Aug. 10, 2009

Drowning Victim Recovered on Calaveras Lake

SAN ANTONIO — Authorities this morning recovered a body on Calaveras Lake believed to be a missing San Antonio man whose boat capsized around midnight Saturday.

Aug. 6, 2009

New Lesser Prairie-Chicken Brochure Available For Landowners

LUBBOCK, Texas — A new brochure titled "A Shared Future" details how the lesser prairie-chicken is an indicator of rangeland health and part of the West Texas heritage, how it could affect agriculture and rural property if the bird is listed as threatened or endangered, and what landowners and others can do to conserve wildlife habitat and safeguard the region’s economy, outdoor recreation opportunities and natural legacy.

Texas to Delay Mottled Duck Harvest Five Days

AUSTIN, Texas — Duck hunters in Texas will once again get the liberal waterfowl season with a 74-day season and six bird daily bag limit framework during the 2009-2010 general waterfowl seasons, but mottled ducks will be off the table during the first five days. The framework has been approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is pending adoption by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission at its Aug. 27 public meeting.

Dry Conditions Could Boost Dove Hunting Prospects

AUSTIN, Texas — Despite extended drought conditions across much of Texas, wildlife biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department suggest there has been enough moisture to set the stage for good hunting this dove season.

Aug. 5, 2009

New Guides Make Texas State Park Visit a Breeze

AUSTIN, Texas — Texans still looking to take a summer trek amid a sputtering economy without breaking the bank need look no further than a nearby Texas state park for an affordable and enjoyable vacation destination. To help you plan and make the most of a visit to many of the state’s natural and cultural gems, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offers two new, free publications.

Aug. 3, 2009

Pilot Survives Plane Crash at Lake Whitney State Park

AUSTIN, Texas — A small, single-engine private plane crashed and caught fire around 10:15 a.m. today near the public airfield inside Lake Whitney State Park. The sole occupant, the pilot, was transported in stable condition to Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth.

July 31, 2009

Texas State Parks Coping with Summer Heat, Drought

AUSTIN, Texas — Visitation to more than 90 Texas state parks, up significantly in June compared to last year, remains steady this summer, even as much of central and south Texas  suffers with above-normal temperatures and severe drought conditions that have negatively impacted river flows and lake levels, and sent all but the hardiest campers indoors.

July 30, 2009

Texas Drought Takes Toll on Springs, Rivers, Lakes, Bays

AUSTIN, Texas — A scorching one-two punch of prolonged low rainfall and record high temperatures in central and southern Texas is stressing fish and other aquatic creatures, especially rare species that depend on spring flows, and decreased river flows are sending salt content in mid-coast bays soaring. Nonetheless, biologists say fishing is actually good in many parts of Texas, and some fisheries could even improve long-term.

July 29, 2009

"Bud the Ox" Dies at Barrington Living History Farm

WASHINGTON-ON-THE-BRAZOS, Texas — Barrington Living History Farm in Washington County northwest of Houston seems a little emptier this week.

July 28, 2009

Texas Anglers Strike Back at Invasive Aquatics

ATHENS, Texas — Texas anglers and boaters get it: Invasive aquatic species are a real and growing threat to their ability to do what they love to do-but they don’t have to stand by and watch it happen.