Passport to Texas

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Sport Fish Restoration Program

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.

Angler Recognition Program, 1 Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Passport to Texas from Texas parks and Wildlife and the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program

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.

Freshwater Inlflows, 2 Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Sport Fish Restoration Program

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.

Battling Aquatic Invasives Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife.

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

Camping in Texas Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

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.

Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm Play Now | Play in Popup | Download