Texas State Parks staff is getting used to the “new normal.” As COVID-19 restrictions have eased, guidelines for visiting the parks have changed to facilitate the safety of both visitors and park staff. We caught up with Texas State Parks Director Rodney Franklin, along with Mother Neff State Park Superintendent Melissa Chadwick and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Superintendent Doug Cochran to find out how it’s going out there.

Episode 59: The State of Texas Parks

Texas Parks and Wildlife Podcast: Bringing you the latest about efforts to conserve the wild things and wild places of Texas

Government

Since turkey is on our minds this holiday week, we figured it was a good time to check in with some experts on the state of turkey in Texas. Listen in on our latest podcast as we talk turkey with a couple of experts: TPWD’s Turkey Program Leader Jason Hardin and East Texas landowner and Lone Star Land Steward award winner Gary Costlow.

Episode 90: Talking Turkey

We Will Not Be Tamed ambassadors Josh Crumpton and Edgar Diaz have been friends for several years.  Their friendship has deepened as Josh has taken Edgar under his wing and into the field. Edgar has been an angler for his whole life, and as Josh introduced him to hunting, a whole new avenue of outdoor appreciation opened up to him. Listen in on our latest podcast to hear more.

Episode 89: Josh Crumpton and Edgar Diaz

From navigating sometimes controversial white-tailed deer management issues to determining how best to help coastal fisheries resources recover from the February freeze, it’s all in a day’s work for TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith. We caught up with Carter for our latest podcast to find out what’s on his mind.

Episode 88: Carter Smith

Josh Crumpton is a 7th generation Texan who owns and operates Spoke Hollow Outfitters and is the primary steward of Spoke Hollow Ranch in Wimberley. Josh is an avid angler and huntsman, with a passion for being in the outdoors, and he has a calling to share his knowledge and joy with others. A culinary background set the stage for a major “light bulb” moment when he harvested his first large game several years ago. A sense of satisfaction enveloped his life when he was able to bring his harvest to the dinner table, and he believes there is a true connection to the natural cycle that comes from being an active participant in bringing your own protein to the table.  His life mission and calling are to share that feeling with others.

Episode 87: Meet Josh Crumpton

For nearly a quarter-century, the Edwin L. Cox, Jr., Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens has brought together avid anglers, curious school children, dedicated conservation professionals, and many generous supporters in their passion for Texas’ freshwater resources. From fish hatcheries to recreational fishing ponds, over 300,000 gallons of indoor and outdoor aquariums, and exhibits featuring fish, alligators, and other native species, TFFC showcases the diverse inland waterways that connect all living creatures.

Episode 59: The State of Texas Parks

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