounds, and (for better or worse) smells of a turn-of-the-century Hill Country farmstead.

30 min

Managing the Martins, State Park Ambassadors, Battle at the Fork

Purple martins seem to need people, and the birds provide some rewards back to those who watch out for them. The Youth Ambassador Program signs on members of the millennial generation to share their love of nature in ways their peers can relate to, which is often quite different from their parents. Follow along with the Lake Fork professional bass fishing tournament favorite and a young newcomer just trying to make the cut.

30 min

Over Texas: Growing Pains, Winter Wonderland for Waterfowl, A Journey South

In the third in a four part series that highlights the Lone Star State from high above and down below, we fly over our cities and industrial centers, hearing from some of Texas' greatest thinkers about striking a crucial balance about the stewardship between our states' economy and our natural resources. Check out a bottomland hardwood swamp at Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area and the wood ducks that call it home. Visit the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and see lots and lots of wildlife, including whooping cranes.

30 min

Spreading His Wings, Policing Pollution

Wildlife biologist Ken Rice shares his passion for anything coastal with Joe, a seventh grader who tracks the movement of birds from his inner-city housing project. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens who keep our water clean and air clear by pursuing those who violate environmental laws.

30 min

Chasing a Ghost, 50 Years Later, Same Photo, A Place to Hunt

From using state of the art technology to good ole foot power, see what it takes to try and find the Ivory Billed Woodpecker, a bird that hasn't been seen in 60 years. A 50-year old family photo taken at Inks Lake State Park leads to an interesting reunion and a renewed interest in getting outside. A family from Houston who hunt doves has found the perfect solution to finding a place to hunt: the Annual Public Hunting Permit.

30 min

What Wardens Do, Stripers in Production

We'll follow Texas Game Wardens, from the rutted dirt tracks of the High Plains Canyon Country, to the storm-crossed waters of the Gulf Coast. From fertilization to hatching, to stocking and finally catching, the Striper is getting a helping hand from Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists.

30 min

Restoring a Texas Treasure, A Scar on the Flats

Discover what fisheries biologists at the Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center are doing to bring back the official state fish of Texas, the Guadalupe Bass. As more anglers discover the shallow waters of the Texas Gulf Coast, there is growing concern about what this increased traffic is doing to the fragile sea grasses.

30 min

The Last Dance, Mystery of the Tarpon

We follow along as biologists deal with one of the toughest breeding seasons on record, as they struggle to save the Attwater's prairie-chicken, one of the most endangered birds in all of Texas. A group of scientists are trying to learn about the decline in population of the tarpon.

30 min

Under Texas: Beneath the Surface, The Last Stand

Travel below the rim of Palo Duro Canyon, immerse yourself in a clear Texas river, and travel deep in the Gulf of Mexico, as we conclude our four part series that highlights the Lone Star State from high above and down below. Meet some prairie patriots who are working to restore coastal prairies back to Texas.

30 min

Natural Wasteland, Texas Eagles on the Move

Birding hotspots are not always where you might expect them to be. See the sights, hear the sounds, and smell the smells of a "marginal nature" haven. We visit a couple of Bald Eagle nests, and learn that these birds now have a new challenge on the horizon.

30 min

A Man in Paradise, Stone Skipping, A Long Way to Seadrift: The Texas Water Safari

Follow along as Father Tom Pincelli finds beauty and inspiration in some unusual birding spots in the Rio Grande Valley. Return to a simpler time as kids of all ages compete to see who's the best stone-skipper at the World Stone Skipping Championship in Wimberley, Texas. We'll ride along with some of the contestants in the most extreme of canoe races, the 260 mile-long Texas Water Safari.

30 min