Most people know Brinke Stevens as one of horror cinema’s most beloved scream queens.
For decades, she has appeared in films filled with monsters, suspense and the supernatural, becoming one of the genre’s most recognizable and respected personalities.
What many fans don’t know is that before Hollywood called, Stevens was studying marine biology.
That little-known part of her life makes her participation in the “Sharks Aren’t So Scary” campaign especially meaningful.
It also reminds us that our passions often have deeper roots than people realize.
More Than a Movie Monster
For me, this project was also an opportunity to reconnect with an old friend.
Brinke and I first worked together back in the mid-2000s when she appeared in a project connected to my band, Freak 13. We’ve stayed in touch a little over the years, and it was great reconnecting through this campaign.
When I asked if she would consider recording a public service announcement encouraging people to rethink sharks, she immediately understood what we were trying to accomplish.
Chester and Brinke together in San Antonio in the spring of 2026.
Knowing her background in marine biology, it wasn’t surprising.
Perceptions
One of the biggest challenges facing wildlife conservation today isn’t always habitat loss or pollution.
Sometimes it’s perception.
People often decide whether an animal deserves protection long before they ever learn anything about it.
Sharks may be the greatest example.
Movies have turned many species into symbols of fear, even though most sharks pose little threat to people and many are struggling to survive in a rapidly changing world.
Changing that perception begins with education.
When people discover that whale sharks filter plankton instead of hunting swimmers or that great whites are far less common than Hollywood suggests, fear begins to give way to curiosity.
That curiosity often becomes conservation.
A Different Kind of Scream
Brinke Stevens built a remarkable career entertaining audiences.
Today she’s helping encourage those same audiences to take another look at one of the ocean’s most misunderstood animals.
There’s something fitting about that.
Someone known for horror films is now helping remind people that the real world is often less frightening—and far more amazing—than fiction.
The Journey Continues
Throughout October, we’ll be sharing stories celebrating sharks and the important role they play in healthy oceans.
If you’d like to dive deeper into the science behind the “Sharks Aren’t So Scary” campaign, including Brinke Stevens’ public service announcement and additional educational features, visit the Gulf Great White Shark Society.
There you’ll find the research, history and conservation information that inspired this campaign.
Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms
I’ve bottle-fed mountain lion cubs, dived with sharks and photographed wild bighorn sheep in remote mountains. Covering wildlife for more than three decades has taken me to extraordinary places and introduced me to some of North America’s most fascinating animals.
Yet one of the most memorable wildlife experiences of my life came from a fish barely a foot long.
During a recent family trip to the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, I expected to enjoy the sharks, rays and other aquatic life. They were all impressive, but nothing prepared me for the Archerfish Habitat. It became the highlight of our visit and, surprisingly, one of the coolest captive wildlife experiences I’ve ever had.
That reaction surprised even me.
When I was a kid, I owned a set of Encyclopedia of the Animal World books that I treasured. I still have the complete collection today. One page fascinated me more than almost any other. It featured an illustration of an archerfish firing a jet of water at an insect perched above the surface. The idea seemed almost impossible. How could a fish accurately shoot water into the air, knock an insect from a branch and then race over to eat it?
I must have studied that page hundreds of times. Every time I flipped through those volumes, I’d stop at the archerfish illustration and imagine seeing one someday. Even after years spent photographing wildlife across North America, I had somehow never encountered a living archerfish. Seeing one in person at the aquarium felt like stepping back into childhood.
The demonstration showcased exactly what makes these fish legendary. A staff member held a target stick several feet above the water with small food items attached. Almost instantly, several archerfish positioned themselves beneath the target, carefully lining up their shots before firing narrow streams of water with startling force and precision. One by one, the food items fell into the water, where the successful marksman quickly claimed the reward.
The demonstration serves as enrichment for the fish while allowing visitors to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary hunting strategies in action. It also gives people an appreciation for a species that, despite its incredible abilities, remains largely unknown outside the aquarium world and among serious fish enthusiasts.
The aquarium employee could probably tell I was enjoying myself more than most adults. We started talking about wildlife, and then he smiled and handed me the target stick.
Suddenly, I wasn’t just watching the demonstration. I was part of it.
Holding the stick over the water, I watched the fish lock onto their targets before launching perfectly aimed streams that knocked the food loose almost every time. It was one of those rare moments that instantly transports you back to childhood, when simply seeing an animal do something extraordinary could make your entire day.
Ironically, despite all of the remarkable wildlife encounters I’ve experienced over the years, holding that target stick for a group of archerfish ranks near the top.
Part of what makes archerfish so fascinating is that they are unlike almost any other fish on Earth. Rather than inhabiting coral reefs or the open ocean, they live in mangrove forests, tidal estuaries, coastal lagoons and slow-moving rivers stretching from India and Sri Lanka across Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia to Papua New Guinea and northern Australia. Several species make up the genus Toxotes, with the banded archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix) and largescale archerfish (Toxotes chatareus) among the best known.
Their world is one where forests meet the water. Many inhabit brackish estuaries where freshwater rivers mingle with the sea, while others venture well upstream into freshwater habitats. Mangrove roots create a maze of shadows and branches where insects, spiders, small crustaceans and even tiny lizards become potential prey. Instead of competing with other fish beneath the surface, archerfish evolved one of the most specialized hunting techniques in the animal kingdom by focusing on prey above the water.
An archerfish forms its “shot” by pressing its tongue against a groove in the roof of its mouth, creating a narrow, high-pressure jet of water. Larger individuals can knock prey from several feet above the surface, and exceptional shots approaching 10 feet have been documented. The stream isn’t simply a splash. It becomes increasingly concentrated as it travels, delivering enough force to dislodge insects clinging to leaves and branches.
The feat is even more remarkable because the fish are firing through two different mediums. Since light bends as it passes from air into water, the insect isn’t actually where it appears to be. Archerfish instinctively compensate for that optical distortion, making tiny adjustments before pulling the trigger. Scientists have also found they improve with experience, with younger fish becoming noticeably more accurate as they mature.
The hunt doesn’t end with a successful shot. Archerfish immediately predict where the falling prey will land and begin swimming toward that point before it even strikes the water. In schools, competition is fierce, and the fish that fires the winning shot still has to outrun its companions to collect the meal. It’s an elegant combination of vision, physics, instinct and split-second timing that has fascinated biologists for decades.
Archer fish have the ability to be incredibly accurate with their “spitting”.
Watching that behavior unfold just a few feet away gave me an appreciation no photograph, encyclopedia illustration or television documentary ever could. It was one of those reminders that some of nature’s greatest marvels aren’t the biggest animals or the fiercest predators. Sometimes they’re species that most people have never even heard of.
Experiences like this also remind me why great aquariums matter. At their best, they do far more than display animals behind glass. They connect people with wildlife they may never have the opportunity to encounter in nature and inspire curiosity that can last a lifetime. Every child who watched those archerfish firing at the target was seeing something they will probably never forget. Maybe one of them will grow up to become a fisheries biologist, conservationist or wildlife journalist because a remarkable little fish sparked a lifelong fascination.
I know exactly how that happens because it happened to me.
As we walked away from the exhibit, my camera full of photographs and my mind full of memories, I realized wildlife experiences aren’t always defined by the size of the animal or the remoteness of the destination. Sometimes they are measured by how completely they reconnect us with the wonder we felt as children.
For me, that wonder came full circle in St. Louis. After all these years, I finally met the fish that had fascinated me since childhood. Better yet, I got to hold the target while it demonstrated one of the most remarkable hunting techniques in the natural world.
The author is all smiles after feeding the archer fish.
If you ever find yourself in St. Louis, don’t rush past the Archerfish Habitat. Slow down, watch carefully and, if you’re lucky, you might even get the chance to hold the target yourself. It may just awaken the same sense of wonder it did for me.
To learn more about the aquarium or plan a visit, go to St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. It is well worth the trip—not only for the archerfish, but for the chance to reconnect with the curiosity that first made many of us fall in love with wildlife.
In early August, we’ll be traveling to Tennessee for a special outreach focused on encouraging children through wildlife, conservation, and inspiration.
As part of this mission, we’ll be giving gift bags to kids in rural communities—simple gifts that can inspire a lifelong love of God’s creation while reminding them that they are seen, valued, and loved.
The first time we gave gifts in the Smoky Mountains was on the North Carolina side and we met this awesome family and gave them cool gift packages while viewing elk.
We’re asking for your help. And we need it because funds are pretty low and we really feel led to put this project together. You have been generous in the past and I believe we can get these items ordered through our readers and by extension you will be blessing these kids and aiming them toward a love of wildlife.
Screenshot
We’ve created an Amazon Wish List filled with affordable items that will go directly into these gift bags. The list includes Tennessee wildlife field guides, plush black bears, wildlife-themed bracelets, educational items, and other small gifts designed to encourage young nature lovers.
These may seem like small things, but we’ve learned over the years that a field guide can ignite a passion for wildlife, a stuffed animal can bring comfort to a child facing challenges, and a simple gift can open the door to conversations that have a lasting impact.
If you’d like to be part of this mission, simply choose one or more items from our Amazon Wish List. They’ll be shipped directly to us so we can prepare the gift bags before we head to Tennessee.
Every purchase, no matter how small, helps us bless another child.
Thank you for partnering with us through Higher Calling Wildlife as we share hope, encourage a love for God’s creation, and invest in the next generation of wildlife conservationists.
We can’t wait to share stories and photos from this Tennessee mission when we return!
Chester Moore
Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms
The gobbler stepped into a small opening just after sunrise.
For a few moments he stood there in the soft morning light, bronze feathers glowing as he moved through the grass. It was a scene repeated thousands of times across America every spring, so common that most people never stop to think about it.
A century ago, seeing a wild turkey in many parts of the United States would have been almost impossible.
A Rio Grande gobbler the author photographed in Kerr County, TX.
The same could be said for elk in numerous Western states. White-tailed deer across much of the country. Wood ducks in many wetlands. Bighorn sheep in numerous mountain ranges. Even iconic species such as the American bison stood on the edge of extinction.
Yet today, Americans routinely encounter wildlife in numbers that would have seemed unimaginable to many conservationists a hundred years ago.
An early Higher Calling Wildlife® expedition involved two of our kids releasing Eastern wild turkeys with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and National Wild Turkey Federation.
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, there will be plenty of discussion about military victories, political achievements, economic growth, and technological innovation. All of those deserve recognition.
But there is another uniquely American success story that belongs in that conversation.
The recovery of wildlife.
I have spent much of my life pursuing wildlife stories across North America. I’ve photographed bighorn sheep in the Rockies, alligators in Southern swamps, great white sharks off both the Pacific Coast and Cape Cod, and countless species in between. One thing has become clear through those experiences.
Groups like the Wild Sheep Foundation have been instrumental in the recovery of bighorn sheep. The author photographed this big ram near Estes Park, CO.
America is still a nation rich in wildlife.
That may seem like an obvious statement, but it is actually a remarkable achievement.
At the dawn of the twentieth century, the future looked very different.
Market hunting had devastated many species. Habitat loss was accelerating. Conservation laws were limited or nonexistent in many places. Wildlife was often viewed as an unlimited resource, and the consequences were becoming painfully clear.
American bison had been reduced from tens of millions to only a few hundred animals. Wild turkey populations had collapsed. White-tailed deer had disappeared from large portions of their historic range. Waterfowl populations were under severe pressure. Numerous fish species faced declining numbers.
Photo by Chester Moore
Many people believed America’s wildlife abundance was disappearing forever. Instead, something remarkable happened.
Americans decided to do something about it.
One of the most important figures in that movement was Theodore Roosevelt. Long before conservation became a mainstream topic, Roosevelt understood that wildlife required active stewardship. An avid hunter, naturalist, and outdoorsman, he recognized that healthy wildlife populations and healthy habitats were inseparable.
Roosevelt was joined by visionaries such as George Bird Grinnell, Gifford Pinchot, Aldo Leopold, and countless state wildlife professionals whose work helped establish modern conservation principles. Together they promoted a revolutionary idea: wildlife belongs to everyone and should be managed for future generations.
That philosophy eventually evolved into what became known as the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.
The model is uniquely American in many ways. Wildlife is held in trust for the public. Science guides management decisions. Conservation funding is tied directly to those who use and enjoy natural resources. Citizens play an active role in conservation rather than simply observing it from the sidelines. I learned about this as a teenager through my interest not only in wildlife but because of being a hunter and angler.
Happy 4th of July from Chester and Faith Moore.
You see hunters and anglers became central to that effort.
Through license purchases, excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, fishing tackle, and boating equipment, generations of sportsmen and women have contributed billions of dollars toward wildlife management, fisheries conservation, habitat restoration, research, public access, and conservation education.
That contribution cannot be overstated.
But the story is bigger than hunters and anglers alone.
Wildlife biologists dedicated careers to restoring species. Landowners improved habitat. Conservation organizations protected critical landscapes. Volunteers planted trees, restored wetlands, removed invasive species, and supported countless projects. National parks, wildlife refuges, state parks, and public lands became anchors of conservation across the country.
Groups like the Coastal Conservation Association helped restored the redfish after the ravages of commercial harvest.
In many ways, America’s conservation success became a team effort involving millions of people from different backgrounds united by a belief that wildlife mattered.
The results speak for themselves.
White-tailed deer rebounded from historic lows to become one of North America’s most abundant large mammals. Wild turkeys returned to landscapes where they had been absent for generations. Elk populations expanded. Pronghorns recovered. Wood ducks became one of conservation’s greatest comeback stories.
Bighorn sheep, a species especially close to my heart, were restored to mountain ranges where they had disappeared. While challenges remain, there are countless places today where people can see wild sheep because conservationists refused to accept their loss as inevitable.
The same story can be told in America’s waters.
Anglers helped support conservation efforts that benefited striped bass, trout, red drum, largemouth bass, and countless other species. Habitat restoration projects improved rivers, lakes, marshes, and coastal ecosystems. Better science and management helped sustain fisheries that continue to provide recreation and economic benefits for millions of Americans.
And perhaps most importantly, these efforts benefited far more than game species.
When wetlands are restored for waterfowl, countless other birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals benefit. When habitat is protected for deer, elk, or bighorn sheep, entire ecosystems often improve. Conservation rarely helps only one species.
It strengthens the broader landscape.
What makes this story especially meaningful is that it reflects some of America’s best qualities.
Freedom.
Responsibility.
Volunteerism.
Innovation.
Stewardship.
Rather than separating people from wildlife, the American conservation model encourages participation. Citizens are not simply observers. They become stakeholders. They invest in wildlife through their time, money, expertise, and advocacy.
That approach is not perfect. Challenges remain. Habitat fragmentation, invasive species, development pressures, and emerging environmental concerns require ongoing attention.
Conservation is never finished.
But when viewed honestly, America’s record is extraordinary.
Few nations can point to wildlife recoveries on this scale while maintaining broad public access, private property rights, robust outdoor traditions, and strong citizen involvement. The abundance of wildlife many Americans enjoy today did not happen by accident.
It happened because generations of people cared enough to act.
The next time you hear a turkey gobble at dawn, watch a herd of elk move across a mountain meadow, see a redfish tailing in a coastal marsh, spot a bighorn sheep on a rocky slope, or simply notice a white-tailed deer stepping from the woods, remember that those moments represent something larger than a wildlife sighting.
They are evidence of one of the greatest conservation success stories in world history.
As America celebrates 250 years of independence, we should recognize that some of our most important achievements are not found in monuments, battlefields, or government buildings.
They are found in healthy rivers, thriving forests, productive wetlands, open prairies, and wild places where wildlife still flourishes.
The American conservation story is ultimately about more than animals.
It is about a nation that chose stewardship over surrender, responsibility over indifference, and hope over decline.
And that may be one of the most American stories of all.
Hammer: Joe Betar Brings Real-World Experience to a High-Stakes Thriller
I recently had the opportunity to interview Joe Betar about his debut thriller, Hammer. While the novel delivers plenty of action and suspense, what interested me most was how much of the story is rooted in real-world experience.
Betar said he has always been drawn to thrillers because of “the intensity and the emotional stakes.” His goal wasn’t simply to write another action novel, but “something that’s fast-paced, character-driven, cinematic, but still grounded in realism.”
The story follows Jack “Hammer” Garrett, a former MMA champion who leaves the fighting world behind, hoping to settle into a quieter life in the Texas Hill Country focused on family, hunting and shooting. Of course, life has other plans.
“This book is really not only about action and adventure,” Betar said. “It’s also about the family aspect and the emotional aspect of it.”
One of the themes we discussed was what separates Hammer from many modern revenge thrillers.
“It’s not just about payback,” Betar said. “It’s about more than settling the score. It’s really about how Jack protects his family and protects his way of life.”
He added that the novel explores themes of “family… loyalty, justice, redemption, and identity,” while the main character struggles with whether violence is something he can truly leave behind or whether it will always remain part of his life.
Another aspect I appreciated was Betar’s commitment to authenticity. His background includes conservation work, anti-poaching efforts, nursing, martial arts training and years around firearms and tactical disciplines. Rather than relying solely on imagination, he blended those experiences into the story.
“I tried to take everything from my medical background and my conservation background and incorporate pieces of those into the challenges Jack faces,” Betar said. “Traveling to different parts of the world… understanding the geopolitical differences” all became part of the novel.
Accuracy also mattered.
“I reached out to experts in the field,” Betar said, explaining that he wanted tactical professionals to recognize that he had “taken care in being precise and exact.” He also relied on experienced beta readers to challenge scenes involving firearms, tactics and other technical aspects before the novel was published.
For readers who enjoy suspense grounded in believable characters, authentic outdoor settings and real-world experience, Hammer offers something different than the typical action thriller.
There are some places that simply feel like home the moment you arrive. For me, Dubois, WY is one of those places.
For the past three years, Higher Calling Wildlife® has had the privilege of partnering with Camp Bighorn which is ran by the National Bighorn Sheep Center. That partnership involves me spending time with young people who are eager to learn about wildlife conservation with a special emphasis on using photograph and video to raise awareness.
It is such an honor to get to take part in this and I’m inspired to return every year.
Each trip back reminds me why this community has become such a special part of our work. The scenery is spectacular, the people are welcoming, and there is a genuine passion here for conserving one of North America’s greatest mountain icons.
The North American four near the entrance look amazing!
Before teaching this year’s group of 27 campers a session on using photograph for conservation, I spent some time exploring the National Bighorn Sheep Center, and I quickly realized there is a lot that’s new.
I had the opportunity to visit with Executive Director Anna Miller, who showed me many of the improvements that have transformed the visitor experience.
Updated lighting brings the exhibits to life, while new interpretive placards make it easier than ever to understand the incredible story of wild sheep and the challenges they face. Throughout the Center, interactive displays invite visitors to sharpen their wildlife identification skills, compare horns and skulls, and gain a deeper appreciation for the remarkable wildlife of the Rocky Mountains.
One of the things I appreciated most is that the exhibits don’t avoid the difficult realities of conservation. Visitors learn about diseases that continue to threaten wild sheep populations, predator-prey relationships, habitat issues, and the challenges that can arise when domestic sheep and goats come into contact with wild sheep.
Those aren’t always easy conversations, but they’re important ones. Conservation isn’t just about admiring wildlife. It’s about understanding what it takes to keep these animals thriving for generations to come.
This display does an incredible job of showing the great challenges bighorn sheep face.
The Center has also expanded its interpretation of the historical and cultural importance of bighorn sheep. Updated exhibits explore the connection between
Native peoples and these magnificent animals, reminding visitors that bighorn sheep have held a place of significance for countless generations. It’s an important reminder that wildlife conservation is also about preserving a living heritage.
I’ve visited wildlife museums, nature centers, and interpretive facilities across North America, and what stands out about the National Bighorn Sheep Center is that it doesn’t simply present information. It invites people to engage with it. Whether you’re identifying wildlife, learning about habitat, or discovering the challenges facing wild sheep today, every exhibit encourages curiosity and inspires visitors to look at conservation through a deeper lens.
A white bighorn ram and a ram with very unusual horns are now highlighted in a big way.
That made it the perfect place to spend a little time before Camp Bighorn.
In just a short time, I’d be joining 27 young campers for a week centered on wildlife, conservation, and the outdoors. Seeing the exhibits beforehand reinforced something I’ve believed for years: when you help someone understand wildlife, you dramatically increase the chances they’ll care enough to protect it.
That’s exactly why opportunities like Camp Bighorn matter. Young people who spend time learning about wildlife today become the hunters, wildlife biologists, researchers, land managers, photographers, and conservation advocates of tomorrow. We’re honored to play a small part in that effort alongside the dedicated people who make it happen year after year.
Native traditions involving bighorn sheep give the facility a unique historical flare.
The National Bighorn Sheep Center is much more than a museum. It’s a place where people of every age can discover the remarkable story of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, learn about the challenges they face, and leave with a greater appreciation for the wild landscapes they call home.
As I left the Center to meet this year’s campers, I couldn’t think of a better way to begin the week. Conservation starts with knowledge, grows through experience, and flourishes when people are inspired to care.
The National Bighorn Sheep Center is helping make that happen every single day.
Today, I’ll be heading west once again for a Higher Calling Wildlife® outreach expedition in Colorado and Wyoming, and I couldn’t be more excited.
For many people, a trip to the Rockies is about incredible scenery, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventure. For me, it’s about those things, but it’s also about something deeper. Every trip is an opportunity to connect people—especially young people—with wildlife, conservation, and hope.
Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be spending time in and around Estes Park, Colorado Springs, Denver, and other areas of Colorado. We’ll be photographing wildlife, exploring some amazing landscapes, and working on several outreach projects designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists, wildlife photographers, and outdoor communicators.
One of the things I’m most excited about is helping young people learn about photojournalism and wildlife storytelling. Wildlife photography is much more than taking pictures. It’s about telling stories that connect people with nature. A powerful image can inspire someone to care about conservation, appreciate wildlife, or even change the direction of their life.
I’ve seen that happen firsthand.
The National Bighorn Sheep Center recently re-published the award-winning article in their magazine.
One of the reasons mountain goats have become such a special focus for our family and for Higher Calling Wildlife goes back to an experience we had several years ago atop Mount Blue Sky.
At the time, I was scouting locations for a wildlife outing we were planning for young people. My daughter Faith, who was 16 years old then, was with me as we explored the mountain and looked for opportunities to photograph wildlife.
During that scouting trip, she photographed a mountain goat.
Neither of us knew it at the time, but that image would go on to win a major national photography award.
For me, the story was about far more than a photograph. Years earlier, when Lea and I made the decision to adopt Faith, I felt the Lord put something on my heart regarding her future and how wildlife and the outdoors would become part of her story. Watching her grow as a wildlife photographer and seeing that image receive national recognition felt like the fulfillment of something God had spoken long before.
I eventually wrote about that experience here on Higher Calling Wildlife. Earlier this year, that article received First Place in Faith-Based Inspirational Writing at the 2026 Press Club of Southeast Texas Excellence in Media Awards.
That mountain goat encounter became one of those defining moments that reminded me why we do what we do. It also helped spark an even deeper appreciation for mountain goats and the high-country environments they call home. Ever since then, they’ve been among the wildlife species we most enjoy photographing, studying, and sharing with others.
Experiences like that are why these expeditions matter.
I’ve seen kids gain confidence through photography. I’ve seen young people discover a passion for conservation. I’ve watched children who were struggling find peace and purpose through experiences in the outdoors. Sometimes all it takes is a single encounter with wildlife or one meaningful moment in nature.
Those moments are why Higher Calling Wildlife exists.
This trip will include opportunities to document some of the incredible wildlife that makes the Rocky Mountains such a special place. Whether it’s elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, birds of prey, mule deer, or some unexpected species we encounter along the way, we’ll be sharing photos and stories throughout the journey.
We’ll also be working on projects designed to help young people understand how photography and journalism can be used as tools for conservation. Too often, young people are told to consume content. We want to teach them how to create it—to tell stories that matter and use their talents to make a positive impact.
Another major highlight of the trip will take place in Dubois, Wyoming, where we’ll be partnering with the National Bighorn Sheep Center to teach a day of Big Camp Bighorn. Helping young people learn about wild sheep conservation and the incredible animals that inhabit some of North America’s most rugged landscapes is something I care deeply about, and I’m honored to be part of that effort.
Wild sheep have played a significant role in my conservation work over the years, and every opportunity to introduce young people to their story is a blessing.
As always, this expedition is about more than wildlife.
It’s about relationships.
It’s about mentorship.
It’s about conservation.
And ultimately, it’s about helping people see the wonder of creation and recognize that their lives have value, purpose, and meaning.
None of this would be possible without the support of people who believe in the mission of Higher Calling Wildlife. Through your prayers, encouragement, and financial support, we’re able to continue reaching young people through wildlife conservation, photography, outdoor education, and storytelling.
If you’d like to help support future expeditions and outreach efforts, we would greatly appreciate it. Every contribution helps us create opportunities for young people to experience wildlife, learn about conservation, develop creative skills, and discover hope through the outdoors.
Most of all, I would appreciate your prayers as we travel and carry out this work. I’m looking forward to sharing photographs, wildlife encounters, stories, and lessons learned from the mountains in the days ahead.
Stay tuned.
The Rockies are calling once again, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store.
Chester Moore
Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms
BEAUMONT, Texas — Wildlife journalist, conservationist, and Higher Calling Wildlife® founder Chester Moore earned eight First-Place awards and multiple additional honors at the 35th Annual Press Club of Southeast Texas Excellence in Media Awards, with recognition spanning faith-based writing, conservation storytelling, documentary filmmaking, podcasting, public service broadcasting, and digital media.
The awards were presented by the Press Club of Southeast Texas and featured competition from mainstream television, radio, print, and digital media organizations throughout the region.
Chester and his wife Lisa at the 2026 Press Club awards.
Among Moore’s First-Place honors was the Faith-Based/Inspirational category for The Girl, the Mountain Goat, and the Promise, an article published on the Higher Calling Wildlife blog. The story chronicled his daughter Lyla’s mountain goat hunt and the faith journey, challenges, and lessons that surrounded the experience.
“That story was especially meaningful because it wasn’t simply about wildlife or the outdoors,” Moore said. “It was about faith, perseverance, family, and keeping a promise. To see it recognized is truly humbling.”
Higher Calling Wildlife also earned Second Place for Best Blog. While it marked the first time in five years that Higher Calling Wildlife did not capture First Place in the category, the outcome reflected the continued growth of Moore’s broader media platforms.
He won best special publication for his work as chief writer for the Wild Sheep Foundation’s Conservation Impact document.
Dark Outdoors earned First Place for Best Blog, while the Gulf Great White Shark Society blog earned Third Place, giving Moore’s publications a sweep of the category with First-, Second-, and Third-Place honors.
Dark Outdoors also received First Place for Podcast Excellence, recognizing its unique blend of wildlife, conservation, history, mystery, and outdoor storytelling.
Additional First-Place honors recognized Moore’s work with the Gulf Great White Shark Society, including Best Documentary for Gulf Great White Sharks: Return of an Icon, Best Press Release for the documentary’s premiere event at the Museum of the Gulf Coast, and a Public Service Announcement broadcast on iHeartRadio NewsTalk 560 KLVI that raised awareness about great white sharks in Gulf waters.
Moore served as writer, producer, and narrator of Gulf Great White Sharks: Return of an Icon, while Paul Fuzinski partnered on the project as videographer and editor. The documentary previously earned Best Outdoors Video honors from the Texas Outdoor Writers Association.
“These awards are particularly meaningful because they come from a competition filled with talented, hardworking journalists who care deeply about serving their audiences and communities,” Moore said. “It is an honor to be recognized alongside such a prestigious field of professionals.
“What encourages me most is seeing faith, conservation, wildlife, and outdoor storytelling resonate with broader audiences. Whether it’s a story about great white sharks, a personal journey of faith, conservation issues, or the mysteries of the outdoors, people still connect with stories that inform, inspire, and make them think.”
Through Higher Calling Wildlife, Dark Outdoors, and the Gulf Great White Shark Society, Moore continues to produce award-winning content focused on wildlife conservation, outdoor adventure, faith, education, and public outreach.
The recognition reflects a long-standing commitment to telling stories that connect people with the natural world while encouraging stewardship, appreciation, and wonder.
About Higher Calling Wildlife
Founded by Chester Moore, Higher Calling Wildlife is a media platform dedicated to wildlife conservation, outdoor adventure, faith-based inspiration, and storytelling that connects people to the natural world. Through articles, podcasts, documentaries, radio features, public outreach, and conservation initiatives, Higher Calling Wildlife seeks to educate, inspire, and encourage stewardship of wildlife and wild places.
Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms
A viral social media graphic claiming a 12-foot alligator garfish made an epic journey up the Trinity River is spreading rapidly online,
To verify the claims, I contacted Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) media branch directly.
According to TPWD media representative Kirk McDonnell, the department’s media office consulted with Inland Fisheries staff regarding the image and the claims attached to it.
My first question addressed the whether TPWD has satellite-tagged alligator garfish.
The post uses the word “pinged,” a term commonly associated with satellite-tracked marine animals.
In wildlife telemetry, a “ping” typically refers to a location signal transmitted from a satellite tag — particularly SPOT (Smart Position or Temperature Transmitting) tags that became widely known through shark tracking studies conducted by organizations such as OCEARCH, Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, and the Harte Institute’s Fin Finder program.
“No, the Department does not have any alligator gar satellite-tagged. There have been some acoustic tag studies throughout the last ~15 years, but never any satellite tags.”
They also addressed the specific size and movement claims made in the viral image itself.
“The world record Alligator Gar is over three-and-a-half feet shorter than the purported length of this fish and unless it is riding in the back of a truck, movement like that would be impossible. Essentially the fish would have to travel well over hundreds if not thousands of miles of river and navigate through a number of impassable dams.”
In other words, the story circulating online is not biologically realistic.
Over at GulfGreatWhites.com, I’ve had to debunk similar viral wildlife misinformation involving great white sharks. Several highly inaccurate shark movement graphics and tracking claims have circulated online over the last month and they spread rapidly.
This latest alligator gar graphic appears to follow that same pattern — a sensational wildlife claim shared widely online without legitimate sourcing, scientific documentation, or confirmation from the agencies supposedly involved.
Chester Moore
Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms
Higher Calling Wildlife® is back with a brand new episode featuring Dana Dykema of the Ignite podcast from the Women Hunt program of the Wild Sheep Foundation.
In this conversation, Dana talks about the growth of Ignite and how the podcast is helping communicate messages of conservation and hunter advocacy.
The episode dives into modern wildlife management and how regulated hunting helps support healthy wildlife populations and habitat conservation.
We also talk about mentorship, education, and why it is important to create opportunities for new hunters and outdoors enthusiasts to learn about conservation and hunting traditions.
As Higher Calling Wildlife returns, this episode is a great reminder that conservation is about much more than wildlife alone. It is about protecting habitat, preserving outdoor traditions, and making sure future generations have the chance to experience healthy wildlife populations and wild places.
We salute the Women Hunt program and the leadership of Chair Renee Thornton for all of their work in creating new stewards of these resources.
If you care about conservation, hunting, or the future of wildlife management, this is an episode you will not want to miss.
It was a strong year across the board for Chester Moore, who picked up five honors at the Texas Outdoor Writers Association Excellence in Craft Awards in Rockport, TX May 2.
A big part of that recognition came through work published here at Higher Calling Wildlife on highercalling.net. The site has built a consistent track record, having also been named the top blog by the Press Club of Southeast Texas for four consecutive years.
At TOWA, Moore earned a first-place finish in the Outdoor Humor category for Encountering the Devil’s Boar, a story that takes a different angle on a memorable wildlife encounter. Another Higher Calling Wildlife piece, focused on the challenges facing Key deer and the ongoing screwworm issue, placed second in the Best Outdoors Blog category.
His work in other areas was recognized as well.
He took first place honors for his work in the Conservation Impact publication for the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) as well as placing for his Dire Wolves & Designer Sheep article for WSF.
The Dark Outdoors podcast was named Best Outdoors Podcast for the second year in a row. The show looks at the darker side of the outdoors—true crime, animal attacks, and unsolved mysteries that happen in remote places—and continues to grow its audience.
There are plans to expand Dark Outdoorsin 2026, with more episodes than in the past, along with new programs and continued development of the blog at DarkOutdoors.com.
On the conservation side, the Gulf Great White Shark Society also received recognition. GulfGreatWhites.com was named Best Website for the second year in a row, and the documentary Gulf Great Whtie Sharks: Return of an Icontook first place in the video category.
Moore wrote, produced, and narrated the film, working with Paul Fuzinski, who handled videography and editing.
Reflecting on the awards, Moore said:
“I am extremely grateful and humbled to be honored by TOWA, such a great organization, and to have the opportunity to compete with such great outdoor media people. This inspires me to work even harder. This year was very special winning for something I care so much about, which is work on great white sharks.”
Taken together, the awards reflect a mix of writing, podcasting, and conservation work, with continued growth expected across all platforms moving forward
Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms
