AUSTIN — This year’s early teal hunting season is expected to be one of the best seasons seen by Texas hunters in quite some time as conditions affecting the waterfowl’s migration and habitat are above average for this time of year.
AUSTIN— Texas Game Wardens closed the summer boating season with water safety checks and boating safety patrols on the lakes, rivers and bays in Texas over the extended Labor Day weekend. Between Friday and Monday, water safety checks were conducted on more than 3,800 vessels statewide. Additionally, 267 citations and 412 warnings were issued for various boating safety law violations.
AUSTIN — Just in time for hunting season, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is hosting a series of mentored hunting workshops for first time hunters looking to learn how to safely and ethically harvest wild game. The workshops will take place at Texas State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) throughout the state and participants will have an opportunity to develop the skills needed to be successful in the field and build a foundation for their hunting tradition. These workshops are followed by an actual mentored hunt on the area.
AUSTIN – Labor Day weekend is approaching and Texans around the state are making plans to take advantage of extra time on the waterways. Compared to this time last year, incidents on the water are up 55 percent while boating injuries having increased 68 percent. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is reminding everyone to be safe this holiday weekend by following basic boating safety precautions and public health guidelines while on the water.
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is proposing changes to regulations regarding harmful or potentially harmful fish, shellfish and aquatic plants. The proposed changes significantly reorganize the existing rules to enhance accessibility, meet the changing needs of the regulated community, and address current and potential future threats posed by these exotic species.
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will begin the Alligator Gar Harvest Authorization drawing application process on September 1. This year’s opening date is a change from the August 15 date that was in place when the drawing system was implemented last year.
AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved just over $15 million in competitive local park grants to help fund projects that will create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities like nature trails, native gardens, playgrounds, splash pads, dog parks and sports fields at 30 community parks across the state.
AUSTIN – With ongoing public health concerns continuing across the state, the August meeting of the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) Commission scheduled for August 26-27 will be streamed virtually on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s website.
AUSTIN— Drop that remote and grab those binoculars, the 24th Annual Great Texas Birding Classic (GTBC) is kicking off fall with its annual bird watching competition. For the first time ever, this spring event has moved to the fall due to the public health crisis. Coinciding with the fall migration, the GTBC is perfect for novice birders and nature lovers who want to get outside and take part in the competition. The deadline to enter is Sept. 14.
AUSTIN- The oyster mariculture industry is open for business. This new industry on the Texas coast allows people to lease public waters to grow and harvest oysters commercially. You can now apply for permits and start the process of opening an oyster farm online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) website.