Texas Parks & Wildlife Department modifies operations.

Texas State Parks, Austin Headquarters, Law Enforcement Offices and the License and Boat Registration counter are temporarily closed to public access.

Texas State Parks temporarily close to the public.

At the direction of Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas State Parks will be closed to the public effective at the close of business Tuesday, April 7 in order to maintain the safest environment for visitors, volunteers and staff.

Read the press release about state park operations.

Austin Headquarters buildings are closed to public access.

  • Main HQ
  • License and Boat Registration Counter (Building D)
  • Airport Commerce Park

See alternatives to doing business in person

Alternatives to doing business in person with TPWD.

Online Boat Registration

Renew registration, obtain replacement documents and more online.
See available online boat registration options

Mail-in Boat Requests

Mail ownership transfer transaction requests to:
TPWD Boat Section
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744.
See list of boat forms

Contact TPWD Boat Section

(800) 262-8755
Boat.Reg@tpwd.texas.gov

Fishing & Hunting Licenses

Online purchase of licenses, stamps, tags & packages.
Buy fishing & hunting licenses

Outdoor Annual

Summary of Hunting, Fishing and Boating Regulations
View the Outdoor Annual or Download the app

Boater Education

Online courses are available for required boater education.
See available boater education courses

Law Enforcement Contacts

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Hot Topics

Hunting, Fishing & Boating

New Season, New Regulations

Outdoor Annual - Fishing

The new fishing seasons bring new rules and regulations. Get the free Outdoor Annual mobile app now and be in-the-know when you're afield or afloat. Once downloaded, the app can be used to access the regulations information even when you don't have an internet connection. New this year: view your license within the app! Regulations can also be found online at OutdoorAnnual.com.

Fishing

BIGGER BETTER BASS!

ShareLunker

A new era of Toyota ShareLunker is underway! The year-round season began Jan. 1, and now anglers who catch a bass that's at least 8 lbs. or 24" can enter their catch online or in the ShareLunker app. Participants will receive a catch kit, achievement decal, ShareLunker gear, and entry into a drawing for prizes including a $5,000 shopping spree!

Learn more at TexasShareLunker.com

Watch TPW Television

Airing on PBS this Week

Play Now Saving Sea Turtles, Powderhorn Ranch, Best of Bruce

Saving Sea Turtles, Powderhorn Ranch, Best of Bruce

Once thought to be on its way to extinction, the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle is making a comeback thanks to the efforts of a few dedicated biologists and volunteers. Powderhorn Ranch, the largest remaining undisturbed tract of land on the Texas coast has been acquired for conservation of native habitats and wildlife. Texas Parks & Wildlife Executive Producer Bruce Biermann recently retired after 26 years of state service. Here are some highlights of few of his favorite stories.

Where to Watch »

Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine

Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine April 2020 cover

In this Issue:
Big Bend 100

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Magazine covers $10 for one year (Print or App)
to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine Order »

Hunting

Hungry Texans

Fishing

Federal Red Snapper Season

Red Snapper

The private recreational angler red snapper season opens Monday, June 1, 2020 for a projected 63-days in federal waters.

Learn More

State Parks

Download the Official App for Texas State Parks!

State Parks App

Now find your perfect state park escape using the Texas State Parks Official Guide for Apple and Android devices. The free app locates campgrounds, cabins, trails and places to hike, bike, swim, fish or kayak. And it'll give you all the details on 95 state parks in Texas.

Learn more about the app

Boating

Protect the Lakes You Love

Play Now Clean, Drain, Dry Your Boat

Invasive species like giant salvinia and zebra mussels can ruin fishing, boating and swimming for everyone. You can't always tell if a lake is infested with invasive species, and even a small piece left on your boat or gear can infest another lake. That's why it's so important to always clean drain and dry your boat, trailer and gear before traveling from lake to lake. It's up to you to protect the lakes you love.

Learn more at Stop Invasives

Wildlife

Be on the Lookout for Bald Eagles

Play Now Bald Eagle Fun Facts video

Our resident bald eagles are joined by eagle migrants from January to March, making it the perfect time to go bald eagle watching. It's also nesting season, when the eagles are very active.

To find areas with bald eagles, check the Texas Eagle Nests project map. If you spot an eagle nest, photograph it. Then join Texas Nature Trackers (it's free) and add your photo to the project – it helps biologists track them. We also post eagle sightings on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. Insider tip: Fairfield Lake State Park usually has bald eagles.