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Texas Parks & Wildlife on PBS and Cable

Airing Now and Coming Soon

October 18–25, 2009

Program 1726-R — Originally Aired April 19–26, 2009

Neighborhood fishing program hopes to get kids hooked on the outdoors; towering dunes at Monahans Sandhills State Park; volunteers save the day at Pedernales State Park; mesquite trees; golden sunset at Lake Ray Roberts.

Details

• Casting Call — How do you get kids out of the house, and away from the television, it’s a concern for all parents. Texas Parks & Wildlife has a new neighborhood fishing program that should 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.
• Eisenhower State Park — At Eisenhower State Park it’s all about the water. Campsites sit high on the bluffs overlooking Lake Texoma. Boaters flock to the park’s marina and ramps. Swimmers enjoy lake access by land and by boat. Even hikers eventually end up taking a cool dip in the refreshing waters that make this park special.
• Wild Things: Mesquite Trees — This spiney, sprawling tree is native to Texas, but it’s much more widespread that it once was. Is it a nuisance or a great grilling tool?
• A Day at Pedernales — Pedernales State Park is no different than any other park – too much stuff to do and not enough people to do it. But thanks to a group of volunteers, the work gets done and park visitors are the ones who benefit. You’ll meet some of these “park helpers”, and find out why they are so incredibly enthusiastic about doing work that can at times be a little mundane.
• Postcard From Texas — Golden hues surround Lake Ray Roberts as the sun sets.

October 25–November 1, 2009

Program 1801 — Feeds October 25, 2009 — Repeats April 25–May 2, 2010

Featured Segments

• The International Pursuit — 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.
• Bonham State Park — 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.
• Outdoor Info: Hunter Education Classes — Hunter Education Instructors are training thousands of hunters, young and old, to be safe and responsible participants in the shooting sports. You can become part of the Hunter Ed team and here’s how.
• Birding Basics — Birding has become big in Texas, with the numbers of Texas birders topping 2 million. The Lone Star state has more documented birds than any other state, and some rare beauties that you’ll find no where else in North America. So what does it take to get into this hobby? We’ll take a look at some of the basic gear you’ll need, fill you in on where to go, and highlight a way to bring the birds to you.
• Postcard From Texas — Take a trip along the Neches River in East Texas.

November 1–8, 2009

Program 1802 — Feeds November 1, 2009 — Repeats May 2–9, 2010

Featured Segments

• Texas Eagles, On the Move — The Bald Eagle is now off the endangered species list, and more Eagles are calling Texas home. We visit a couple of Eagle nests, and learn that these birds now have a new challenge on the horizon.
• 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 freetail 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.
• Outdoor Info: Shooters Ear & Eye Protection — Shooting sports provide great recreation but remember these simple precautions to protect your precious sight and hearing.
• Hunting Dogs 101 — Dogs may be ‘man’s best friend’ but is certainly a bird hunter’s most essential ally. We see how many different breeds accomplish various tasks to help hunters find their quarry and insure that little is wasted in the field.
• Postcard From Texas — Get to the bottom of things at Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

November 8–15, 2009

Program 1803 — Feeds November 8, 2009 — Repeats May 9–16, 2010

Featured Segments

• Final Port of Call — The ship was christened the Queens and was built to invade Japan during WWII. Then she became one of the world’s first air conditioned cruise liners. Then Texas A&M University acquired her and she became the training vessel the Aggie Clipper. Now she rests on the ocean floor off the Texas coast as an artificial reef and as a scuba divers adventure destination.
• Outdoor Info: How to Become a Scuba Diver — Have you ever wanted to know what’s involved in getting your scuba license? It’s not that difficult.
• An Ocean Oasis — When the Aggie Clipper sunk off the Texas coast in 2007, Texas Parks & Wildlife hoped they would be creating a new home for lots of sea life. What they didn’t know was just how fast the sea life would take to this artificial reef. And more than the ecology of Texas is benefiting from this sunken ship, the economy in South Texas is being helped as well.
• Postcard From Texas — Enjoy the marine life onboard the sunken Texas Clipper.

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