Dec. 24, 2021

TPWD Sets Public Scoping Meetings to Gather Input on Spotted Seatrout Regulations

AUSTIN- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking public input on the proposed rules changing bag and size limits for spotted seatrout on the middle and lower Texas coast. The proposed rules would reduce the spotted seatrout bag limit to 3 fish and restrict the allowable size to 17-23 inches for two years. The goal of this rule is to leave more spawning fish in the water for two spawning seasons in order to help the populations recover quickly from the 2021 winter storm. These regulation changes would only affect Matagorda Bay, San Antonio Bay, Aransas Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, and the Upper and Lower Laguna Madre systems.

Dec. 22, 2021

Texas Game Warden Memorial is Moving to a New Home

AUSTIN– Since 2012, the Game Warden Peace Officer’s Association has been working to relocate the memorial from the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens to the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. The life-size bronze figure of a Texas Game Warden stands to honor the wardens that lost their lives in the line of duty and serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Texas Game Wardens.

Dec. 14, 2021

Texas State Parks Ambassador Program Accepting Applications for New Central and West Texas Cohort

AUSTIN – After a two-year hiatus, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is proud to announce that the Texas State Parks Ambassador Program will relaunch in early 2022. The program will begin accepting Ambassadors applications for Central and West Texas State Parks on Dec. 15.

Nov. 19, 2021

Game Warden Field Notes, Nov. 19, 2021

The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) law enforcement reports.

Nov. 4, 2021

Remainder of Powderhorn Ranch Donated to TPWD

AUSTIN — The entirety of Powderhorn Ranch is now in the hands of the people of Texas. In a land transaction that closed Oct. 27, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) donated the final 1,360 acres to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). In 2018, TPWF donated 14,998 acres of the property to TPWD for Powderhorn Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The remainder of the property that transferred last week will one day become a state park.

Oct. 28, 2021

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center to Host Veteran’s Day Event

ATHENS — The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is pleased to announce a new event to honor and support veterans. “Veterans Day at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center” will be held from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, with free admission for veterans and their families.

Oct. 19, 2021

Numbers, Favorable Conditions Could Provide Hunters with a Good Season

AUSTIN – With millions of ducks in the Central Flyway and promising conditions in many parts of the state, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists suggest these factors could indicate a good waterfowl season is ahead for Texas Hunters.

Oct. 18, 2021

Halloween at the Hatchery Returns to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center Oct. 28

ATHENS – The East Texas family tradition continues October 28 when “Halloween at the Hatchery” returns to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center after being cancelled in 2020 due to the public health crisis. The annual event provides a safe place to go trick-or-treating while raising money for three local beneficiaries, The Rainbow Room, East Texas Crisis Center and the Athens High School Fishing Team.

Quail Surveys Yield Modest Prospects Ahead of Oct. 30 Season Opener

AUSTIN— Quail season begins statewide Oct. 30 but outside of South Texas, bobwhite and scaled quail populations continue to their long, slow road to recovery following several years of drought. As such, hunting opportunities and success will vary across the state.

Oct. 12, 2021

Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) Provides Opportunities for Texans to Connect with Nature

AUSTIN –  The deadline to apply for a CO-OP grant with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is quickly approaching on November 1.