AUSTIN— Every year on July 31, World Ranger Day is an opportunity to take a moment to recognize the unwavering commitment towards park stewardship by the many park rangers at the 88 Texas State Parks that make up our state park system. Initially created by the International Ranger Federation, World Ranger Day celebrates the work park rangers do daily to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage.
ATHENS — The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame committee is seeking nominations through Nov. 1, 2021 for individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to freshwater fishing in Texas for next year’s induction into the hall of fame.
AUSTIN- The private recreational angler red snapper season in federal waters will close at 12:01 a.m. Aug. 5. State waters out to nine nautical miles will remain open with a four fish daily bag limit and a 15-inch minimum.
ATHENS – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Toyota ShareLunker Program is experiencing a banner year in its goal to create, bigger, better bass in Texas. After obtaining 18 successful spawns from 19 of the 23 13-pound or larger Legacy Class fish loaned to the selective-breeding program in 2021, the department’s hatchery staff produced 271,872 fingerlings to benefit Texas public waters.
AUSTIN- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is extending the emergency spotted seatrout regulations in the Laguna Madre for an additional 60 days. These temporary regulation changes for spotted seatrout in the bays and beachfronts of the Upper and Lower Laguna Madre bay systems include:
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received a report in late June that an invasive silver carp had been spotted in Choctaw Creek, a Texas tributary of the Red River approximately 15 miles downstream from Lake Texoma. A bow angler, Stephen Banaszak, first reported the finding and two specimens were provided to TPWD and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) who confirmed they were silver carp.
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) law enforcement reports.
AUSTIN – Thousands of Texans and out-of-state visitors headed to Texas lakes, rivers and coastal bays to celebrate the Independence Day weekend. Texas Game Wardens were out in force to ensure everyone stayed safe on the water.
AUSTIN- The Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp season for both state and federal waters will reopen 30 minutes after sunset on Thursday, July 15, 2021. Biologists evaluate the biological, social and economic impact when deciding the opening date to maximize the benefits to the industry and the public.
AUSTIN—At the close of the biggest, longest, wildest birdwatching tournament in the country, organizers of the Great Texas Birding Classic (GTBC) announced a huge philanthropic milestone. Thanks to Texans who have been forming teams for a quarter-century to watch and listen for as many species of birds as possible, funds raised for conservation projects has topped $1 million.