Presenter: Vickie Fite

Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Action
Public Hunting – 2004-2005
Establish Open Season and Designate State Parks
May 2004

I. Executive Summary: This item presents the finalized list of public hunting activities to be provided on state parks for the 2004-2005 season and provides for the establishment of the open season on public hunting lands.

II. Discussion: Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 12, Subchapter A, provides that a tract of land purchased primarily for a purpose authorized by the code may be used for any authorized function of the Parks and Wildlife Department if the commission determines that multiple use is the best utilization of the land's resources. Additionally, Chapter 81, Subchapter E of the code provides the commission with the authority to establish open seasons, and authorizes the Executive Director to determine bag limits, means and methods, and conditions for the taking of wildlife resources on wildlife management and public hunting areas. Chapter 62, Subchapter D, provides authority to the Commission to prescribe seasons, number, size, kind, sex and the means and methods for the taking of any wildlife on state parks. Chapter 42, §42.0177, authorizes the Commission to modify or eliminate the tagging requirements of Chapter 42.

III. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Parks and Wildlife Commission adopt the following motions:

1. “The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorizes the hunting activities designated in Exhibit A to be conducted on the listed units of the state park system.”

2. “The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorizes an open hunting season on public hunting lands to run from September 1, 2004 to August 31, 2005.”

Attachments - 2
1. Exhibit A – Public Hunting Activities on State Parks 2004-2005
2. Exhibit B – Fiscal Note

Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Exhibit A

Proposed State Park Hunts for 2004-2005