April 21, 2020

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Confirmed in Texas, Die-Offs Reported

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has received test results confirming that Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) was diagnosed in a wild black-tailed jackrabbit in Lubbock County and a wild cottontail rabbit in Hudspeth County. This marks the first confirmed cases of RHD in wild rabbits in Texas and follows the discovery of the disease in domestic rabbits in Hockley County, which was announced in a recent Texas Animal Health Commission news release.

April 20, 2020

Texas State Parks Reopen for Day-Use

AUSTIN—Texas State Parks will begin reopening for day-use only April 20 as part of a broader effort to begin reopening the state of Texas.  Per Governor Abbott’s direction, new restrictions in effect include requiring visitors to wear face coverings and maintain a six-foot distance from individuals outside of their party, and prohibiting the gathering of groups larger than five.

April 14, 2020

Don’t Touch the Wildlife. Seriously.

AUSTIN- With more people enjoying the outdoors and working from home this April, you may start to notice more wildlife in your backyard, neighborhood or surrounding area. Species including birds, deer and snakes are active this time of year and their young often stray or appear to be abandoned. But wildlife experts caution against lending a helping hand.

April 9, 2020

Game Warden Field Notes, April 9, 2020

The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife law enforcement reports.

April 7, 2020

Texas State Parks Temporarily Close to the Public

AUSTIN—At the direction of Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas State Parks will be closed to the public effective at the close of business Tuesday, April 7 in order to maintain the safest environment for visitors, volunteers and staff. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will continue to stay current with the latest public health recommendations and will announce when a definite reopening date has been determined.

April 6, 2020

TPWD CO-OP Awards More Than $820,000 in Grants to Texas Communities

AUSTIN – Texas families will have an opportunity to experience the outdoors thanks to $822,444 in 20 grants awarded this year through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP). These grants support community-based conservation and outdoor recreation programs and activities such as archery, fishing, camping, hiking, kayaking, nature education and more.

April 3, 2020

Texas Outdoor Family Program Hosts Virtual Ranger Programs Throughout April Leading up to Family Camp-In May 2

AUSTIN— The Texas Outdoor Family (TOF) program is leading the #TexasOutdoorFamilyCampIn, a month long online initiative encouraging families to learn outdoor skills together. This series, taking place through April, will culminate in a backyard or indoor camp-in throughout the state on Saturday, May 2.

April 1, 2020

Last Legacy Lunker of 2020 Lured in From O.H. Ivie

AUSTIN— O-M-G is right, O.H. Ivie, about an hour east of San Angelo, has produced the fourth and final Toyota ShareLunker “Legacy Class” entry over 13 pounds during the final weekend of the 2020 donation season March 29.

March 31, 2020

Under the Texas Sky Podcast Starts New Season April 1

AUSTIN— We’re not fooling around when we tell you April 1 marks the beginning of the second season of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s podcast, Under the Texas Sky. The podcast brings the great outdoors to listeners through the experiences of everyday people, as well as experts inside and outside of the agency.

TPWD Sets Federal Red Snapper Season for 2020

AUSTIN- The private recreational angler red snapper season opens Monday, June 1, 2020 for a projected 63-days in federal waters. Red snapper fishing is open year around in state waters. The season length is based on historical landing data, last year’s fishing effort data and the state’s allocation from the 2019 stock assessment. Bag and size limits will remain unchanged; 2 fish per person daily with a 16-inch minimum size limit in federal waters, and 4 fish per person daily with a 15-inch minimum in state waters.