Chester Moore, a renowned wildlife journalist and conservationist, has announced the launch of a new blog and website dedicated to great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.
The blog, titled “Gulf Great White Sharks,” aims to provide a comprehensive platform for the latest news, reports, and research on great white sharks in the Gulf region.
For over a decade, Chester Moore has been investigating and publishing articles and podcasts on great white sharks in the Gulf. Inspired by the groundbreaking work of organizations like the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) and Ocearch, Moore decided to create the blog after witnessing the movements of a particular great white shark named “LeeBeth”.
Moore remarked, “LeeBeth’s movements, as tracked by the AWSC tag put on her by Capt. Chip Michalove in South Carolina, fascinated me. Seeing her presence near South Padre Island and then a few days later near Sabine Pass on the Texas-Louisiana border was truly remarkable. It highlighted the importance of understanding and conserving great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.”
Moore said the Sabine appearance in particular was interesting.
“A report from a very knowledgeable guide over a decade ago who was fishing 58 miles from the Sabine Jetties is what got me into researching white sharks in the Gulf. Incidentally, “LeeBeth” pinged very close to where he was fishing.”
The Gulf Great White Sharks blog is dedicated to the conservation of great white sharks and other apex predators in the Gulf of Mexico.
Visitors to the website,www.gulfgreatwhites.com, can expect to find a wealth of information on the behavior, ecology, and conservation efforts related to primarily to great whites but it will also deal with other sharks in Gulf waters.
Chester Moore is available for interviews to discuss his new project and the importance of conserving great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.
With the launch of this project, Chester Moore aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the marine ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico and ensuring the continued survival of great white sharks and other apex predators.
For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Chester Moore, please contact Chester Moore at Chester@chestermoore.com or 409-920-2062.
[About Chester Moore]
Chester Moore is an award-winning wildlife journalist and conservationist with a passion for marine life. He is Editor-In-Chief of Texas Fish & Game and founder of Higher Calling Wildlife®. He has dedicated his career to raising awareness about the importance of wildlife and marine conservation.
Through his writing, speaking engagements, and conservation efforts, Moore continues to inspire others to take action to conserve our natural resources.
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Deer massacres tied to poaching rings are happening in multiple states, yet they have had very little media attention.
The most concerning part is these massacres have been linked to teenagers. In a very special episode of Dark Outdoors, I dig into what I have been calling the teen poaching crisis.
I would love to hear your feedback on this poaching issue once you listen to the episode.
*What are your thoughts on the teen poaching issues I have identified?
*Is there an uptick in poaching where you live?
*Have you heard of these poaching incidents, in particular the deer massacres?
I have hunted my whole life. Hunting is conservation when done within legal standards but poaching is terrible. We need to do our best to address it especially as it pertains to our youth.
Designer Cats In The Wild
We get lots of reports of unusual cat spotted throughout the wilds of North America.
As I have written here before, I have discovered many of these are hybrid or designer cats. I go in-depth on this in the latest episode of Higher Calling Wildlife-the podcast.
The American bison, often referred to as buffalo, is an iconic symbol of the American West.
However, its history in the eastern United States is a lesser-known tale of perseverance, decline, and occasional surprises. While the western plains are more commonly associated with these majestic creatures, bison once roamed freely across much of the eastern United States, including the southern regions.
Native American Connection
Long before European settlers arrived in North America, bison were an integral part of the lives and cultures of indigenous peoples across the eastern United States. Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee, Shawnee, and Creek, relied on bison for food, clothing, tools, and spiritual significance. Bison hunting was a communal activity that played a vital role in the survival and sustenance of these tribes.
Eastern Bison Range
Historically, bison had a vast range that extended far beyond the Great Plains. In the eastern United States, bison populations could be found as far north as New York and as far south as Florida. Their habitats included grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands.
European Colonization and Bison Decline
The arrival of European settlers in the eastern United States marked the beginning of the decline of bison populations in the region. As settlers expanded westward, bison were hunted for their hides, meat, and bones. The construction of railways and the proliferation of firearms made it easier to hunt bison, resulting in a significant population decline. By the early 1800s, bison in the eastern United States had become increasingly rare.
Bison in the South
While bison populations in the southern regions of the eastern United States faced pressures from hunting and habitat loss like their northern counterparts, some areas managed to sustain small populations of these magnificent creatures. The southern range of bison included parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. Here, the bison found refuge in remote and less populated areas, often in rugged terrain that discouraged human settlement.Bison in Florida
Bison in Florida
One of the most surprising aspects of bison history in the eastern United States is their presence in the state of Florida. Bison sightings in Florida have been documented, and historical records confirm their existence in the state. These records often describe encounters between explorers, settlers, and indigenous people with bison herds in Florida’s wilderness.
One of the most well-documented accounts of bison in Florida comes from explorer William Bartram, who traveled through the southeastern United States in the late 18th century. In his book “Bartram’s Travels,” he mentions encountering bison in the vicinity of Paynes Prairie, near present-day Gainesville, Florida. He described the bison as “wild cattle” and recounted their impressive size and appearance.
Other historical records and diaries of early settlers in Florida also mention bison sightings, suggesting that these animals were not only present but at times relatively common in certain areas of the state. However, by the mid-19th century, these records became increasingly scarce as bison populations continued to dwindle.
Conservation Efforts
As bison populations across the United States neared the brink of extinction in the late 19th century, concerted conservation efforts were undertaken to save these iconic animals. The American Bison Society, founded in 1905, played a pivotal role in breeding and protecting bison herds. Bison from the western plains were used to bolster existing populations, and many of these efforts focused on western states.
While the conservation focus was primarily on the western plains, some efforts were also made to reintroduce bison to parts of the eastern United States, including the southern regions. Private landowners and conservation organizations worked together to establish small bison herds in states like Kentucky and Tennessee.
Present-Day Eastern Bison Populations
Today, bison have made a remarkable comeback in parts of the eastern United States, although their numbers remain relatively small compared to their western counterparts. Bison ranches and conservation areas in states like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi now provide opportunities for people to observe and learn about these incredible creatures in a natural setting.
The history of bison in the eastern United States, with a special emphasis on their presence in the southern regions and Florida, is a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in American natural history. These majestic animals, once roaming freely across the eastern landscapes, played a significant role in the lives of indigenous peoples and early settlers. Despite the pressures of European colonization, hunting, and habitat loss, some bison populations persisted in remote corners of the South.
While bison in the eastern United States are no longer as numerous as they once were, they have not been forgotten. Conservation efforts have led to their gradual return, allowing people to reconnect with this iconic symbol of America’s past and appreciate the resilience of nature.
The presence of bison in Florida, as documented in historical records, serves as a reminder of the extraordinary stories that can be uncovered when we explore the rich natural history of our nation.
Chester Moore
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Did you know great white sharks are returning to the Gulf of Mexico in a big way?
We talk about a case of a great white off the Texas Coast a few years back as well as dig into the reason white sharks are returning to Gulf waters in the latest episode of Higher Calling Wildlife on YouTube.
New Great White Sharks Blog
I’m super excited to debut my new blog that’s all about great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s over at www.gulfgreatwhites.com.
It’s the place to get up to date info on the return of great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico as well as covering other large sharks in Gulf waters such as makos, porbeagles, tigers and bulls.
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Ever caught a southern flounder that has golden spots?
Chris Dial did just that during the early days of my Flounder Revolution project. And it was not the only one we came across that had this unusual coloration. Check out Chris’ amazing catch.
A flounder with golden spots? Crazy, huh?
What about a double brown flatfish?
The typical specimen is brown on the top and white on the bottom but this one caught by Lake Calasieu guide Capt. Kevin Broussard is brown on both sides.
Cool, huh?
Flounder Revolution Hits Year 15!
The catch-and-release conservation project founded by yours truly has reached its 15th year.
In total the program has had more than 2,000 flounder measuring 20 inches or more caught, photographed and released.
The program began with a monthly competition for a flounder replica. The angler with the biggest released fish that month earned a replica.
In 2020, it switched to challenge tokens to recognize more anglers.
We’re sending out challenge tokens for anglers who have released flounder measuring 20 inches or more.
CCA-Texas sponsored us back in the original format of the program from 2009-2014 and they came back to help us with our tokens.
Flounder Revolution has also given out more than 100 First Flounder tokens to kids catching their first flatfish.
The response to that has been so cool to see. And the wooden tokens we’re giving out are a hit with the kids.
“I know it’s just a little wooden coin but my girl loves it! Learned that we had to let the big one go so it could have babies. Thanks again,” said angler and proud father Brandon Schilter.
If you would like to earn a challeng token, email me photos of your flounder measuring 20 inches or more.
E-mail photos, length and general location of catch (Galveston Bay, Sabine Lake, etc.) along with your mailing address to chester@chestermoore.com.
Feral Monkeys In America
Did you know there are several populations of feral monkeys in America? Check out the latest episode of Higher Calling Wildlife about this overlooked story. We also ponder the possibility of feral apes like orangutans in The Everglades.
In the world of wildlife conservation, few success stories are as heartwarming and inspiring as the resurgence of the bald eagle, America’s national bird and symbol of freedom.
Once on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and the devastating effects of the pesticide DDT, the bald eagle’s population has made a remarkable recovery over the past few decades.
Now, Texans and residents of the American South are witnessing the majestic return of this iconic bird in numbers not seen in generations.
I got to see a gorgeous eagle last week when I went scouting for a hog hunt on public land in Orange County, TX along the Sabine River corridor.
I saw a beautiful mature bird scavenging on a hog carcass someone dumped off.
I photographed this eagle just after it left a hog carcass dumped on a road near public hunting land in Orange County, TX.
The Bald Eagle’s Decline
The decline of the bald eagle in the United States was a tragic chapter in the nation’s conservation history. By the mid-20th century, the eagle population had plummeted to dangerously low levels. The widespread use of DDT, a pesticide that caused eggshell thinning, was a significant factor in the species’ decline. Additionally, habitat loss and hunting took a toll on their numbers.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 provided legal protection for these magnificent birds, but it was the subsequent ban on DDT in 1972 that marked a turning point for the bald eagle’s recovery. Slowly but steadily, the eagle population began to rebound.
The Remarkable Comeback
The bald eagle’s recovery is a testament to the power of conservation efforts and the resilience of nature. Bald eagles were removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 2007, thanks to the collective efforts of conservationists, wildlife agencies, and concerned citizens.
Today, bald eagles are making a triumphant return across the United States, including the southern regions. Texas and the South, in particular, have witnessed a resurgence of bald eagle populations that has enthralled nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike.
I photographed this beautiful eagle overlooked the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone.
The Southern Revival
In recent years, reports of bald eagle sightings have surged in Texas and the South. This resurgence can be attributed to several factors:
Habitat Restoration: Conservation organizations and government agencies have been working tirelessly to restore and protect suitable habitats for bald eagles. Efforts include the conservation of wetlands, rivers, and lakes, which provide ideal hunting grounds for eagles.
Ban on DDT: The ban on DDT and the implementation of stricter regulations on other harmful pesticides have allowed bald eagle populations to recover. These regulations have helped ensure the survival of eagle chicks by preventing eggshell thinning.
Awareness and Education: Increased public awareness and education about the importance of preserving these magnificent birds and their habitats have led to more vigilant monitoring and reporting of eagle nests and sightings.
Protection and Monitoring: Conservationists and biologists continue to monitor eagle populations, protect nesting sites, and conduct research to better understand their behaviors and needs. This information helps inform conservation strategies.
The Bald Eagle’s Versatility: Bald eagles are incredibly adaptable birds that can thrive in various environments, from coastal regions to freshwater habitats. This adaptability has contributed to their successful resurgence across the southern United States.
The resurgence of the bald eagle in Texas and the South is a remarkable conservation success story that inspires hope and serves as a testament to the power of collective effort in preserving our natural heritage.
I never saw eagle’s growing up in Southeast Texas but see them multiple times a year now.
It’s inspiring to know even when we’ve made major mistakes with wildlife, we can decide to make better choices and endangered wildlife can make a comeback.
Do you have any eagle photos or videos? We would love to share them here. Email me at chester@chestermoore.com.
Chester Moore
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“LeeBeth” might sound like the name of a girl who lived down the street in your youth.
The name certainly has an endearing quality, with a twinge of southern charm.
And that makes sense considering she first came to public awareness off the coast of South Carolina.
Incase you haven’t figured it out, “LeeBeth” isn’t the girl next door, but a 2,600 pound great white shark caught, fitted with a satellite transmitter and released by Capt. Chip Michalove of Outcast Fishing Dec. 8, 2023.
LeeBeth photo courtesy Capt. Chip Michalove.
Her journey into Texas Gulf waters over the next two months became a media sensation and not only brought attention to her kind but an organization whose sole focus is to educate and inspire people about them.
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) based out of Cape Cod has set out to “support scientific research, improve public safety, and educate the community to inspire white shark conservation.”
“LeeBeth” made thousands aware of the group’s app, “Sharktivity”.
According to AWSC officials, the app was developed with input from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, the Cape Cod National Seashore, and officials from Cape Cod and South Shore towns to raise awareness of the presence of white sharks off their coast.
The App sightings are fed by researchers, safety officials, and users that upload photos for confirmation. By enabling App users to report shark sightings and upload photos for confirmation, we are effectively crowd-sourcing critical data points on where sharks are spotted so as to reduce encounters and promote safety. Data from sharks with acoustic tags and Smart Position and Temperature Tags (SPOT) are also available on the App.
Public sightings submitted through Sharktivity will be verified by the New England Aquarium.
Additionally, through the AWSC and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), acoustic detection data for tagged white sharks off the coast of Massachusetts and a catalog of over 600 tagged and untagged individual Northwest Atlantic white sharks, identified by AWSC, can be explored through the White Shark Logbook.
AWSC also does educational outreach, special shark-centric eco tours and an important and often (in my opinion) missing factor in shark awareness-safety.
Let’s face it. Great whites sharks are the largest predatory fish on the planet and they do occasionally attack humans. Making people aware of them is important for both the sake of people and sharks.
For example, I had no idea there are purple flags that identify great white presence in an area.
“We love interacting with the public to raise awareness of these amazing creatures,” said AWSC research scientist Megan Winton.
“These are truly incredible animals and we want to help raise their conservation profile and to educate people about potential interactions.”
AWSC has been mostly involved on the East Coast but they are already helping the cause along the Gulf Coast where white shark sightings are on the rise.
This is proven by AWSC’s tagged sharks along with that of another research group called Ocearch.
“We still has much to learn about great whites and their movements and what we’re seeing in the Gulf of Mexico has been interesting to so many people, myself included. It makes us want to do more to raise awareness of these truly amazing animals,” Winton said.
Since I was a little boy clipping photos of my favorite game animals out of outdoors magazines and placing them in a scrapbook, these majestic animals have captivated me.
They are also a pillar of our conservation awareness and youth outreach here at Higher Calling Wildlife®.
Last year I had the privilege to teach a lesson how to become a conservationist at their annual Camp Bighorn and was bestowed the incredible honor of being named their 2023 “Bighorn Educator of the Year”.
T/hat means I had two occasions to visit the facility and was blown away.
Their mission is to provide education and outreach for the national conservation of wild sheep, wildlife and wild lands and they do an incredible job.
Through their aforementioned Camp Bighorn, educational outreach, ecotours and webinars they reach thousands annually with a pro sheep conservation message.
The facility itself is beautiful and has museum quality taxidermy displays that are sure to captivate the many young and young at heart in the communiy and that stop by on their way to Grand Teton and Yellowstone.
As a kid I would drive my mom crazy to bring me to a local meat market that had a large taxidermy collection.
Now imagine the impact when such a collection is aimed toward conservation awareness.
This place would have boggled my mind as a kid.
As a man it inspires me and I want to take the time to honor them for their great work and turn you on to their facility, website and outreach.
Check it out. You will not be dissappointed.
National Bighorn Sheep Center.
Chester Moore
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In the latest edition of Higher Calling Wildlife® on our YouTube channel, I talk about a long forgotten giant rattlesnake photo.
On a personal level, this is a very special program because it ties into my childhood as I first heard of this photo many years ago.
Check it out here and don’t forget to subscribe.
Working Dogs For Conservation
Working Dogs For Conservation does amazing work using rescued dogs to aid wildlife conservation efforts ranging from wildlife trafficking issues to wild sheep disease.
It’s a two-parter. Check out the episodes at the link below.
(For Immediate Release)—Higher Calling Wildlife®, the youth conservation outreach founded by wildlife journalist and conservationist Chester Moore has announced the winner of the 2024 Austin Stevens Young Adventurer Award.
The Austin Stevens Young Adventurer Award is designed to honor young kids with a heart for wildlife, adventure and conservation.
“Austin Stevens is a huge inspiration for me on a personal level and to many, many people around the world for his heart for wildlife and adventure and his astounding wildlife photography” Moore said.
“We wanted to find a unique way to honor Austin and recognize kids who have the potential to become wildlife conservationists in their own right.”
This year’s recipient is Delilah Hunter, a teen from Texas who has a love for wildlife photography and conservation.
“I met her mom Kat Hunter at the 2022 Women Hunt program of the Wild Sheep Foundation out at the FTW Ranch. As we were talking about our kids, I invited Kat’s family to our facility to see our animals and soon me and my wife Lisa and daughter Faith got to meet Delilah,” Moore said.
“She’s a great young lady who has helped with some of our wildlife ministry work, and joined us on our Higher Calling Wildlife “A Voice In The Wilderness” Expedition in Colorado in 2023. Recently, she helped work on a guzzler project of the Texas Bighorn Society.”
