Passport to Texas

TPW TV: Talking Turkey Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Wild turkeys wearing backpacks? See it this month on the TPW PBS TV series. Producer, Alan Fisher.

64— I got to follow some work going on at a ranch in south Texas, on the habitat of Rio Grande turkey. The research that people have done about Rio Grande turkey has really kind of focused on where they roost… There’s really been less information about what they do for the rest of the hours of their day. Technology has gotten to the point now where GPS technology can be used.

If you’d like to know where you can catch the Parks and Wildlife TV series, you can check out our website, or check your local PBS listings.

Thanks, Alan.

The Wildlife and sport fish restoration program supports our series and celebrates 75 years of funding diverse conservation projects throughout Texas…

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

Conservation: Kerr's August First Friday Tour Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Kerr Wildlife Management Area is a research and demonstration site for the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion…and August third begins the first of a three-part monthly series called First Friday Tours.

06—Our First Friday Tours are a series of seminars that we offer annually as part of our outreach program.

Wildlife biologist, Ryan Reitz, says the first part of the free series focuses on the basics.

31—We’re starting out with the basics here, on our first part of our three-part series. And we will be discussing those elements of habitat—those things critical in the successful management of any wildlife species: food, water and cover. We’ll be discussing these in detail. We’ll be addressing the diets of native species—and even exotic species. We’ll be discussing how important water is on the landscape. And we’ll be discussing development strategies and cover requirements—how these plants provide both food and cover to our wildlife resources.

It’s free to attend, but Reitz says you need a reservation.

13—We do ask that everyone interested in attending call in for reservations. You can call the Kerr WMA. Our office number is 830-238-4483, and sign up for a spot on our First Friday Tours.

Again, the First Friday is on August 3.

If you’re not in the Edwards plateau ecosystem, go to the TPW website and find your nearest WMA, and programs offered specific to your area.

The Wildlife and sport fish restoration program supports our series and celebrates 75 years of funding diverse conservation projects throughout Texas…

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

Conservation: Kerr Wildlife Management Area Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Located at the headwaters of the North Fork of the Guadalupe River, the nearly 65-hundred acre Kerr Wildlife Management Area offers more than striking Hill Country scenery.

13—We are a research and demonstration site in the Edwards Plateau ecological region. Our goals out here are to mainly develop and manage wildlife habitats and wildlife populations of indigenous species.

Ryan Reitz is a wildlife biologist at The Kerr.

12—Out here you’ll find white tailed deer, Rio Grande turkey, bobwhite quail… We also boast very successful populations of the endangered black capped vireo, golden cheeked warbler, and toe bush fishhook cactus.

The Kerr opens its gates to land managers and others interested in wildlife and habitat management in the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion…but other ecoregions also offer programs.

13—Yes. There are Wildlife Management areas throughout our great state of Texas, and they’re established by ecoregion. And you certainly can contact your local wildlife management areas and see what programs and opportunities are provided within that ecoregion.

But if you do happen to own or manage land in the Edwards Plateau, the Kerr hosts a First Friday Tour…this Friday.

06—Our First Friday Tours are a series of seminars that we offer annually as part of our outreach program.

Details tomorrow. The Wildlife and sport fish restoration program supports our series and celebrates 75 years of funding diverse conservation projects throughout Texas… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.