Sept. 4, 2026

What is New for Hunting Season 2026-27

AUSTIN — The 2026-27 hunting season has kicked off successfully with the dove opener across Texas on Sept. 1. However, hunters should be aware of regulation changes before entering the field.

Sept. 3, 2026

Don’t Let a Bad Decision Sink Your Labor Day Weekend, Texas Game Wardens Urge Boating Safety

AUSTIN — Summer isn’t giving up without a fight in Texas. With hot temperatures continuing into Labor Day weekend, lakes, rivers and coastal waters offer a welcome place to cool off. As you enjoy them, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reminds boaters not to leave safety at the ramp.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park to Host Second Annual ‘Explore Bowhunting’ Event

AUSTIN – Palo Duro Canyon State Park is set to host the second installment of the ‘Explore Bowhunting’ event in Canyon, brought to the public by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Community Archery program along with the Texas Game Wardens, Operation Game Thief, Texas Youth Hunt program, Hunter’s Ed, Outdoor Tomorrow Foundation, Archery Trade Association and other local partners.

Boaters, Waterfowl Hunters Urged to ‘Clean, Drain and Dry’ on Labor Day Weekend, Teal Season Opener

AUSTIN – As Texans gear up for Labor Day weekend and the kickoff of teal season on Sept. 19, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reminds boaters, paddlers and waterfowl hunters to do their part in protecting Texas lakes from aquatic invasive species.

Sept. 2, 2026

Texas State Parks to Host Veteran Ruck Hikes Throughout September

AUSTIN – More than 20 Texas State Parks will be hosting Veteran Mental Health Awareness Ruck Hikes throughout the month of September, which is also Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.

Sept. 1, 2026

Fort Phantom Hill Lake Zebra Mussel Status Elevated to ‘Infested’

AUSTIN – Following additional monitoring, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has determined that the invasive zebra mussel population status in Fort Phantom Hill, near Abilene, should be elevated to fully ‘infested.’

Aug. 28, 2026

Official Media Advisory: Bastrop State Park Prescribed Burn Viewing

BASTROP — Bastrop State Park and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) are planning to conduct prescribed burns this fire season, from October 2026 through March 2027.

Aug. 27, 2026

Harvest Authorization Drawing Applications for Trinity River Alligator Gar Available Sept. 1

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will open its annual Alligator Gar Harvest Authorization drawing application process on Sept. 1. The random drawing authorizes anglers to harvest one alligator gar over 48 inches from a section of the Trinity River.

Aug. 21, 2026

Se Pronostican Fuertes Poblaciones de Paloma para el Inicio de la Temporada de Caza

La temporada de caza de paloma comienza en todo el estado el 1 de septiembre por primera vez en la historia

Strong Dove Population Numbers Anticipated as Hunters Fly Toward Opening Day

AUSTIN – For a third year in a row, Texas received significant rain in the spring across most of the state, bolstering the previous year’s healthy dove populations. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologist’s estimate both mourning and white-winged doves are near record highs again.