HOUSTON, TX – June 21, 2026– Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and the Hunting Matters podcast are pleased to announce an insightful new episode featuring wildlife researcher and Ph.D. candidate Matt Hewitt, whose work focuses on understanding and conserving the growing black bear population in West Texas.
Growing up in Kingsville, Texas, Matt developed an early passion for wildlife and wild places that ultimately led him to pursue a career in wildlife conservation and research. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Range and Wildlife Management from Texas A&M University–Kingsville and a master’s degree from Sul Ross State University, where he studied the potential distribution of kit foxes in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. Matt is also a past recipient of the HSCF-Dan L Duncan scholarship.
Matt’s professional experience extends beyond Texas. Following graduate school, he worked with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, contributing to numerous wildlife research projects involving species such as black-tailed deer and Roosevelt elk. Today, he has returned to Texas to pursue his Ph.D., focusing on one of the state’s most remarkable conservation success stories—the return of the American black bear.
Once widespread throughout much of Texas, black bears were completely extirpated from the state by the 1950s. However, beginning in the late 1990s, bears naturally recolonized portions of the Trans-Pecos region from neighboring populations in northern Coahuila, Mexico. Since then, bear numbers have steadily increased in and around Big Bend National Park and surrounding mountain ranges, with sightings becoming increasingly common in nearby communities.
During this episode, Matt discusses the history of black bears in Texas, the factors that led to their disappearance, and the remarkable recovery that is taking place today. He also provides listeners with an inside look at the cutting-edge research being used to estimate bear populations, monitor movements across the landscape, and better understand how climate, habitat, and human activity influence the species’ continued expansion.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with managing a recovering large mammal population, as well as practical guidance on how landowners, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts can help ensure the long-term success of black bears in Texas.
The episode offers a fascinating look at one of the state’s most exciting wildlife conservation stories and underscores the importance of research-driven management in preserving Texas’ hunting heritage and natural resources.
About Hunting Matters
Hunting Matters is the official, award-winning podcast of the Houston Safari Club Foundation. Featuring hunters, conservationists, outdoor professionals, and thought leaders, each episode dives deep into the stories that shape the future of wildlife and hunting heritage. Hunting Matters is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms, as well as at https://hscfdn.org/hunting-matters-podcast/.
About Houston Safari Club Foundation
HSCF is a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. Learn more at wehuntwegive.org.
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