The role of a Texas game warden is unique and evolving, and now a national television audience will learn more about their work in a new hour-long television program on Animal Planet called Lone Star Law.
The series premieres tonight at 9 p.m. (Central).
“This program is a great opportunity to show people what Texas game wardens are and what Texas game wardens do. We’re there to serve,” said Chief Grahame Jones of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in an interview with the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Radio Network. “None of what is shown on the program is staged or choreographed. It’s all real.”
Jones said TPWD officials worked with Engel Entertainment, the show’s production company, on the various situations the film crews might encounter while working alongside a Texas game warden, including situations that may be very dangerous. He said the work of Texas game wardens is a mix of conservation law enforcement, water safety and public safety.
“We’ve got about 120 game wardens that actually want to take part in the show. It’s all voluntary. Some are showcased in the show more than others, and we sort of have a core group of about 15-25 game wardens that are showcased a little bit more because of their ability and their interest level,” Jones said. “As time went on, the relationship between the film crews and game wardens really became stronger, and in a very short period of time, the film crews knew how to handle the different situations.”
Water evacuation and rescue is a current area of emphasis and support for Texas game wardens. Jones said game wardens have assisted with more than 2,000 water evacuations and rescues this spring, including a deployment today of 40 game wardens and 20 boats to assist first responders in Fort Bend County.