Tales from Texas Game Wardens about “hunters” gone bad and “anglers” with a few too many fish in the bag are all too common — but never the same. Each one has its own wrinkles and its own unique bit of stupidity or ignorance.
NEW GAME WARDEN COLONEL NAMED
Ron A. VanderRoest was named the colonel of Texas game wardens. Col. VanderRoest has almost 25 years of law enforcement and leadership experience with the agency.
As the Law Enforcement Division Director, VanderRoest will oversee and represent a force of more than 550 game wardens, 135 non-commissioned field staff and 28 law enforcement offices across the state, providing a vision and setting the tone for law enforcement “off the pavement.” Additionally, he will contribute to the overall leadership of the agency and partner with other conservation agencies, first responders, state emergency management and key constituents within and beyond TPWD to further the mission and contribute to public safety for the people of Texas.
“Col. VanderRoest will oversee an almost 130-year-old conservation law enforcement division as we enhance the expertise of our Texas game wardens through specialized training and advanced technology,” TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz said.
VanderRoest graduated from the 47th Texas Game Warden Academy in 2000 and has served in various law enforcement roles during his almost 25-year tenure with the agency. First stationed in Denton County, he held multiple leadership roles within TPWD including his tenure as a captain in College Station and a major in Lubbock. He also served as adjunct faculty at Texas Tech University, instructing students in conservation law and leadership.
VanderRoest was instrumental in developing the Field Training Officer Program and the Captain Mentor Training Program, among other accomplishments. In 2019, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.
VanderRoest grew up in West Texas and has enjoyed hunting, fishing and exploring the outdoors, and has always been dedicated to helping people. VanderRoest holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Tarleton State University and served as a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agent before joining TPWD. He is also a graduate of the National FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
MAN MEDEVACED FROM CRUISE SHIP
After receiving a medevac request of a 71-year-old man who presented symptoms of a heart attack while aboard the Carnival cruise ship Jubilee, the Coast Guard launched a response boat and crew and coordinated with the Galveston Fire Department to assist. The crew arrived on scene, embarked the passenger and transported him to Station Galveston and into the care of emergency medical services personnel.
LONGLINES FOUND IN GULF
On Oct. 21, the Coast Guard interdicted a lancha, illegally operating in U.S. waters —resulting in the crew’s arrest and seizure of the vessel. The next day, Texas game wardens with the Marine Tactical Operations Group patrolling the same area discovered 11,000 feet of illegal long-line fishing gear. The gear indiscriminately catches marine species.
STOLEN BOAT FROM MARINA
A boat was stolen from a North Point Marina slip on Belton Lake on Oct. 29 or 30. At this time, it is unknown whether the Triton 206 Allure V-hull ski style vessel has left the lake. Please contact Bell County game wardens or the Bell County Sheriff’s Office if you have any information or see the vessel.
Updated: 11/15/2024
