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TEXAS GAME WARDENS RESPOND TO HISTORIC FLOODING
When catastrophic flash floods swept across Central Texas on July 4, first responders across the region sprang into action. Local agencies, DPS, fire departments, rescue teams, and Texas Game Wardens mobilized quickly to save lives in rapidly deteriorating conditions.
Texas Game Wardens are uniquely trained and equipped for moments like these. As fully commissioned peace officers with statewide jurisdiction, they bring a rare combination of law enforcement authority and advanced search and rescue capability. Their specialized training, combined with access to boats, drones, helicopters, K-9 units, and tactical Search and Rescue teams, allows them to respond swiftly and effectively in challenging environments.
During the disaster, 375 Game Wardens and over 475 specialized assets were deployed across multiple river systems, including the Guadalupe, Concho, Colorado, and San Gabriel. They conducted water rescues, supported evacuations, and provided logistical coordination during an emergency that ultimately claimed the lives of at least 135 Texans.
“From drones to swift water boats to boots on the ground, we were fully engaged,” said Capt. Logan Griffin. “But it wasn’t just us—it was a true team effort across all agencies."
Specialized teams from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Law Enforcement Division, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) drone pilots, K-9 units, and swift water rescue crews, played a central role. Thirty-three water rescues were completed, 434 individuals evacuated, and countless more assisted in hard-to-reach areas.
In Tom Green County, a Texas Game Warden drone pilot carried out the program’s first aerial life jacket delivery. A woman was clinging to her rooftop with floodwaters nearly reaching the gutters. A drone dropped a life jacket to her, increasing her odds of survival until boats could reach her. “That one drop changed everything,” said Lt. Matthew Bridgefarmer, UAS Program Supervisor. “It bought time, and that made all the difference."
Much of the gear used during the response was made possible by Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s (TPWF) S. Reed Morian Gear Up for Game Wardens program. Just days after the flood, new supplies were rushed to the Kerrville Law Enforcement Office, including Sitka mud boots, gloves, safety glasses, and replacement prop blades for swift water boats.
Even before that, Gear Up equipment was already in action. As detailed later in this newsletter, the drone Dusty Jansky used at Camp Mystic provided live video to incident command and helped guide recovery teams. That drone, along with handheld thermal units used for night searches, was funded through Gear Up.
“Without Gear Up, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Bridgefarmer said. “The vast majority of our drones came through the program. That equipment helped save lives."
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DUSTY JANSKY'S MISSION AT CAMP MYSTIC
Texas Game Warden Dusty Jansky went to bed on July 3 thinking the next morning would be like any other—until messages started pouring in before sunup. By 8 a.m., he was on the road to Kerr County with a full disaster load-out, including a drone funded by Gear Up for Game Wardens. Roads were already flooded. Helicopters were the only way in.
Just before noon, Jansky and a swift water rescue technician were airlifted into Camp Mystic. Rain was still falling. The river was raging below. Jansky carried only the essentials: his drone kit with multiple batteries, a borrowed Starlink internet unit, and sheer resolve.
Camp Mystic was cut off. With no cell service and no power, Jansky’s drone and Starlink feed became the operation’s eyes and ears. His live footage gave incident command a real-time view of the scene, while his equipment enabled coordination, communication, and ultimately, air evacuations. More than 160 campers were airlifted to safety, and another 170 were transported later in the day by vehicle once first responders cleared debris from the roads.
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“I was task-saturated,” Jansky said. “Running communications, flying the drone, talking to helicopters, searching the riverbanks, it was nonstop."
Throughout the day, Jansky used the drone to guide swift water teams, clear structures, and conduct nighttime thermal searches. He also helped locate and guide the recovery of multiple flood victims—work no one ever wants to do, but which brought necessary clarity and closure to worried families and loved ones.
That drone, funded through Gear Up, was the third purchased by longtime TPWF supporters Ann and Randy Fowler. It wasn’t just a piece of equipment— it was a lifeline. “It puts much-needed tools in our hands,” Jansky said. “And when I can look a donor in the eye and tell them, ‘Because of your support, I was able to do this work,’ that means something."
He worked nearly 20 hours that day before collapsing into bed after midnight. “It’s a day I’ll never forget,” he said. “We can wash the mud off of our trucks and out of our uniforms, but we’ll never get it out of our hearts or off our minds."
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THE EVOLUTION OF THE TEXAS GAME WARDEN DRONE PROGRAM
When TPWD first launched its drone program in 2018, it was little more than a test run. A small group of trained game wardens used borrowed time and basic equipment to explore how drone technology could support law enforcement and search and rescue. The primary focus was clear: saving lives.
“We started with a dozen pilots and one drone,” said Lt. Matthew Bridgefarmer. “It was a trial balloon, but the potential was obvious almost immediately."
Today, that potential has been realized. The program has grown to include 75 active drones and about 50 trained pilots, with equipment ranging from compact units that can fly inside buildings to larger aircraft capable of delivering life-saving payloads. Drones are now integrated into all regions of the state, supporting a wide range of mission needs, from search and rescue to disaster response to criminal investigations.
That growth was made possible in large part by TPWF’s Gear Up for Game Wardens program. According to Bridgefarmer, roughly 90 percent of the program’s drones were purchased through Gear Up.
“When we first started Gear Up, we knew it could make a difference, but I don’t think any of us imagined just how far it would go,” said Randy Fowler, an early supporter of the program and current TPWF trustee. “Seeing these drones save lives, seeing the gear in action when it matters most—that’s why we do this. For the dollar, drones are probably one of the most impactful pieces of equipment in the Gear Up for Game Wardens program. It’s incredibly rewarding to know our support is helping game wardens do their job safer, faster, and better."
That support proved critical during the July 4 flooding disaster. At one point, more than 20 drones were streaming live video back to incident command. Other drones helped guide airlifts and recovery operations.
Technology will continue to drive the future of the program, opening the door to even more advanced capabilities. Bridgefarmer hopes to soon bring in vertical takeoff and landing fixed-wing drones that can fly longer and cover more ground, as well as heavy-lift models capable of delivering larger payloads like cases of water or medical supplies.
“The technology is moving fast, and we’re doing everything we can to keep pace,” he said. “Thanks to Gear Up, we’re not just keeping up, we’re leading."
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BOGGY SLOUGH HOSTS GEAR UP FUNDRAISER
In May, more than 40 guests gathered at North Boggy Lodge in East Texas for a Gear Up for Game Wardens fundraiser. Hosted by the T.L.L. Temple Foundation’s Boggy Slough Conservation Area, the event raised over $60,000 to help provide critical equipment for Texas Game Wardens.
The idea came from Capt. Brandon Mosely, who approached Boggy Slough’s Robert Sanders and Dr. Steve Jack about hosting a local event. Sanders, a lifelong hunter and wildlife biologist, quickly rallied community support.
“I’ve always appreciated game wardens,” said Sanders. “But now that I manage hunting leases, I see just how vital they are. Search and rescue, drowning recovery, night poaching—these difficult jobs are safer and more effective with the right gear."
Guests included local landowners and civic leaders eager to support the cause. “We all understand that TPWD can’t provide every last thing a game warden might need,” Sanders said. “The community needs to step up, and that’s what this fundraiser was about."
May was a landmark month for Boggy Slough. Just weeks after the fundraiser, the conservation area was honored with the distinctive Leopold Conservation Award at the annual Lone Star Land Steward Awards in Austin, an event supported by TPWF.
“We were proud and humbled,” said Sanders. “But recognition comes with responsibility. Those of us who are honored as land stewards need to step up even more and be stronger advocates for conservation."
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND GET READY TO GEAR UP!
The 5th Annual Gear Up for Game Wardens Online Auction returns Sept. 30 – Oct. 2.
Bid on one-of-a-kind items and experiences—all while backing the Gear Up program!
Proceeds provide critical operational support for Gear Up for Game Wardens, helping ensure we can continue providing Texas Game Wardens with the life-saving specialty gear they need, from night vision equipment to thermal drones, UTVs, airboats, and so much more.
Mark your calendars and get ready to gear up for a great cause.
REGISTER
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PODCAST ALERT: GEAR UP TALKS BOOTS, BADGES & DUCK BOATS
As Gear Up for Game Wardens continues to gain momentum across Texas, more people are tuning in to learn how this grassroots effort is making a real difference. In this episode of Ramsey Russell’s Duck Season Somewhere, veteran Game Warden Major Jason Bussey joins TPWF trustee Randy Risher and Gear Up for Game Wardens Program Director Austin Taylor to share behind-the-scenes stories about the program’s origins, impact, and the specialized gear that’s changing the game in the field.
LISTEN
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BECOME A FRIEND OF TEXAS GAME WARDENS
Support Gear Up for Game Wardens by becoming a Friend of Texas Game Wardens. Your contribution helps TPWF manage the program and continue providing specialty equipment that saves lives while keeping Texas Game Wardens safer on the job.
As a Friend, you'll be directly supporting the mission—and you'll receive exclusive gear to show your appreciation for those who protect Texas' wild things and wild places.
BECOME A FRIEND
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