TPW Commission Approves Changes to Freshwater Fishing Regulations for 2023-24
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted multiple changes to the freshwater fishing regulations for the upcoming 2023–24 season at the March 23 meeting.
TPWD News Releases
March 23, 2023
TPW Commission Approves Changes to Saltwater Fishing Regulations for 2023–24
AUSTIN – On March 23, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved all the proposed changes to the saltwater fishing regulations. These changes are focused on matching federal regulations to streamline both enforcement and compliance issues.
March 21, 2023
Chronic Wasting Disease Discovered in Deer-Breeding Facilities in Zavala, Washington and Gonzales Counties
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) received confirmation of seven new cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in three separate deer-breeding facilities in Zavala, Washington and Gonzales counties. These cases mark the first detection of the disease in each county.
First Texas Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Mammals
AUSTIN- The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed this week the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a striped skunk recovered from Carson County.
March 20, 2023
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 Detected in Bosque and Ector Counties
AUSTIN- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), in conjunction with National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) and several Texas landowners, has detected the presence of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) in Bosque and Ector Counties. This case in Bosque County is the ninth and most easterly Texas county to have a confirmed case of RHDV2; TPWD is also investigating suspected cases in Mason County. Several counties in west and central Texas that have had recent confirmed cases of RHDV2 continue to report rabbit mortalities; counties with recently confirmed RHDV2 cases include El Paso, Brewster, Terrell, Gillespie, Reeves, Mills, Pecos, Ector, and now Bosque County. TPWD is currently investigating additional suspect cases in Mason County. The carcasses of two wild jackrabbits were found on a resident’s property in Bosque County and were collected for testing in early March after they were reported to be dead with blood coming from the nose. The clinical signs of RHDV2 can include dullness/apathy, not eating, bleeding from the nose and eyes or watery, congested eyes, however most rabbits are found already deceased.
“Fishing Fools Day” Kicks Off April at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
ATHENS – The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is welcoming in the month of April with its annual “Fishing Fools Day” on Saturday, April 1. The event is designed to celebrate all things fishing, with activities scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
March 17, 2023
O.H. Ivie Tallies Another Legacy Class Lunker
ATHENS – O.H. Ivie continued adding to its record run of massive largemouth bass on Wednesday with its 14th Legacy Class fish of the 2023 Toyota ShareLunker collection season. Ryan Muhlig of Colby, Kansas, landed 13.64-pound ShareLunker 649, powering O.H. Ivie’s historic run forward while bumping the overall season total to 17 Legacy Class fish.
March 16, 2023
TPWD Seeks Public Input for the 2024 Land and Water Plan
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking public input to help inform future management directions of the agency. TPWD’s mission is to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Public input can be made through Friday, April 14, by completing a Texas A&M University online survey.
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Returns to Austin After Two-Year Hiatus
AUSTIN — Adventure lovers, grab your popcorn and head to the historic Paramount Theatre in downtown Austin May 5 and 6 for the return of the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. This is the 16th year that Whole Earth Provision Company has hosted the tour in Austin and the 10th year that Texas State Parks has been the beneficiary of the event. The Austin audiences are among the largest of the festival tour.
TPWD Reminds Hunters of Mandatory Harvest Reporting in Select Texas Counties Ahead of Season Opener
AUSTIN- As the Texas spring turkey season rapidly approaches, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reminds hunters that all counties with a one-bird bag limit have mandatory harvest reporting requirements. Hunters must report their harvest within 24 hours through the My Texas Hunt Harvest app or the TPWD website.