April 3, 2018

Wildflowers and Blooming Plants Putting on a Show at Texas State Parks

AUSTIN— Texas State Parks have gone Technicolor with a show stopping display of bright blues, vibrant pinks, deep reds and rich yellows.

Bastrop State Park Pool Closing for Major Renovation

BASTROP– On Monday, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department began a major renovation of the Bastrop State Park Pool to repair significant leaks and upgrade mechanical equipment. The project, which is expected to be completed by the end of the summer, will cause the pool to close during the 2018 season.

April 2, 2018

Sam Rayburn Reservoir Produces Final Legacy Class ShareLunker of 2018

AUSTIN – Sam Rayburn Reservoir produced the final Toyota ShareLunker Legacy Class largemouth bass entry with just hours left in the 2018 donation season March 31.  Angler Stacy Spriggs of Huntsville caught the 13.06 pound, 27 inch Legacy Class lunker during the Second Annual Stanley Burgay Memorial Bass Tournament on a Carolina rig in 8 feet of water.

March 30, 2018

April is State Parks Month at Whole Earth Provision Co.

AUSTIN — For the seventh year in a row, Whole Earth Provision Co. will support Texas State Parks throughout the month of April during their “April is Texas State Parks Month” fund drive at all eight locations across the state. The Texas-based travel, adventure and nature store will give all funds gathered during the effort to help fund state parks’ day-to-day operational expenses, including enhanced visitor programs, park trail maps and facilities maintenance.

Largemouth Bass Conservation License Plate Enhances Fishing Across the State

AUSTIN – Since 2002, thousands of anglers have contributed more than $675,420 to improve fishing in Texas by purchasing the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s largemouth bass conservation license plate (CLP). But many anglers may not know exactly how that money directly benefits their favorite fishing hole.

March 26, 2018

Kurth Reservoir Produces First Toyota ShareLunker Bass

AUSTIN – For the first time in the 32 year history of the program, Kurth Reservoir in Lufkin has produced a Toyota ShareLunker entry. Angler Pablo Torres Jr. of Lufkin caught the 13.34 pound, 26 inch Legacy Class lunker in less than 8 feet of water while fishing with his son-in-law at the lake March 25.

March 23, 2018

Game Warden Field Notes, March 23, 2018

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

March 22, 2018

Parks and Wildlife Commission Expands CWD Containment Zone in Panhandle

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved expansion of the state’s chronic wasting disease (CWD) Panhandle Containment Zone following the discovery of the disease earlier this year in a roadkill white-tailed deer.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission Awards $8.7 Million in Local Park Grants to Texas Communities

AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved just over $8 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 26 community parks across the state.

Texas Game Warden Recognized as National Wild Turkey Federation Wildlife Officer of the Year

AUSTIN— At Thursday’s Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director Carter Smith recognized Texas Game Warden Carlos Maldonado as the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Texas Wildlife Officer of the Year.