Passport to Texas

Processing Deer at Home Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

It’s easy to find meat processors statewide with the ability to process deer, and so hunters routinely bring harvested animals to these pros.

Maybe this season, you’d like to try your hand at processing your own animal at home. Hunter education coordinator, Terry Erwin, has a suggestion or two to help you along.

45— If you process your game at home, I would suggest that everyone get a good set of knives and a cutting board, and also get what we call a vacuum packing device. And when you put that [meat] in a vacuum packing device, they [cuts of meat] will last a whole lot longer; you’ll take the air out of it and the meat will not get freezer burn, which can cause it to have a bad taste. But, you have some of the finest eating there is. Venison is very high in protein, very low in fat content, very low in calories. And, it’s just plain good for you. And if you use the right seasonings and the right methods to cook it….Ooo…fried back strap with biscuits and gravy…makes my mouth water.

We have a link to the gear you’ll need to process your deer at home on our website, passporttotexas.org.

The Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program supports our series, and is funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuel.

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

Hunters for the Hungry Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Wild harvested venison is additive free, sustainable and nutritious—the kind of food we want to feed our families. Licensed hunters can help feed less fortunate families by donating venison to Hunters for the Hungry.

09— Contact us or visit our website to locate a participating meat processor, so they can take it somewhere that accepts the donation and can get it distributed.

Anitra Hendricks coordinates Hunters for the Hungry, a program of the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies. The program connects hunters with processors who then distribute ground venison to charitable feeding programs and food pantries.

Participating processors offer reduced fees to hunters who donate deer.

12— And that varies from processor to processor. So, we do encourage the hunter, that if they do use our map locator, to locate a participating meat processor, to call ahead of time to verify the Hunters for the Hungry fee.

Hendricks says regions of the state need more processors.

20—We do have a need in the Panhandle area between Amarillo and Lubbock for more meat processors. And then also the East Texas region—as well as west Texas. But some of the feedback that we get is that either there’s not an interest or things are so far and so spread out that it’s hard to get participation in those areas.

Find a link to the Hunters for the Hungry website at passporttotexas.org.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife I’m Cecilia Nasti.

On the Mend: Bastrop State Park Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

September wildfires ravaged Bastrop State Park, but as our SP guide Bryan Frazier tells us, while it was a tragic event, there are stories of courage and even good news amid the ashes.

It’s a story of tragedy, and it’s a story of incredible courage by the people who saved the part of the park that was saved.

It isn’t the same park hat it used to be, although, the park is going to come back. They’re assessing a lot of it right now. So, there are some good news stories at Bastrop State Park that we can find, and we need to let people know about that.

Thanks, Bryan.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife I’m Cecilia Nasti.

TPW TV Water Documentary Segments in November Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Among the many fascinating segments you’ll see on the TPW TV show in November, are highlights from the agency’s documentary on the Gulf of Mexico. Series Producer Don Cash.

One of the segments is going to take a look at hurricanes that have affected the Gulf. It will take a look at how important things like marshes are to slowing hurricanes and flooding down.

So, these segments on the gulf are airing all throughout November on our PBS television show, or you can see the segments on our YouTube Channel.

Thanks, Don.

The Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program supports our series.

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

Health Benefits of the Outdoors Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Now that we’re getting a break in the weather, it’s time to get outdoors again.

Did you know we have more than a million acres of public parks and outdoor spaces in Texas? The opportunities to get outside are many, as are health benefits when Nature is your personal trainer.

Adults need at least 30 minutes a day of physical activity, and children, a full hour. Benefits of regular exercise include better overall physical health, as well as improved mental health. Do something for yourself, and peace of mind, by getting active outdoors—the trails are waiting!

Local and state parks offer something from everyone: from hike and bike trails, to golfing, rock climbing, paddling, and geocaching. You can even volunteer to repair trails or lead site tours. The opportunity for outdoor play is limited only by your imagination!

Being outside means breathing fresh air… and the varying terrain offers a workout challenge you just can’t get from a treadmill at home.

Side stepping puddles, leaping up rocks, and climbing up and down hills helps improve your balance and stability…and gets your heart rate up. The outdoor alternative is also more affordable than the gym, as state parks offer low-cost admission. So go on, and get out: life’s better outside.

Find a park or scenic nature and historic trails near you at texasstateparks.org.

That’s our show… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.