Wow! I've been pondering about this for years and Googling didn't help. I have to say I didn't expect that 3 hours after posting my question here I'll get an answer - and a good one!

THANKS so much, Wannabee, for helping with this. Indeed, the movie is "Wild America", and you can get more details and purchase it at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/handle-buy-box/ref=dp_start-bbf_1_glance/104-1826405-4633544) 

BTW - I was right; it is based on the true story of the three Stouffer brothers. Mark Stouffer, the youngest, later became a recognizable and authoritative spokesperson for America's wildlife nature and directed a series of documentaries called... "Wild America" too.