PORT ARTHUR —  Maintaining contact with readers has always been important for this newspaper and me and that is one reason, I love email, Facebook, Twitter and other social media.

    Feedback opportunities have increased dramatically.

    This week I would like to address some questions and comments that have come through various channels over the last few weeks.

    Q: What are the chances the state will roll back the antler restrictions put in place in Southeast Texas?

    A: Almost zero. It is very rare that regulations are rolled back in any way, shape or form.

    Q: Do we have lynx in the area?

    A: The Canadian Lynx (Lynx lynx) is the snowshoe-footed bobcat cousin with the big tufts on their ears. Lynx of that variety are not native to Texas or anywhere near us. We do however have Lynx rufus, the bobcat that is very common in the area. Some bobcats have long ear tufts and they vary greatly in body size so they are occasionally mistaken for the Canadian lynx.

    Q: What is going on with all of the silt pumped into the Bridge City marsh off Highway 87?

    A: We have gotten many questions on this issue and will in fact be doing a full story on it in the coming Thursday edition.

    Q: Tell us about the big wildlife event you are holding in Beaumont at the end of the month?

    A: Well, I am hosting an event but it is not in Beaumont. It is at Bass Pro Shops in Pearland (just south of Houston). The free event is called “Extreme Wildlife Day” and it will take place 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat June 30.   

    The event will feature seminars on cougars and “black panthers” as well as a special one on a legendary nature film.

    “The Legend of Boggy Creek scared moviegoers 40 years ago and to celebrate this quasi-documentary’s anniversary, we have Jerry Hestand of the Texas Bigfoot Research Conservancy coming to talk about the facts behind the film.

    The event will also feature real life wild creatures from TWRC Wildlife Center and Pets-A-Plenty: Ultimate Reptile Shop along with other educational displays.

 

    This is an event for the whole family and whether you are someone who wants more information about a cougar encounter or you are a kid who wants to see a snake or another animal up close, this is the event for you.

    For more information email me at cmooreoutdoors@yahoo.com or go to http://www.extremewildlife.com.

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    Q: What is your favorite kind of Gulp! lure?

    A: My favorite by far is the Gulp! Swimming Mullet (4-inch) in smoke color. I have caught many trout, reds and flounder on it and even caught a two-pound bass in the Sabine River using this diverse scented lure.

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    Q: Are you surprised a Texas or Louisiana angler did not win the Toledo Bend Bassmaster event?

    A: Not really. Local anglers usually fare well but rarely win these big events. I am not sure why but that seems to be the case. When you get to the level of an Elite Series event, you are talking incomparable fishing talent so it is truly anyone’s game.

(To contact Chester Moore, e-mail him at cmooreoutdoors@yahoo.com. You can hear him on "Moore Outdoors" Fridays from 6-7 p.m. on Newstalk AM 560 KLVI. you can find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/extremewildlife.)