Llanoans who tuned in on Sunday to the Animal Planet’s law enforcement TV show “Lone Star Law” were treated to some local scenery. The Castell General Store, a longtime Llano River destination, is right there on the screen, as Texas Game Warden Kegan Gould talks to locals and gets some vittles for the road before busting some bad guys.

Episode one of season eight premiered on Sunday.

Gould is one of three game wardens in Llano County with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. He’s been a game warden since 2016.

Gould is seen chatting with a group of men outside of Castell’s, telling them about moving to Llano County from Laredo.

“I like it up here; it’s like being back home,” Gould says in the show. “I grew up in the Hill Country and it has a special place in my heart.”

In another part of the show, Gould also demonstrates a method of humanely catching a goose on the loose by using a piece of stiff wire and some well-placed bread crumbs.

Someone had shot the goose in the head with several darts.

“We never caught the goose, but the darts finally worked their way out,” Gould told The Llano News. “He’s made a full recovery and he’s still running around Robinson Park.”

Llano County has been featured in several past seasons of Lone Star Law, but the owner of the Castell General Store was surprised when the crew showed up along with the game warden who introduces himself as just “Kegan.”

“A lot of people have told me they watched the episode but I haven’t seen it yet,” said Randy Leifeste.

He said that he has a good relationship with law enforcement agencies.

“We need Parks & Wildlife because we have a lot of people on the river, especially on weekends,” Leifeste said. “They help keep things running smoothly; we’ve never had a problem.”

The store’s structure was built in 1927 by a local blacksmith. Since, it has become known for its burgers, barbecue and scenic location on the river.

Lone Star Law life

Gould said that this is his third season on Lone Star Law, but his first as a Llano County game warden.

He’s still not used to seeing himself on the TV screen, however.

“It’s kind of surreal.”

But Gould has gotten used to the show’s crew.

“The show does a really good job of letting the camera crew disappear into the background, and I’m focused on the job,” he said. “I usually forget they’re there.”

Gould said that Lone Star Law presents an accurate picture of life as a game warden.

“Every day is different.”

Although the show has some lighthearted moments, there’s more to it.

“It’s a chance for me to help educate the public about what game wardens do,” Gould said. “A lot of people don’t realize that we work more than parks, but we do a broad range of things beyond enforcing fish and wildlife laws. As peace officers, we also enforce the penal code, traffic code and water safety and respond to natural disasters.”

For Gould, being a game warden is a natural fit.

“I’ve always been interested in the outdoors, and in law enforcement. Game wardens have the best job in the world.”

Llano County also is a natural fit for him.

“I enjoy working in Llano County, it’s a great community.”

You can watch Lone Star Law by visiting www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/lone-star-law.