Feb. 8, 2017

Texas Parks and Wildlife Seeks Contractors for $70 Million in Repair Projects

AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has more than 68 repair and improvement projects, with a total construction value at over $70 million, which must be bid and encumbered into construction contracts by this August, thanks to funding provided during the 84th legislative session in 2015. For builders who like the idea of working in state parks, it can offer a nice change of pace compared to big city projects. Anyone is encouraged to bid, but the agency makes special efforts to appeal to minority and woman-owned businesses, following state purchasing rules.

Feb. 7, 2017

Five Texas Programs among 2017 George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar Education Fund Grantees

AUSTIN – The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the George H.W. Bush Vamos a Pescar Education Fund announced five Texas Parks and Wildlife Department partnered fishing organizations as grant recipients to help bring conservation, education and fishing and boating experiences to Hispanic families.

Feb. 2, 2017

The 2nd Lone Star Lionfish Symposium Hosts Public Forum

GALVESTON – The public will soon have a chance to ask the experts about the spiky, venomous fish invading Texas coastal waters and threatening natural resources.

Feb. 1, 2017

Annual Texas Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Dates Set for 2017

AUSTIN —Each February for more than 15 years, countless volunteers spend 10 days on the water along the Texas coastline searching the bays for abandoned crab traps left to foul shrimpers’ nets, snag anglers’ lines, “ghost fish,” and create unsightly views. To date, they’ve hauled off more than 32,000 of these derelict traps.

Jan. 31, 2017

TPWD, Local Bass Club Work to Rebuild Fish Habitat in Stamford Reservoir

ABILENE — Christmas came early for “Big Country” anglers this year as Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Inland Fisheries staff and the local Friends of Reservoirs organization, the Still Waters Bass Club, partnered up to place 150 donated Christmas trees as fish attractors Jan. 28 in the Stamford Reservoir near Abilene.

Jan. 30, 2017

TPW Commission Approves Shad Collection and Sale Rules

AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission at its Thursday, Jan. 26, public hearing approved changes to the regulations on the possession and sale of gizzard and threadfin shad collected from public waters.

Jan. 27, 2017

TPWD Releases Freshwater Fishing Regulation Proposals for 2017-18

AUSTIN — Changes to harvest regulations for bass in the Devil’s River highlight this year’s list of proposed freshwater fishing regulation changes.

Jan. 26, 2017

TPWD Proposing Changes to Hammerhead Shark and Grouper Regulations

AUSTIN —The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking public comment on proposed modifications to hammerhead shark and grouper regulations. The proposed changes would alter the current size and possession limits for hammerhead sharks and grouper to be consistent with federal regulations. This will reduce confusion for anglers fishing in state and federal waters and enhance compliance, administration and enforcement. All public input will be considered prior to any action by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission at its March 23 public hearing.

TPWD Closing Oyster Harvest in St. Charles Bay

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is closing TX-31 in St. Charles Bay to commercial and recreational oyster harvest on Monday, Jan. 30. 2017.

Game Warden Field Notes, Jan. 26, 2017

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