Presenter: Vickie Fite

Commission Agenda Item No. 4
Action
Establishment of an Open Season on Public Lands 2003-2004
Hunting Activities on State Parks
April 2003

I. 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.

The Executive Director may establish by executive order the Department policy with respect to hunting, fishing, and non-consumptive use on public hunting lands. The Regulations Committee at its January 2003 meeting was briefed on preliminary proposals for 2003-2004 state park hunts and plans to streamline the process of developing public hunt proposals. The preliminary proposals for state park hunts were presented for public comment at 17 public meetings and were available on the department’s web site. A summary of public comment will be available at the time of the April meeting. Exhibit A, 2003-2004 State Park Hunts, identifies public hunting activities on units of the state park system for the 2003-2004 season.

II. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Texas 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, 2003 to August 31, 2004."

Exhibit A - Proposed 2003-2004 State Park Hunts

Commission Agenda Item No. 4
Exhibit A

Proposed 2003-2004 State Park Hunts