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TPWD News Releases

Oct. 22, 2026

Dan A. Hughes Unit of Devils River SNA Celebrates Opening with Ribbon Cutting

DEL RIO – With citizens and honored guests on hand, the Dan A. Hughes Unit of Devils River State Natural Area was celebrated with speeches, refreshments and a ribbon cutting on Friday, Oct. 9, at the unit’s headquarters.

Oct. 21, 2026

New World Screwworm Detected in Hunter-Harvested Elk in Pecos County

AUSTIN — On Oct. 21, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received confirmation of a detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in a hunter-harvested female elk in Pecos County. A sample was collected from the elk and was identified and confirmed as NWS at the ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville.

Oct. 14, 2026

Quail Surveys Indicate Another Quality Hunting Season on the Horizon

AUSTIN – Quail season kicks off Nov. 1, and the annual Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) roadside survey signaled good population numbers going into opening day. Good habitat conditions, along with timely rainfall, helped bobwhite and scaled quail production.

Oct. 12, 2026

TPWD Biologists Say Adaptability, Improving Habitat are Keys for a Successful Waterfowl Season

AUSTIN – As the 2026-27 waterfowl hunting season approaches, lower bird numbers and fluctuating habitat conditions will require hunters to be flexible and ready to take advantage when habitats evolve throughout the year.

Oct. 8, 2026

Se Esperan Buenas Cifras de Captura de Venado de Cola Blanca para la Temporada de Caza 2026-27

AUSTIN — Los biólogos del Departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Texas (TPWD) indican que los cazadores pueden esperar buenas cifras de captura y oportunidades para encontrar machos de calidad durante la temporada 2026-27. Tras tres años de tasas de supervivencia de crías superiores al promedio, la población de venado de cola blanca en Texas ha aumentado a una cifra estimada de 5.64 millones.

Oct. 7, 2026

Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site Celebrates 32nd Annual Community Fair

EL PASO, Texas — Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site invites the public to its 32nd Annual Community Fair on Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2027 Youth Fish Art Contest Welcomes Entries

ATHENS – The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) has opened the Texas division of Wildlife Forever’s 2027 Fish Art Contest for entries. The Texas division of the contest will celebrate 20 years in 2027 thanks to the vision of Mr. Richard M. (Dick) Hart, a conservation leader who helped bring the program to the state. Mr. Hart was a successful business and family man with a passion for fishing, conservation, and TFFC.

Oct. 1, 2026

White-tailed Deer Harvest Numbers Expected to be Good for 2026-27 Hunting Season

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists indicate hunters can expect good harvest numbers and opportunities for quality bucks during the 2026-27 season. Following three above-average years of fawn survival, the Texas white-tailed deer population has climbed to an estimated 5.64 million.

Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area to Gain Trails System with Acquisition

ROCKSPRINGS –  Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area, currently open by guided access only in Edwards County, is poised to become a more ‘traditional’ SNA within the Texas State Parks system thanks to the acquisition of 1,200 acres on the western property line.

Sept. 30, 2026

Inks Lake State Park to Host Fourth Annual ‘Explore Bowhunting’ Event

AUSTIN – Inks Lake State Park is set to host an ‘Explore Bowhunting’ event in Burnet for the fourth time, brought to the public by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Community Archery program along with the Texas Game Wardens, Operation Game Thief, Texas Youth Hunt Program, Hunter’s Ed, Outdoor Tomorrow Foundation, Archery Trade Association and other local partners.