As Texas braces for another Arctic blast, that will possibly put up to five inches of snow along the Interstate 10 corridor in Southeast Texas, it’s important to recognize the catastrophic toll that past freezes have taken on the state’s wildlife.
During the 2021 freeze, the devastation was staggering: millions of fish perished, including massive numbers of spotted seatrout along the Texas coast.
The popular species that is hugely important to the sportfishing industry, suffered widespread mortality as frigid temperatures plummeted water temperatures below their survival threshold.
One of the many giant trout that died in the 2021 freee.
A Historic Reminder: Lessons from the 2021 Freeze
The February 2021 freeze demonstrated the fragility of Texas’s diverse wildlife when exposed to prolonged, extreme cold. Over 3.8 million fish, spanning 60 species, were lost along the coast. Among them, speckled trout-aka spotted seatrout—the most popular sportfish on the Gulf Coast.
Tarpon were also impacted as many juveniles were found floating in places like Port O’Connor and Rockport.
Axis deer were hit hard on some ranches in 2021. TPWD Photo Ryan Schmitt
Other Wildlife at Risk
Exotic species such as nilgai antelope, blackbuck, and axis deer—common on Texas ranches—were particularly vulnerable due to their low tolerance for temperatures like those being forecasted. Large numbers perished in South Texas, leaving a serious impact on local ecosystems.
I’m hoping this isn’t going to be as bad as 2021. The Texas Coast in particular doesn’t need another hit like that.
Chester Moore
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In the latest episode of Higher Calling Wildlife®, we embark on a life-changing journey into the heart of Yellowstone National Park inspired by a white buffalo.
Burned out and seeking renewal, I revisited the lessons of resilience and hope found in nature—lessons that bison, elk, and pronghorn embody so profoundly. Joined by kids from the Yellowstone area, we explored the Lamar Valley, photographed incredible wildlife, and shared stories of survival and recovery.
Watch our latest documentary “Finding Hope In Yellowstone” via the player below.
From witnessing bison during their mating season to spotting pronghorn and elusive grizzlies, the trip became a powerful reminder of nature’s ability to inspire, heal, and transform lives.
This episode highlights:
*The conservation success story of Yellowstone bison *The beauty of pronghorn, elk, and grizzly bears
*Mentorship through photography and wildlife conservation *A deeper connection with nature and God’s creation
*Through unforgettable wildlife encounters and the lens of young photographers, this adventure captures the power of hope and purpose in Yellowstone.
Join us as we celebrate the spirit of resilience—both in nature and in ourselves.
In 13 days the Higher Calling Wildlife® team is leaving Texas for the Great Smoky Mountains!
We will be doing a wildlife photography expedition for kids in our Wild Wishes® program. That program grants wildlife encounters for children with a critical illness, traumatic loss, abuse, neglect etc.
We met this awesome family on the North Carolina side of the Smoky last year during our gift-giving mission trip.
And we need your help.
We still haven’t raised all of the funds we need for the trip. Can you help with a tax-deductible donaton?
We’re $400 shy of our goal and for a small, but impactful ministry like ours, that’s a lot of money.
You will be helping us help special kids experience the love of Christ and get mentored in how to use wildlife photography to raise awareness of wildlife conservation.
We will be specfically working to get great shots of elk on the North Carolina side and bears, whitetail and turkeys in Tennessee. Photos will be published here and in our fifth annual Higher Calling Wildlife® magazine.
You should see the kids faces when their photo is in print!
“He makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to climb on mountain heights.”
Those words echoed through my head as I watched my daughter Faith take photos of a beautiful Rocky Mountain goat at 14,000 feet in Colorado.
We live at 14 feet elevation on the Texas Coast, so being 1,000 times higher is like stepping into another world, a place of stunning beauty and unlimited possibility.
Look up about 40 feet and there’s a mountain goat looking at Faith.
Sixteen years ago, we got word about an opportunity to adopt a little girl who at age two couldn’t walk or talk and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. I felt this was the child we had prayed for but I needed confirmation.
So, I did what all great spiritual people do (not)-I played Bible roulette.
I walked over to my Bible and picked it up.
“Lord, you know me. I am hard headed and sometimes cannot see things the way you want me to see them. I am on faith going to open up this Bible and believe the page I land on is the place that will give me confirmation this is our girl or is not. I do not need a cryptic answer but a direct one Lord.”
With some apprehension, I sort of flipped the Bible open and flung it down on my table.
At first I thought it landed on a blank page but I quickly realized it was on a page with only one verse and it was the very end of the book.
“Yahweh, the Lord, is my strength. He makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to climb mountain heights.”
I was stunned.
I read those words from Habakkuk 3:19 over and over as tears rolled down my face and I felt the presence of the Lord in an incredibly profound, powerful way. This was not some distant God who sat on a throne and handed out decrees and judgements but one who descended down to my home and gave me a powerful word and ultimate confirmation of what would be a destiny-changing event for our family and a special little girl.
Faith at six years old.
I knew she would walk. I knew she would talk. And I know God had special things to be done through her.
In a stunning way just two weeks after our adoption was completed, Dodie Osteen the Matriarch of Lakewood Church in Houston laid hands on Faith and declared she would walk in the name of Christ.
The next morning she stood up and walked.
And she moved like she had been mobile for months!
Over the years we have faced many challenges, especially emotional ones. There were times it looked like the full promise of “mountain heights” might not happen.
There were times I cried myself to sleep seeing the challenges she was going through at a young age.
There were times me and my wife Lisa were frustrated and exhausted but we had a promise and we stood on it.
We prayed that promise through and stood on God’s word that this precious child would climb on mountain heights physically, mentally and spiritually.
As she turned back to me on Mount Blue Sky I snapped back into the present and could see her beaming with pride.
“Dad, I got a really good picture. Look!”
This was in the cell phone photography category and thankfully this one mountain goat was in a perfect position, in good light and Faith has a great eye for composition and capturing little moments.
Faith’s winning photo. (Photo by Faith Moore)
“Look at this one. It looks like he’s talking to me.”
That photo was entered into a national fine arts competition for Assemblies of God churches around the nation. Both her cell and digital photo (of an elk) earned her an invite to national competition in Columbus, OH.
Faith with her “Award of Merit”.
In front of 15,000 people at Nationwide Arena, Faith learned that her mountain goat photo not only received a “superior” rating but earned her the top photo and the prestigious “Award of Merit”.
Out of a possible three judge rating of 120, she earned 119 points, which is super rare in these competitions.
Faith is not the most emotional young lady but she broke down and cried when she heard the announcement and received the support of her fellow Community Church (C-Student) youth group members. It was a huge moment for her and for our family.
A child that wasn’t supposed to walk or talk, was in front of thousands of people taking home a serious award for a photo she took at 14,000 feet in Colorado.
That certainly qualifies as “mountain heights” to the literal zenith of its meaning.
And it was an important moment for us as a family for another reason. She won for wildlife photography and as a family of dedicated wildlife conservationists, this was special.
If you believe God gives you a word-stand on it. Pray on it. Fast on it. Never give up.
This is especially true when it comes to promises for our children. Even children in the most loving, well-balanced homes face an onslaught of darkness in our culture.
We believe standing on God’s word and the promises purchased through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Faith Moore made me very proud with her awesome photo and winning at such a high level.
But more importantly, she’s made me proud because of who she is and doing her part to work hard and trust in God to overcome the obstacles she has faced.
We look forward to seeing what great things come through her in the future and remain in awe of what the Lord brought into our lives 16-years ago.
It wasn’t just a daughter but it was hope and a promise.
A beautiful promise.
Chester Moore (Better known these days as Faith’s Dad!)
As a child, the Great Smoky Mountains were more than just a distant dream—they were a living, breathing part of my world, thanks to my grandmother, Ruby Pickard.
She was the kind of woman whose heart was as big as the Smokies themselves. Ruby founded My Wish Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to granting wishes to terminally ill children. I’ll never forget the first time I accompanied her on one of these wish-granting adventures. It was a moment that planted deep seeds in my heart, sparking a lifelong passion to help children experience the wonders of the natural world.
Chester’s grandmother-the late Ruby Pickard.
Years later, that passion has grown into something beautiful through Higher Calling Wildlife®. In 2024, we’re launching the Great Smoky Mountains Expedition, a project that feels like the perfect way to honor my grandmother’s legacy. Our mission is to give children the chance to connect with nature in a profound way to help them heal from traumas.
We’ll be taking kids from our Wild Wishes® program to the Smokies, teaching them wildlife photography and mentoring them in wildlife conservation. We’re especially excited about working with a family of two children from Texas who have always dreamed of exploring the Smokies. Their enthusiasm and love for wildlife are contagious, and we can’t wait to see how this experience will shape their futures.
Last year me and my family visited the Smoky Mountains and gave wildlife gifs to the awesome families we met along the way.
In addition to these kids, we’ll be collaborating with local children, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for the environment. This isn’t just an expedition; it’s a chance to inspire the next generation of wildlife conservationists.
Chester gets a photo of a bull elk in the Elk Viewing Area in North Carolina’s side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
But to make this dream a reality, we need your help. We’re aiming to raise $5,000 to cover the costs of this expedition. Every donation, no matter the size, will bring us closer to our goal and help us break ground in this iconic area. Your contribution is tax-deductible and will directly impact the lives of these children.
If you feel called to support this cause, please consider making a donation here. Together, we can continue the legacy of my grandmother and make a difference in the lives of children who need it most.
As we planned our expedition to Yellowstone to gather content for future conservation media including a documentary with Aptitude Outdoors, bison were at the forefront.
Today I had the pleasure of spending time with Reagen, Isaiah, their mother, and their grandmother-a family we connected with through the National Bighorn Sheep Center.
We aimed to capture the majestic bison of the Lamar Valley, and our adventure began as we headed straight towards this wildlife haven.
The valley did not disappoint. Large herds of bison roamed freely, presenting numerous opportunities for photography. Reagen and Isaiah were thrilled, their excitement contagious as they snapped photos of the massive bulls and their territorial tussles.
The boys’ enthusiasm was a joy to witness, and it was heartening to see their curiosity about wildlife and conservation sparked through the lens of a camera.
The big bulls bellowed constantly in a very deep, guttural tone.
I said it sounded like Godzilla.
The boys agreed.
Photo by Reagen
The highlight of our day came when we encountered the “red dogs” – the baby bison that dotted the landscape. These young calves, with their reddish coats, provided some of the most endearing and memorable shots of the day. Reagen and Isaiah’s eyes lit up every time they spotted one.
Photo by Isaiah
Our adventure didn’t stop with the bison though.
Across the Lamar River, we spotted four grizzlies that we wish would have been closer for photography purposes. Later, wee spotted wolves and a solitary coyote with the help of some kind people with a huge spotting scope, further enriching our wildlife photography experience.
These awesome boys inspired me greatly. Spending time with them in Yellowstone was a truly incredible experience as I got to see nature through their eyes. And it looked awesome!
Throughout the day, I shared with Reagen and Isaiah how photography can raise awareness about conservation. I told them that their photos would be part of an in-depth feature on bison at Higher Calling Wildlife, aimed at inspiring others to appreciate and conserve these magnificent creatures. The boys were eager to learn, their polite and fun nature making the long day an absolute pleasure.
Our work with kids aims to show them that, despite life’s challenges, great things can happen.
As our day drew to a close, we encountered one last bison herd. Among them was a massive bull that Reagen photographed bellowing away as the mating season is kicking in. It was a fitting end to a day filled with wonder, laughter, and the promise of a brighter future, a fitting end to our “Hope Is Alive: Yellowstone 2024 Expedition”.
Recently, I had the incredible privilege of meeting a young girl named Vivian through the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois, WY. Our organization works with kids who might need a little extra encouragement in their lives, and Vivian was chosen to receive a special surprise during our visit to the center for some documentary work.
I have met a lot of kids, but none quite with the same zeal for wildlife, particularly wolves, as Vivian. Her enthusiasm and curiosity about these majestic creatures are truly inspiring.
I genuinely believe she will become a great conservationist one day, using her passion and intelligence to make significant contributions. Beyond all that, Vivian is simply a great person.
To celebrate her love for wolves, we gifted Vivian a collection of wolf books and memorabilia. Her eyes lit up with joy as she explored each item, her excitement palpable. One of the most touching moments was when I told her about a donation made in her honor to Painted Dog Conservation. Knowing that her love for wolves had a ripple effect, reaching wild dogs in Africa, made her beam with pride.
The past few weeks have been emotionally challenging for me, with the demanding nature of our work with kids weighing heavily. However, meeting Vivian was a breath of fresh air. Her sweetness and inspiring spirit gave me a much-needed boost, reminding me why we do what we do.
To top off the day, I presented Vivian with a long out-of-print Time Life Books Wild, Wild World of Animals “Big Cats” book. This book was a cherished part of my childhood, and I wrote a special note for Vivian inside, letting her know she is awesome and that great things can and will happen in her life.
Seeing Vivian’s joy and knowing we made a difference in her life was an unforgettable experience.
She reminded me of the importance of nurturing young passion and the incredible impact it can have on the world. Vivian’s love for wildlife and her kind heart have left an indelible mark on me and Higher Calling Wildlife.
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of having a young boy named Andy join us on a wildlife photography trip in Yellowstone National Park.
We were doing some filming and wildlife photography so we thought we should see if any local kids wanted to join in on the fun.
Andy, a bright 12-year-old from Dubois, WY, joined us through the National Bighorn Sheep Center. It was a day filled with excitement and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
We started early in the morning, the sun barely up, with our cameras ready. The crisp air was invigorating, especially for a Southeast Texan like me who was coming from a 100 degree swamp.
As we made our way through the park, a group of pronghorns appeared, their graceful forms moving elegantly across the landscape. Andy was thrilled, especially when a nice buck came close enough for him to get some great photos.
He told me his grandmother sometimes affectionately calls him “Andylope,” and he found it especially cool to see these animals up close.
Photo by Andy
Later, we spotted a big cow elk grazing in a small meadow. And nearby, a vibrant yellow-headed blackbird perched emerged, adding a splash of color to the scene. Andy’s eyes lit up with excitement as he got a perfect shot of the bird.
Photo by Andy
The highlight of our day was visiting the Lamar Valley, often called the “Serengeti of North America.” Here, we saw huge herds of bison roaming freely. Andy was in awe, and we spent a lot of time photographing these iconic animals. I shared with Andy the conservation history of the American bison, explaining how they were brought back from the brink of extinction.
Photo by Andy
Andy was a lot of fun to be around.
His sharp mind and fun, snarky sense of humor kept us all entertained. It was inspiring to see his enthusiasm and curiosity about the natural world. Our time together reminded me of the importance of connecting with the younger generation, of truly getting to know them and recognizing the unique perspectives they bring.
Andy is proof that kids have so much to offer to the world. His passion for wildlife and photography was clear, and I have no doubt he has a bright future ahead.
Spending time with Andy in the field reminded me why I love what I do and the joy that comes from sharing these experiences with others.
