Dec. 24, 2021

TPWD Sets Public Scoping Meetings to Gather Input on Spotted Seatrout Regulations

AUSTIN- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking public input on the proposed rules changing bag and size limits for spotted seatrout on the middle and lower Texas coast. The proposed rules would reduce the spotted seatrout bag limit to 3 fish and restrict the allowable size to 17-23 inches for two years. The goal of this rule is to leave more spawning fish in the water for two spawning seasons in order to help the populations recover quickly from the 2021 winter storm. These regulation changes would only affect Matagorda Bay, San Antonio Bay, Aransas Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, and the Upper and Lower Laguna Madre systems.

Oct. 7, 2021

TPWD Sets Public Meeting Oct. 14 to Gather Input on Thermal Refuge Closure Areas

AUSTIN- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking public input on the draft proposed rules impacting thermal refuge closure areas at a public meeting being held on Zoom Thursday, October 14 at 6 p.m. These rules allow the TPWD Executive Director to close thermal refuge areas during freeze events to protect marine resources as well as effect the criteria used to close and re-open these areas to angling.

Aug. 27, 2021

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Special Meeting on CWD Set for Sept. 15

AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) Commission will hold a special meeting on proposed rules related to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).  Earlier this year, the discovery of CWD in six  deer breeding facilities necessitated the filing of emergency rules in an attempt to stop the further spread of this disease.  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff has been working with Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and numerous stakeholder groups to develop rules that will ultimately replace the emergency rules.

March 4, 2021

Public Input Sought on Texas Hunting Regulation Proposals for 2021-2022

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is now taking public comment on the following proposed changes to the 2021-2022 Statewide Hunting and Migratory Game Bird Proclamations:

Feb. 24, 2021

Public Input Sought on Texas Saltwater Fishing Regulation Proposals for 2021-2022

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is now taking public comment on the following proposed changes to the 2021-2022 Statewide Recreational Fishing Proclamation:

Public Input Sought on Texas Freshwater Fishing Regulation Proposals for 2021-2022

AUSTIN – Changes to length and bag limits for blue and channel catfish statewide and at specific locations highlight this year’s list of proposed freshwater fishing regulation changes. The proposed changes also include minor modifications to passive gear float dimensions.

Oct. 30, 2020

TPW Commission Meeting, Annual Public Hearing to be Held Online Nov. 9-10

AUSTIN— Due to ongoing public health concerns across the state, the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) Commission’s Meeting and Annual Public Hearing will be streamed virtually on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) website Nov. 9 and 10.

Sept. 16, 2020

Public Comment Now Open for New Fisheries District Office Building

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.

Aug. 28, 2020

Changes Proposed to Texas Exotic Aquatic Species Regulations

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.

Aug. 24, 2020

August Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Meeting to Be Held Online

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.