Lieutenant Game Warden Aaron Sims, a public information officer for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, said poaching has evolved to include unauthorized hunting and transnational trafficking, often using advanced technology like night vision goggles, requiring game wardens to adapt and keep pace with these developments. Sims was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.

“Somebody going on a property, harvesting a deer, getting out of there without permission, versus transnational trafficking of animals from Africa into our area, or taking prohibited species here in Texas, harvesting and then selling them overseas," said Sims on a recent edition of the Texas Talks Podcast. “It's a wide variety of what we define as poaching nowadays. People ask me, it's 2024, who poaches? Nowadays, it's getting very technological as well.” 

“The use of flares, and night vision goggles by individuals taking resources the wrong way is increasing," said Sims. “We have to adapt as well and make sure we have equipment to see in the dark. We're out a lot at night. There are times we'll watch hunters and not check them because it looks like everything's good. I get a tip, we'll go back out that way. It's kind of an arms race: they have the flares, now we have to get the flippers.”

Lieutenant Game Warden Sims serves as a public information officer for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which aims to manage and conserve Texas's natural and cultural resources. The department also provides hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities for the enjoyment of the community.

Texas Talks podcast is hosted by Brad Swail. The weekly show is focused on public policy in the state of Texas, with insights from the people and organizations that influence it.

The podcast is available on Simple Cast and YouTube.