Corey Mason is dove program leader at Parks and Wildlife, and says once limited to South Texas, white winged doves are on the move.

You know, we find mourning dove and white-wing dove—both—all the way from Far West Texas in the trans Pecos Region into the Pineywoods of East Texas. And we’ve recently actually this year found new colonies of nesting white wing dove deep in East Texas. Why is that unusual? Historically, white wing dove were found along the lower Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, really associated with South Texas brush, some of the citrus groves in the 80s. But since that time, there’s been a huge range wide expansion of these birds all across the state. White wing dove can basically be found in any county in the state now. What do we attribute this movement of the white wings to? A lot of it can be triggered back to a hard freeze in the eighties.. Kind of lost some of those types of nesting habitat; those birds adjusted and moved from that. So we kind of have two populations of white wings now. We have the historic south Texas—south of San Antonio—populations of white wing doves. And then we have north of that line, a population of white wing dove that are all across the state now, that are really kind of moving these transient movements from one urban population to the next. And from there spreading out and out and out. It’s really occurred over the last ten or fifteen years. And like I said, these birds can nearly be found pretty much anywhere in the state now.

The North and Central Zone dove season opener is Thursday, September 1. The South Zone opener is Friday, September 23.

The Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program… supports our series and works to increase fishing, hunting, shooting and boating opportunities in Texas.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Every September first, in the north and central zones, dove hunters are out in force.

06—In Texas, we harvest approximately five million mourning doves, and in excess of one million white winged dove every year.

Corey Mason, dove program leader at Parks and Wildlife, says dove season in the south zone starts later.

Because of some of the possible negative impacts to late nesting mourning dove, the season is delayed approximately three to four weeks, so we start in later part of September down there.

They do. You know, there’s also this new influence of Eurasian collar dove—or some folks call them ring-neck dove. They are not considered part of the daily bag limit. They can be shot year-round. The caveat to that being is if they are shot during dove season we strongly suggest hunters leave a wing, or some kind of identification mark on those birds, so if they’re checked by state or federal wardens they can differentiate between a collar dove and a white wing and mourning dove.

The Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program… supports our series and works to increase fishing, hunting, shooting and boating opportunities in Texas.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Armed with cameras, state park goers delight in taking aim at wildlife. Our state park guide, Bryan Frazier, says the proliferation of digital cameras makes it easier than ever for visitors to document their encounters with the natural world, and he offers suggestions for getting the most from the experience.

State parks are fantastic places to experiment with wildlife and outdoor photography. It’s a very popular hobby across the country. State parks offer great places because you can sere so much wildlife, and there’s access, and you can set up at [interesting] places. And so, we want to encourage people to take their cameras with them, and when they do: remember the equipment. It does make a difference. You want to pack light—maybe you have to hike in somewhere—you may have to limit that to one lens. And if you do, take a lens that F-stops down all the way, so that it opens up wide so you’re able to shoot fast, because wildlife tend to move. And, it’s flexible, it has a nice range; that’s the only you want to take with you when you’re packing light on those big hikes in parks.

Thanks Bryan.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet…building dependable, reliable trucks for more than 90 years. For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Photographer, Russell Graves, and his brother Bubba are creating a loving tribute Bois d’Arc Creek. Find out more… on Texas Parks and Wildlife TV… Series Producer, Don Cash:

Russell and his brother are producing a documentary that they’re going to put on their website that’s about growing up in Fannin County along Bois d’Arc Creek.

Russell and I have become pretty good friends over the years, and so I’ve spent some time with him. Being with him out there has really given me a better appreciation for the land and the resources and the water. We did a canoe trip and had just a grand time and it was a beautiful spring day. And to know that they’re going to put water here, and water St. Augustine Grass somewhere, is kind of sad.

Thanks, Don.

Find out when the show airs when you log onto the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.
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Texas Parks & Wildlife on PBS and Cable
Stations and Air Times
Times and dates are subject to change, especially during PBS membership drives.

• Amarillo, KACV-TV, Channel 2, Sunday, 12:30 p.m.
• Austin, KLRU-TV, Channel 18, Sunday, 10 a.m.; Thursday 5:30 a.m.
• Bryan-College Station, KAMU-TV, Channel 15, Sunday, 5 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
• Corpus Christi, KEDT-TV, Channel 16, Sunday, 12 p.m.
• Dallas-Fort Worth, KERA-TV, Channel 13, Saturday, 3 p.m. Also serving Abilene, Denton, Longview, Marshall, San Angelo, Texarkana, Tyler, Wichita Falls and Sherman.
• El Paso, KCOS-TV, Channel 13, Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
• Harlingen, KMBH-TV, Channel 60, Sunday, 5 p.m. Also serving McAllen, Mission and Brownsville.
• Houston, KUHT-TV, Channel 8, Saturday, 3 p.m. Also serving Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas City and Victoria.
• Killeen, KNCT-TV, Channel 46, Sunday, 5 p.m. Also serving Temple.
• Lubbock, KTXT-TV, Channel 5, Saturday, 10 a.m.
• Odessa-Midland, KPBT-TV, Channel 36, Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
• San Antonio and Laredo, KLRN-TV, Channel 9, Sunday, 1 p.m.
• Waco, KWBU-TV, Channel 34, Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
• Portales, New Mexico, KENW-TV, Channel 3, Sunday, 2:30 p.m.

Cable
Texas Parks & Wildlife can also be seen on a variety of government, educational and access cable channels in the following communities: Abilene, Allen, Atlanta, Baytown, Boerne, Cedar Park, Collin County Community College, Coppell, Dallas, Deer Park, Del Mar College, Denton, Euless, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Keller, Killeen, Lubbock, Lufkin, McKinney, North Richland Hills, Plano, Round Rock, Rogers State University, Seabrook, Temple, Texarkana College, The Colony, Trophy Club, Tyler, Victoria, Waco and Wichita Falls. Check your local listings for days and times.

Carp is considered a desirable sport fish in Europe…and Buffalo fish, which resemble carp, also win praise from outsiders. This month, TPW TV Series takes a closer look at these species and the people who catch them. Producer Alan Fisher.

In this segment we meet some folks who’ve come to Texas to catch Carp and Buffalo.

The European anglers want to catch a big fish.

And a guide in the Dallas area who actually started a business to cater to people who are interested in coming here. It’s a high tech pursuit; they’ve got alarms on their fishing rods.

[alarm] Looky there…he’s got a fish. That didn’t take long. That was quick.

The fish can get quite large, so it’s a good sporting fight.

Texas carp fight extremely hard.

I saw a guy catch a 43 pound new state record carp right in the middle of Austin on Ladybird Lake.

[Fish in water] Nice.

Buffalo…they’re this interesting fish that people in Texas may not know much about, but they’re quite sought after by folks that live elsewhere.

And buffalo get really big here. They’ve been captured at over a hundred pounds.

They’re readily available and a lot of fun to catch.

Thanks, Alan.

That’s our show…the Sport Fish Restoration Program supports our series…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Spending the day fishing is usually its own reward. But if you want to make it more interesting, submit proof of your catch to the Angler Recognition Program.

It’s a program where you get recognition for trophy catches. For rod and reel… bow fishing and unrestricted gear—jug lines and things like that.

Joedy Gray oversees the program. Nearly any length or weight fish caught in fresh or saltwater, that’s been accurately documented, will be considered for recognition—with a few small exceptions.

Whatever you do, don’t bring me any small fish like anchovies, or minnows or mosquito fish.

In the past, before weight and length requirements were instated, Gray received lots of stats on tiny fish. Today, new minimums are in place.

For bow fishing we put a minimum weight requirement of a half a pound. And for other fish for rod and reel records, we’re using two ounces…or point one two five pounds.

Gray says anglers whose fish are certified as records will receive recognition.

You can get recognition for state record catches, or large catches, water body records, catch release records…you’re going to get something. Any kind of record submission is going to get some kind of award, or certificate or pin.

Find complete details about the Angler Recognition Program on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

That’s our show… The SF Restoration program supports our series…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Coastal fishing in Texas is big business.

We have a recreational fishery that brings in over a billion dollars to the Texas economy, a commercial fishing industry that brings in nearly 300-million dollars annually to the Texas economy.

Dave Buzan, former TPW coastal studies team leader, says the success of these industries depends on freshwater inflows into the gulf.

And those industries are based upon fish and shellfish that have very important life stages depending on these estuaries, and the freshwater inflows and the nutrients and sediments that freshwater inflows bring to estuaries.

Upstream water use by people, industry and agriculture, has reduced the amount of freshwater flowing into the gulf. Yet, by implementing simple water-saving strategies, we can make a difference.

We all need to take responsibility for conserving water. And it’s an individual decision. And the cumulative impact of our individual decisions will save significant water and allow that water to get into estuaries.

That’s our show … made possible by the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program…working to increase fishing, hunting, shooting and boating opportunities in Texas.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Nuisance exotic aquatic vegetation is clogging up East Texas reservoirs. Funding provided by the Sport Fish Restoration Program helps to manage the problem.

The sport Fish Restoration Program, and specifically boating access money, has been used to clear boat lanes and provide access for anglers and boaters to either their favorite fishing holes, or to areas where they like to water ski, or [participate in] other recreational activities.

Timothy Birdsong coordinates the program for Parks and Wildlife. Taxes collected on fishing equipment and motor boat fuel funds the work.

We have several different reservoirs where we’re working right now. We have a great success story on Lake Conroe, where we’ve been able to control the vegetation. And now we’re using some other pots of available resources to go out and establish native vegetation communities.

The Sport Fish Program provides funding to agencies as a three to one match. And the success of the program depends on coordinated efforts and strong partnerships.

So, the partnership between the anglers, boaters, Texas Parks and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife Service…we’ve also worked with other partners including B.A.S.S., and the Seven Coves Bass Club to go in and do some of this habitat restoration.

We learn about the exotic aquatic plant hydrilla tomorrow.

That’s our show… with support from the Sport Fish restoration Program…funded by your purchase of fishing equipment and motor boat fuel.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Summer will be over before you know it. And camping is the perfect way to turn an average summer weekend into a vacation. With parks in every region of Texas, your destination is only a short drive away.

Most state parks have campgrounds, and some of those have water and electric hook-ups. Several parks also accommodate RVs for those who wish to bring a little piece of home with them to the great outdoors. Before you travel, check to see what RV connections are available at your campsite.

For the pampered camper, check out state parks that offer cabins and lodges. Historic landmarks and secluded ranches make for a relaxing getaway.

When tent camping, remember to properly dispose of food waste to discourage unwanted animals visitors; and always pack out what you pack in.

When camping, remember that you are you are not just a visitor, you are part of the natural world, and as such, it is your responsibility to keep it healthy and inviting to others.

If you’ve never been camping before, consider attending a Texas Outdoor Family workshop where Texas Parks and Wildlife staff teaches you and your family the basics in a fun-filled weekend.

Find more outdoor opportunities at the website lifesbetteroutside.org.

That’s our show for today…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

The Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm in Stonewall offers visitors a glimpse of life at a turn of the [20th] century Texas German farmstead. Virginia Grona is a site interpreter.

Interpretation for us here at the farm is actually living life early nineteen hundreds to about nineteen eighteen.

That includes wearing period clothing, cooking on a wood stove, tending farm animals, and whatever needs doing on the farm…without the convenience of motorized farm equipment, running water or electricity.

We’re doing it all because we want the visitors to see life like it would have been before electricity and running water. So, we literally work it with those limitations.

Women’s work was extremely physical then, says Grona, and, she adds, those gals were tough.

And you had to be. But everybody was. A lot of people say, well, I couldn’t have done it, but I say, you didn’t have a choice. You had better than your mother had, hopefully, but you don’t know what’s coming, so you just live with what you had at the moment.

Although men and women had different farm jobs, when necessary, everyone worked together.

When things have to be done—whether it’s crops brought in or something major going on—everybody had to work together. That’s the only way a family is going to make it—when everybody’s working together.

Many hands make light work in any century.

That’s our show… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.