PUBLIC HUNTING: Like adventure? Try waterfowl hunting 
on public land ... details ahead on Passport to Texas.
___________________________________________________________

Passport to Texas from TPWD and the SFWR Program

[sfx ... rain]

At the end of January one of my colleagues visited 
Matagorda Island for an open waterfowl hunt. About four 
dozen men, women and children were up early -- 
undaunted by the first real rainfall the area had seen in 
months -- to hunt on this public land.

"And the guys in eight and thirteen, we're going to go in this 
one ton Dodge that's in the shop ... the dry one ... (laughter)" :06

Todd Merendino is a wildlife biologist who assisted with 
the morning's activities. While hunting waterfowl - or any 
species -- on public land offers outstanding opportunity, 
Merendino says it does require planning and flexibility.

Public hunting is just a different style or type of waterfowl 
hunting, primarily because unlike a guided operation or your 
own private lease, there is an element of unknown of where 
you're going to go because folks that are in front of you may 
pick the spot you wanted to go to, or you may just be unfamiliar 
with the place and not know a good site to hunt. So there's a 
little bit of kind of an uncertain element to in just the fact 
because of the check in procedure and a paperwork procedure 
sometimes you're out in the field extremely early. Just like this 
morning, these guys will be set up an hour before shooting 
time. Whereas on a private lease, or a guided operation, you'll 
probably be getting set up right at shooting time. :36

That's our show ... .We had help today from Steve 
Lightfoot. The Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration 
Program supports our series ... 

For Texas Parks and Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia Nasti.