Presenter: Linda Campbell

Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Action
Amendments to the Public Lands Proclamation
Establishment of an Open Season on Public Hunting Lands
Approval of Public Hunting Activities on State Parks
May 2008

I. Executive Summary: This item presents proposed amendments to the Public Lands Proclamation and authorizes hunting activities on public hunting lands, including units of the State Park System. The proposed amendments would:

• create a Mentored Hunting Permit, which would allow public access for a $25 fee to specific wildlife management areas for participation in multi-day education workshops focused on hunter recruitment;
• eliminate the access fee requirements for persons entering wildlife management areas as spectators for hunting dog field trial events.

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, 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 lands, which includes units of the State Park System designated as public hunting lands.

Staff was authorized at the March 2008 meeting of the Regulations Committee to publish proposed rules in the Texas Register concerning creation of a Mentored Hunt Permit and waiving access fee requirements for spectators at hunting dog field trial events. The proposed rules appeared in the April 20, 2007 issue of the Texas Register (32 TexReg 2251, 2256). Staff will provide a summary of public comment received.

III. Recommendation: The staff recommends the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopt the following motions:

1. "The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopts amendments to §59.10, concerning the Public Hunting and Fishing Permits and Fees (located at Exhibit A), and §65.194, concerning the Public Lands Proclamation (located at Exhibit B), with changes as necessary to the proposed text as published in the April 18, 2008, issue of the Texas Register (33 TexReg 3167)"
2. "The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorizes an open season on public hunting lands to run from September 1, 2008 to August 31, 2009."
3. "The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorizes the public hunting activities contained in Exhibit C to take place on units of the State Park System."

Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Exhibit C

Hunting Activities authorized for State Parks 2008-2009