The Devils River has a frightening reputation. With a new addition to TPWD’s state natural area on the river, I thought it was the perfect time to see if that reputation holds true. In this episode, I take a group of novice paddlers, including my mother, to experience one of the most remote and pristine rivers in Texas.

Hosts:

• Morgan O’Hanlon is a senior staff writer at Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine.
• David Yoskowitz is the Executive Director of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Episode Guests (in order of appearance):

• Priscilla Lozano, My Mom
• Esther Hajdar, My Mom’s Friend

Read more about our expedition on the Devils River in the July 2025 issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine. You can read more stories about the Texas outdoors at tpwmagazine.com. If you want to get copies of our beautiful, glossy magazine delivered straight to your mailbox, you can subscribe here for only $2.00 a month. And if you want to keep up on live events and behind-the-scenes takes, follow the magazine on Instagram at @tpwmagazine.

For more information about planning a trip on the Devils River, head to the SNA’s webpage.

To reserve permits, call the Devils River hotline: (512) 389-8901.

Keep up with other agency news on Facebook or Instagram at @texasparkswildlife.

Did you know Texas Parks and Wildlife has a TV show? Click here to watch their episode on restoring bighorn sheep to Franklin Mountains State Park.

Our theme music is by Walker Lukens and Grant Eppley. And, if you like our song, you might also like the album Walker produced for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation. Sales from the album benefit TPWD's conservation work. Listen to it here.

Better Outside’s artwork is by Aaron Zachary. Follow him on Instagram at @filmnfish.