“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.
The trip is fully-funded (travel, lodging for families etc, permits, etc.) but we would love for some of you to bless kids out there through our gift giving.
We are going to be working with families of children facing special challenges such as critical illness, parental/sibling loss and other issues. We are asking for your help to buy plush bison, a Yellowstone wildlife field guide and a bear necklace.
We will also be giving wildlife conservation gift packages to kids with their families we meet while in Wyoming and Montana.
It’s a great way for you to join us in reaching out to kids and letting them know they are loved and that they can become a voice for wildlife conservation.
We will put the same materials in these bags but the plush, wildlife field guide and necklace will be specific to Yellowstonte.
Besides the gifts on the Amazon list we put in educational material from our friends at The Wild Sheep Foundation, our decals and a special card with a QR code that goes to a video explaining how to get involved with conservation.
If you order gifts from this list, they will be shipped directly to us.
During the winter, my favorite after school hobby in seventh grade was to go rabbit hunting on the railroad tracks behind our house.
Despite being surrounded by woods and rice fields, we were in the city limits so I had to carry a pellet gun for legal purposes.
It was a .20 caliber Sheridan which was as powerful as a .22 at short distances so it made a perfect rabbit gun in an environment where stealth was the key.
I was taught we only killed what we would eat and our family loved eat fresh rabbit. (It’s good folks!)
I had plans to cross through this particular field and look for rabbits along the edge of the trees but then I heard something.
Photo by Kamille Wood
There was no wind, so anything that moved made sounds in the dry leaves and dying grass and I thought I heard faint footsteps in the brush. I took a position beside a tallow tree, raised my gun and clicked off the safety.
My heart pounded as a large cougar walked slowly out of the brush and into the field. It had a medium-brown coat, a long tail as big around as my fist and a muscular, chiseled frame.
I was fascinated than scared as the cat turned around and looked me directly in the eye. It was a look of complete confidence almost as if it was saying that I was going to need something bigger than this Sheridan pellet gun to do it in.
The author got to go with Texas Parks & Wildlife to put radio collars on baby cougars in South Texas when he was in college.
The cat then turned and slowly made its way over a levee.
Once I knew it was gone I ran. Running from predators is never a good idea because it excites them so I waited until it was out of my line of vision and took off.
I flung our door open and shouted, “Cougar!”
Mom and Dad believed me right away because I was already an expert at wildlife identification but they suggested I call our neighbors down the road who had a cougar named “Sandy” for a pet. This cat was bigger than “Sandy” but I called anyway.
“Hey Cher, did Sandy get loose?”
“Hold on Chester, let me check.”
“Nope, she’s on the runner in the back yard. Why?”
“I just saw a cougar back on the railroad tracks. It was bigger than Sandy but I wanted to check anyway.”
“Oh that must be the male. She went into heat last month and a male was calling out to her at night from back there.”
Amazing!
Some “experts” will tell you there are no cougars in East Texas, but there certainly was one standing in front of me when I was in seventh grade.
My encounter cemented a love for cougars and for the proper management of their species in the ecosystem.
If you have had an exciting cougar sighting in Texas or have a photo or video of a cougar from anywhere email to chester@chestermoore.com. We want to share them in a future feature on this extremely popular topic.
Moose are some of the most incredible animals in North America.
These massive creatures face numerous challenges, and it’s crucial to raise awareness about what’s going on with them.
While not anywhere near endangered or threatened there are issues that need a deeper examination.
Moose are primarily found in the northern parts of the United States, and Canada thriving in cold climates and forested areas. Warming temperatures, particularly in parts of their range, have disrupted their natural habitats.
Declining water sources in some areas are causing moose problems. (Photo by Caden)
This has manifested in an explosion of tick infestations. Warmer winters mean more ticks survive, leading to higher infestations. These parasites can weaken moose, making them more susceptible to diseases and reducing their chances of survival, especially in calves. One moose was verified to have more than 100,000 ticks on it.
Habitat loss is another pressing concern. As urban areas expand and forests are cleared for development, moose lose their natural habitats. This not only forces them into closer contact with humans, leading to more moose-human conflicts but also increases the likelihood of encounters with dogs, which can be dangerous for both the animals and humans involved.
Mule deer like moose which share much of the same habitat in Colorado have been impacted by increasing wolves and bears in certain areas. (Photo by Bellamy)
In regions like Yellowstone, the reintroduction of wolves has had a negative impact on moose numbers. While wolves play a role in ecosystems, their predation pressure on moose has contributed to declining populations in some areas.
In 2024, my wife, Lisa and I will lead an expedition in Colorado to give kids the opportunity to photograph wildlife and we had a great opportunity to photograph a bull moose.
Higher Calling Wildlife® aims to teach kids how to use photography as a tool for wildlife conservation, fostering a deeper connection with nature and raising awareness of conservation issues.
(Photo by Bode)
This expedition is also the launch of Lisa’s “Moose Mission” project. Inspired by a 2019 encounter with a moose in Colorado, Lisa developed a profound respect for the species and felt compelled to help them.
“That encounter made me realize just how majestic and vulnerable these animals are. I knew I had to find a way to contribute to their conservation.”
Through the Moose Mission, we hope to shed light on the various challenges moose face and encourage more people to get involved in conservation efforts. By educating the next generation about the importance of preserving wildlife, we can inspire them to take action and make a difference.
We enjoyed our time in the Colorado wild with a wonderful family who took to wildlife photography and we could tell had a deep appreciation for wildlife.
Their photographic efforts shown here are helping people learn more about moose conservation. We can’t thank them enough.
(Photo by Asher)
And thank you for joining us in this mission. Stay tuned for updates from the field and stories from the young photographers who are making a difference. Together, we can make a significant impact on wildlife conservation.
Mule deer, iconic residents of the Western United States, Northern Mexico and Southern Canada, face an increasingly challenging landscape as human activities and natural factors threaten their populations.
One significant issue impacting mule deer is the fragmentation and loss of their traditional migration corridors.
Photo by Bexley Schumaker
These corridors are vital for their seasonal movements between summer and winter habitats, allowing them to find suitable forage and avoid harsh weather conditions.
However, as human development expands, these corridors are often disrupted or completely cut off, forcing deer into less favorable habitats or preventing them from accessing critical resources.
Efforts to mitigate this threat include the establishment of wildlife crossings. These structures, such as overpasses and underpasses, allow these deer and other wildlife to safely traverse roads and highways, reducing the risk of collisions with vehicles and reconnecting fragmented habitats.
Wildlife crossings have proven effective in various regions, helping to restore natural movement patterns and reduce stress on mule deer populations.
Photo by Ronan Schumaker
Another emerging threat to mule deer comes from increasing predator populations, particularly wolves, whose reintroduction in some areas has led to predation pressures on deer populations.
Photo by Chester Moore
Additionally, mule deer face competition for resources from elk and whitetail deer, further impacting their access to food and habitat.
Photo by Gannon Schumaker
Despite these challenges, mule deer populations across their range are generally stable, but proactive conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring their long-term survival.
Hunter-conservationist groups like The Mule Deer Foundation have done much to advocate for habitat restoration and wildlife crossings.
Higher Calling Wildlife® recently collaborated with children from Colorado, engaging them in photographing mule deer to raise awareness to the importance of conservation and the challenges these animals face.
I was honored to work with the children from Colorado to capture stunning photographs of mule deer. The photos you see here were taken by the four awesome kids from the Schumaker family and highlight the beauty of these animals.
Photo by Declan Schumaker
By addressing threats such as habitat fragmentation, predation, and competition from other species, and by promoting initiatives like wildlife crossings we can ensure that mule deer continue to thrive across their expansive range.
Through education, advocacy, and collaborative efforts, we can conserve their natural heritage for generations to come.
It was a true honor and privilege to work with kids who have a heart for wildlife and wild places.
