March 19, 2019

TPWD Sets Federal Red Snapper Season for 2019

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.

March 15, 2019

Anglers, Boaters Stay Clear of Coastal Waterbird Rookeries

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.

March 14, 2019

Texas Game Wardens Send Warning to Commercial Seafood Scofflaws

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.

March 12, 2019

Texas Parks and Wildlife Debuts “Under the Texas Sky” Podcast

We are of nature and it is in us. That’s the premise of a new long-format audio podcast from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department called Under the Texas Sky. Former KUT-FM Austin (NPR) host and current Passport to Texas radio series producer Cecilia Nasti is “audio sherpa” of the new podcast, which presents stories about nature and the outdoors through experiences of everyday people, as well as via experts inside and outside the agency.

March 11, 2019

Two ShareLunkers Caught Back to Back from Lake Fork, Lake Conroe Over the Weekend

AUSTIN – Two largemouth bass over 13 pounds were caught by anglers in Texas over the weekend, bringing the total number of “Legacy Class” Toyota ShareLunker entries up to four for the selective breeding program’s 2019 donation season ending March 31. The fish were caught out of the top two ShareLunker producing lakes of 2018 – Lake Fork and Lake Conroe.

March 8, 2019

Game Warden Field Notes, March 8, 2019

The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.

March 7, 2019

10 Family Fishing Ideas for Spring Break in Texas

AUSTIN – Many Texans opt outside to reconnect with nature after a long winter, but spring break adventures aren’t limited to swimming, camping and hiking. Fishing also offers a great way for families to experience the diverse aquatic life and scenic places that Texas has to offer.

March 6, 2019

14th Annual Texas-National Archery Championship To Draw Record Number of Competitors to Belton March 28 & 29

AUSTIN – In the 14th year of offering a state tournament opportunity for Texas schools participating in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®), a record 2,597 students from 111 schools will meet in Belton March 28 & 29 at the Bell County Expo Center to contend for awards and the chance to qualify to move-on to the NASP® national Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky in May.

March 5, 2019

Experience New Places and Adventures This Spring Break at a Texas State Park

AUSTIN— With Spring Break around the corner, Texans everywhere will be looking for new ways to explore. Take a walk on the wild side this year with a one-of-a-kind experience at a Texas State Park.

March 4, 2019

Texas Turkey Hunters Should See Abundance of Boss Gobblers this Spring

AUSTIN – With lots of mature toms across the Rio Grande turkey range, persistent Texas hunters should have a good shot at a long beard this spring. Wildlife biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department say conditions are shaping up for a productive nesting season, which could also make for challenging hunting.