Passport to Texas

A health worker fumigates an area in Gama, Brazil, to combat the Aedes aegypti. Image courtesy www.cnn.com

Zika Virus and the 2016 Olympics Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is Passport to Texas

The Summer Olympic Games set for this August are causing some concern, as host country, Brazil, is the epicenter of a Zika virus epidemic.

We don’t really know when it came to Brazil. I think it was first identified in May 2015; it may have even started earlier than that.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito spreads Zika, which has been linked to birth defects in newborns when expectant mothers are infected. Austin-based entomologist, Mike Quinn, says reported cases of the virus in Texas are travel related only. And, if you plan to travel to Brazil for the Olympic Games—what precautions should you take?

The same precautions you would take here in Texas: wearing long sleeves, long pants, applying some mosquito repellent. But, if you’re pregnant, you mighty talk to your physician. And…ah…you know…they show most of it on TV, so there is that. So, assess your own risk and take precautions.

Using products containing DEET may prevent mosquitoes from landing on you for up to five hours.

But just wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants—you can just put a little mosquito repellent on the back of your hands, and the back of your neck so you can have a few exposed areas. So, you don’t have to put it all over your arms and legs and everything.

Citronella and Eucalyptus oils are also said to deter biting insects. Safe travels.

That’s our show for today… Funding provided in part by Ram Trucks. Guts. Glory. Ram

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

Texas Game Warden and canine partner.

Ask A Game Warden Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is Passport to Texas

Texas Game Wardens are part of the communities they serve. They’re accessible and ready to answer your questions. With that in mind, our show is beginning a new feature in June called Ask a Game Warden.

We’d love to hear from some of your listeners on the radio show.

Grahame Jones is chief of special operations for Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Law Enforcement Division.

We have a very robust social media platform, both the department’s social media and then our division’s social media as well; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Or submit your questions on your radio show.

No matter where you are in the state, questions submitted to the radio show will receive answers, and some will be answered on the show, during our Ask a Game Warden feature.

We have game wardens all over the state. Most counties have game wardens assigned to those particular counties. We have some counties in far west Texas and some counties in the panhandle that have one game warden assigned to a couple of counties. But, for the most part, we’re assigned to every country throughout the state.

Submit your question at passporttotexas.org; send it via our contact page.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation supports our series and helps keep Texas wild with support of proud members across the state. Find out more at tpwf.org.

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

TPW TV: All in the Family Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Since 1885, Albert Giles’ descendants have preserved the heritage of Texas through stewardship of his Hillingdon Ranch in Comfort. Biologist, Richard Heilbrun, nominated the site for a Lone Star Land Steward Award.

10— Over 97 percent of Texas is privately owned [and] managed, so without private landowners and good stewards like these folks, we don’t stand a chance in making strides toward better wildlife habitat.

Four families, all descendants of original owner, Albert Giles, oversee the property: great grandson, Robin Giles.

08—I actually own 4.8 acres but we run from 14 to 18,000 acres; we have to answer to about 50 family members who are the owners.

In addition to running cattle, goats and sheep on the land, they have a fiber business, and do outreach in the community. Cousin, Myrna Langford, a master naturalist, says habitat for wildlife like deer and turkey is always top of mind.

08—It is our job to see that the habitat continues to be conducive to these particular species.

Giles says balance in all things is critical.

16— I think the most unique thing about the way we produce meat and fiber is also an environment for a tremendous amount of wildlife, too. It can coexist. You can make a living producing, and you can preserve the land and the wildlife.

View a segment on the Giles family next week on a segment of the PBS TV Series. Check your Local listings.

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

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

Duck hunting in Texas

Hunting/Regulations: HIP Certification Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

If you plan on hunting migratory game birds in Texas this fall, you need to be HIP – HIP certified, that is. HIP stands for Harvest Information Program.

15—It’s purpose is to gain information on waterfowl and migratory bird hunters nationwide. Basically a name and address and a little bit about their previous year’s hunting activity—as well as what they plan on hunting what they plan on hunting in the upcoming year.

Kevin Kraai is Waterfowl Program Leader. He says the HIP program helps wildlife professionals improve resource management practices as well as track various waterfowl populations throughout the country.

05—It’s a very useful tool in setting the future year hunting regulations and management decisions.

Being a HIP certified waterfowl hunter isn’t just a good idea—it’s the law.

11—Officially it is a requirement by law that every individual that plans on hunting migratory birds in the state of Texas us HIP certified. If you are not HIP certified and you are hunting migratory game birds, you are subject to game violations.

Become HIP certified; find information on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

The Wildlife and sport fish restoration program supports our series and is funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motorboat fuel…

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

Texas Bumblebee Poster, Mike Warriner

Wildlife: Become a Bumblebee Watcher Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Do you like the idea of bird watching, but don’t have the patience to learn about every bird species? Then, maybe you should try bumblebee watching, instead.

12— Bumblebees could be a new kind of hobby for folks. Birdwatchers have to learn hundreds of birds. There are only nine bumblebees [species] in Texas. And so it’s just a matter of learning their color patterns.

Michael Warriner is an invertebrate biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife, and curates the website texasbumblebees.com.

18— In Texas, we have nine bumblebee species. And, fortunately, bumblebees are large bees; they’re pretty noticeable because they have a pattern of black and yellow. But, each one of the nine differs a little bit in terms of how much yellow they have on – let’s say – on the front part of their body versus the rear….

Tracking these insects – and reporting back to biologists like Warriner – can provide needed information about the status of bumblebees in Texas. What you may not know is …these native bees are facing threats.

16—They’ve lost habitat. Pesticide use is another concern. And also, there’s been the importation of bumblebees from Europe into this country, which has brought in parasites and diseases that may be impacting them. So, there’s a lot of concern how they’re faring in North America.

Find a chart on bumblebee identification and where to report sightings at Texasbumblebees.com.

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