Passport to Texas

Texas Parks and Wildlife Texas Outdoor Annual App

Tech: Outdoor Annual App Helps Anglers Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Smart phones and tablets continue to grow in popularity among the general public.

04— We’ve also noticed that our anglers are using those devices.

Tim Peterson, Texas Parks and Wildlife’s director of creative and interactive services, says that as the weather warms, anglers want to get on the water. With the Texas Outdoor Annual app they can spend more time fishing and less time wondering if they’re in compliance.

15— If an angler is sitting in a particular water body or lake – or near a water body or lake – they can use the GPS function in the app, locate the lake that they’re at or near, and they can see the bag limits and the exceptions for that particular lake.

The FREE Texas Outdoor Annual app is a convenient way for anglers of all ages to keep up with regulations.

24—The whole idea with the app was not only to make it mobile, but also make it easy for folks to use while in the field. We’re seeing a wide range of ages [using mobile devices], so it’s not just a younger audience; it’s a new audience. Anecdotally, I will tell you that I spent some time with my 80-year-old father-in-law this last weekend, and he used his mobile device as much as my 12-year-old daughter.

The free Texas Outdoor Annual App is available in iTunes or Google Play storefronts and you can also find more information on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

Funding for our series provided in part by Ram Trucks. Guts. Glory. Ram

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

Using GPS technology to enjoy the outdoors.

Technology: Tech and Nature Summit Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

For years, outdoor educators have condemned technology for the growing disconnect between children and nature. But, technology isn’t going away; so, they’re finding ways to embrace the pods the pads and the phones to get kids interested in the outdoors. In recognition of this, the first day of the Children & Nature conference this April is a Technology & Nature Summit.

11— Our kids are becoming more and more tech savvy, and it’s part of their interests. And so, as we try to get more kids outside, we’ve found technology has become a helpful resource.

Ryan Spencer manages the Children and Nature Collaborative in Austin, and says the summit will cover a lot of ground.

20— We’re going to be talking about technology and its role in reconnecting children to the outdoors. We’re going to be talking about action steps that participants at the conference can take to help get more kids outside in their own communities. And, we’re going to come together and take a look at what the role technology has – what role can it play – in reconnecting kids to the outdoors.

The Children in Nature Conference is April 7 through 9 at the Hyatt Lost Pines in Bastrop, Texas. Find additional information at passporttotexas.org.

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