It’s a strange feeling to turn on the television at 5:30 in the morning and see yourself on the screen. Fortunately, for me, my tuner was set to “Charlie Pack’s Fishing Country” instead of “America’s Most Wanted.”

Pack’s television show has featured real people fishing in Central Texas waters for decades. Over the past year, however, the program has consisted of reruns because Pack has been through major surgery and recovery.

But all that is about to change. A couple of weeks ago, Pack got back on the horse as the emcee of an Optimist Club fishing tournament. And just last week, he resumed shooting his television show, which will begin airing new episodes next month.

The one casualty from Pack’s illness will be what he prizes most about his work — the Tadpole Fishing Party. The annual event gives thousands of kids who may not otherwise get a chance to go fishing the chance to spend a day catching fish and learning about the outdoors.

Because of Pack’s recent health troubles, there wasn’t time to organize this year’s Tadpole Fishing Party. But plans are already underway for the 2011 event.

“Fishing Country” airs at 5:30 Saturday mornings on KCEN-TV Channel 6.

New parks department?

McLennan County is seeking input on a proposed plan to create a county parks and recreation department and new parks facilities as part of a 10-year master plan.

Some in the community question the wisdom of spending taxpayer money to expand government and build new parks at a time when money is tight and public opinion is clearly against government growth. Parks departments already exist both at the state level and in many municipalities across Texas.

Others feel that funding construction of parks and recreation facilities would benefit not just one segment of the population, but would create places that everyone could enjoy. They point out that the cost for proposed new parks and facilities would be offset by grants from Texas Parks & Wildlife.

Got an opinion? Your voice can be heard by taking part in the 23-question online survey (www.mclennanparks02.com) or attending one of the meetings that will take place over the next few months.

Doves headed south

Bluebird days are pushing doves into traditional patterns lately, and cold fronts continue to force mourning dove southward into Texas from the Great Plains.

Stephenville, Brownwood and Waco fields have been good for near-limits of doves around goat weed and croton, according to TPWD biologists. A lot of birds have been bouncing back and forth from Central to South zone fields because of hunting pressure.

The season for our area runs through Oct. 24.

www.centexoutdoors.com

717-8907