AUSTIN — As occasional bear sightings continue to crop up in the west and southwestern portions of the state, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) encourages residents to practice bear safety as the likelihood of spotting a bear in a populated area increases. Black bears are native to Texas and are a part of our natural heritage and the Texas ecosystem.
AUSTIN – The Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest (TBTF) is heading back to Lake Fork for the second year in a row, bringing world class bass fishing, shopping, and a variety of outdoor activities to Texas’ most iconic bass fishing lake. The event is scheduled for Nov. 5-8 and benefits the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife law enforcement reports.
AUSTIN — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Law Enforcement office locations have now reopened to the public. Appointments are no longer required, except at the Austin Headquarters. Offices will be open during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
AUSTIN – Expectations are high for the archery hunting season opening day thanks to recent rain events, mild temperatures and reported deer movement throughout the state. The archery-only season opens on Oct. 3 and runs through Nov. 6.
AUSTIN – On Oct. 5, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) debuts a new online permitting system for applications to stock triploid grass carp that eat and control a variety of over-abundant aquatic plants. The permitting system offers streamlined and improved features, and this is the first of several agency permits coming to the new online system.
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) confirmed the resurgence of giant salvinia on Lake Athens and Lake Gilmer following surveys on each waterbody.
AUSTIN – This Saturday, Sept. 26 is National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF), and Texas hunters and anglers are encouraged to invite others to join them in their outdoor adventures. Whether it is a child or grandchild, friend, co-worker, neighbor or someone completely new to hunting and fishing, recreating in the outdoors is a great way to bond over a new activity.
AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will be launching a new conservation license plate to raise money to help conserve monarch butterflies and other native Texas, non-game, at-risk species. The public is invited to vote for their favorite design for the new monarch butterfly license plate through an online survey that is open until Oct.3.
AUSTIN – An exciting project is in the planning and design phase with public comments now being accepted for a new 8,000 square foot Inland Fisheries District Office building at Lake Corpus Christi State Park. The project is a collaborative effort between the State Park and Inland Fisheries Divisions of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The planning and design phase is expected to be completed in the spring of 2021 followed by the start of construction by the end of 2021.