Dec. 20, 2012

Rare tropical bird spotted in Austin

The fork-tailed flycatcher, native to Central and South America, was spotted by birder Shelia Hargis Saturday near McKinney Falls State Park during Travis County Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count.

TPWD Seeks Input on Possible Coastal Fisheries Regulation Changes

AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has scheduled three public scoping meetings in January to gather input about possible regulation changes for 2013-14. The scoping items include incorporation of a rule regarding recreational possession limit, clarification of fish harassment rules, bonus red drum tag requirement changes and new possession rules in state waters for aquatic resources in excess of federal limits.

Dec. 14, 2012

Toyota ShareLunker 538 Comes from Lake Fork

ATHENS—Gary Sims of Gunter, Texas, caught Toyota ShareLunker 538 from Lake Fork December 12. The fish weighed 15.02 pounds and was held for pickup at Oak Ridge Marina, an official Toyota ShareLunker weigh and holding station.

Dec. 13, 2012

This New Year, Resolve to Go Outdoors

For years, two of the most popular New Year’s resolutions have been to begin a fitness program, and spend more time in nature. Now, for the second year in a row, you can combine both by participating in First Day Hikes at a Texas State Park near you on Jan. 1.

Dec. 12, 2012

Rainbow Trout Coming to Tyler’s Nature Center

TYLER — The East Texas Woods and Waters Foundation (ETWWF) and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will host two special fishing events in January 2013. Two thousand rainbow trout will be stocked into The Nature Center pond to provide a free fishing opportunity for area youth and their adult fishing mentors. Event dates are January 5 and 12, 2013, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., rain or shine.

Dec. 6, 2012

Master fly-fisher to teach classes at TFFC January 12, February 9

ATHENS—Are you looking for an unusual Christmas present for an angler in your family? Or perhaps just wanting to learn about fly-fishing yourself?

Master Naturalist Program Seeking Applicants

AUSTIN — Twelve chapters of the Texas Master Naturalist program are conducting 2013 winter/spring training classes for volunteers wanting to learn about natural resource and conservation management.

Dec. 4, 2012

‘Tis the Season to Start a New Family Tradition – Holiday Gatherings in Texas State Parks

AUSTIN – Why not reserve a group facility at one of 70 state parks and spend several days establishing a new holiday tradition in the great outdoors? Serve turkey and all the trimmings in a recreation hall that comes with a full kitchen or gather before a roaring fireplace in an open-air pavilion to sing carols and rejoice in the season.

Nov. 30, 2012

Increased Access Available for Guadalupe River Trout Anglers

AUSTIN—Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has signed temporary leased access agreements with four Guadalupe River property owners to expand free public fishing access to the trout fishery downstream of Canyon Reservoir.  In addition, new access sites for anglers are slated to open on the Brazos, Neches and Colorado rivers in time for high-quality spring fishing opportunities.

Nov. 29, 2012

Volunteers taking first step toward restoring fire-ravaged Lost Pines

AUSTIN – Thanks to corporate and individual donations, volunteers working with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff are beginning to replant the fire-ravaged Lost Pines.