Fin and Fur Films

It’s 2026 and Texas Parks and Wildlife has no idea if there’s a hundred, a thousand, or ten thousand mountain lions in our state. They don’t know if populations are stable, increasing, decreasing, bursting at the seams, or on the brink of collapse.

I believe that should change.

For the first time, TPWD is finally considering taking a meaningful step to understanding mountain lion distribution, age structure, and looking at trends over time through mandatory harvest reporting. Harvest reporting is standard practice for mountain lions in other states and is widely supported in Texas for other species like desert sheep, along with deer and turkeys in some counties. If passed, it will provide crucial data to monitor and understand this iconic species. It’d finally solve the mystery of where they’re at and how they’re doing, which is increasingly important as both South and West Texas are rapidly fragmenting and getting developed.

If you agree that TPWD should monitor mountain lions using a commonplace method to ensure they always roam South and West Texas, please take a minute to hit “Agree Completely” at the TPWD comment page:

https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/feedback/public_comment/proposals/202605_mountain_lion_harvest_reporting.phtml

Thank you. Photos taken from the 10+ years of observing and filming lions.

Austin Alvarado joined Jack Humphrey to talk about the making of Borderlands Jaguar.

From guiding rivers in West Texas to filming wildlife in the borderlands, Austin shares what it takes to work in remote landscapes. Weeks in the field, long hikes, and the patience required to capture what most people never see.

The conversation also explores the human side of conservation. How former hunters became protectors, and why lasting change depends on trust, relationships, and community.

Listen at the link in bio.