AUSTIN, Texas — Quail are considered by wildlife officials to be a keystone indicator species of the health of grassland ecosystems. When their numbers fall, other species that inhabit those ecosystems follow in a domino effect. A diverse cooperative, working under the umbrella of the Texas Quail Conservation Initiative, is making landscape level conservation progress to help ensure the dominos won’t topple.
The following are excerpts from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.
AUSTIN, Texas — The success of resource management efforts on a variety of fronts has led Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists to recommend several possible changes to next year’s hunting and fishing regulations. Among the topics being considered include: an expansion of special regulations affecting the harvest of whitetail bucks based on antler characteristics, creation of an upland game bird management permit program and elimination of the trophy red drum and tarpon tagging requirements.
AUSTIN, Texas — The Lone Star State boasts some of the finest hunting anywhere in the country, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Big Time Texas Hunts offer hunters a chance to experience the best of the best. But, you can’t have a shot at the action if you don’t apply and deadline for entries is Nov. 5.
AUSTIN, Texas — Quail are famous for their “boom and bust” cycles. In other words, in good years there are a lot of quail, in poor years there aren’t any. In the Panhandle region of Texas, this is more than just a good year for quail — it’s an awesome year for quail!
AUSTIN, Texas — Quail hunters have enjoyed the rewards of ideal range conditions and above normal bird production during the last couple of years. Although hunting prospects are still favorable heading into the 2005-06 season, they probably won't measure up to recent years in a few locales where it has gotten dry over the summer.
AUSTIN, Texas — On Aug. 29 in Missouri, bobwhite quail supporters from Texas and other southeastern states will present a case study on a nationwide push to save quail at the White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation, one of only a handful of wildlife case studies to make the conference agenda.
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is announcing a new promotion in which buyers of the Super Combo hunting and fishing license will automatically be entered in a series of drawings to win outdoor gear shopping sprees and state parks passes.
AUSTIN, Texas — New hunting and fishing licenses for 2005-06 will be available beginning Monday, Aug. 15, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is reminding customers to be aware of some significant changes. All current annual hunting and fishing licenses expire on Aug. 31.
AUSTIN, Texas — With the fall hunting season looming on the horizon, now’s the time to apply for drawn public hunts. For over 50 years, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been offering quality, affordable hunting experiences through the special drawings for hunts offered through the department’s Public Hunting Program.