AUSTIN – On March 20, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved all the proposed changes to the saltwater fishing regulations. These changes are intended to streamline regulations for the entire Texas coast for spotted seatrout and modified regulations for certain species to be in line with federal rules to reduce confusion among anglers for sharks and cobia.
AUSTIN – In 2010, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and partners established an ambitious 10-year conservation goal to restore and conserve 10 self-sustaining populations of the official state fish, Guadalupe bass, in creeks and rivers of central Texas. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of a passionate and committed network of public and private partners, that goal was realized in 2019. To celebrate, TPWD is partnering with the Texas Council of Fly Fishers International (TX-FFI), San Gabriel Fly Fishers, Bass Pro Shops and Living Waters Fly Fishing on a prize giveaway program to reward anglers for catching the state fish.
AUSTIN – On March 20, The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted a suite of changes to this year’s freshwater fishing regulations that includes modifications to the length limits and harvest regulations for largemouth bass, Alabama bass and alligator gar in certain areas. The proposed changes to alligator gar regulations also include a nighttime prohibition on bow fishing on the Trinity River, mandatory harvest reporting statewide except for Falcon Lake, and the creation of a drawing for harvest opportunities on the Trinity River.
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) confirmed the presence of common salvinia at Kurth Reservoir near Lufkin after being notified of the presence of the invasive plant by a City of Lufkin employee March 18.
AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved just over $16 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 38 community parks across the state.
AUSTIN— Two Texas game wardens were recognized by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director Carter Smith as recipients of Officer of the Year awards by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Texas Game Warden Association for their outstanding work in law enforcement during the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting in Austin March 20.
AUSTIN— Spectacular displays of blue, pink, red and yellow are blanketing the state, and Texas State Parks offer picturesque settings for family photos of this year’s parade of wildflowers away from busy roadways.
AUSTIN- The private recreational angler red snapper season opens Saturday, June 1, 2019 for a projected 97-days in federal waters. Red snapper fishing is open year around in state waters. The season length is based on historical landing data, last year’s fishing effort data and the increase in the state’s allocation from the 2018 stock assessment. Bag and size limits will remain unchanged; 2 fish per person daily with a 16-inch minimum size limit in federal waters, and 4 fish per person daily with a 15-inch minimum in state waters.
AUSTIN – With spring approaching, iconic coastal birds like brown pelicans, roseate spoonbills, black skimmers, and reddish egrets are starting to build nests, lay eggs, and raise their young in colonies on small, inshore islands along the Gulf Coast of Texas. The nesting islands, or rookeries, often support thousands of birds that utilize all available island habitat. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is cautioning Texas boaters and anglers to watch out for nesting birds, which are particularly sensitive to manmade disturbances.
AUSTIN – Texas game wardens are giving notice that attempts to circumvent laws regulating commercial seafood operations will not go unpunished. The message was delivered in several East Texas counties during a recent two-day dragnet inspection operation.