AUSTIN – Hunters can start making plans for the upcoming seasons now by applying for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Drawn Hunts. The online system is currently accepting applications and the first hunt category deadline is less than a month away.
AUSTIN — The Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp season for both state and federal waters will open 30 minutes after sunset Friday, July 15. The opening date is based on an evaluation of the biological, social and economic information to maximize the benefits to the industry and the public.
AUSTIN – “Roads are at the core of humanity’s journey. They satisfy our desire to reach out past the horizon and discover what lies beyond the familiar… Over the centuries, the road known as El Camino Real has lain silently watching the journey of humanity. The road carried both cargo and culture; it fostered conflict and cooperation. In the meantime, the land now known as Texas was changed forever—a transformation that was delivered along El Camino Real.”
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.
AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Great Texas Birding Classic celebrated its 20th anniversary this year with a record 750 participants enjoying a range of tournament categories that appeal to all levels, from novice to avid birders. The Classic also awarded $36,000 in conservation grants, bring the total to $880,500 of on-the-ground habitat acquisition, restoration and enhancement projects since the Classic first began.
AUSTIN— Unlock the rich history surrounding Texas State Park lands and buildings with new research data collected by the Historic Sites and Structures program at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
AUSTIN – Government trustees planning the next phase of Texas restoration following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill are calling for new or revised restoration proposals by Aug. 31. Coming next spring, the trustees will release a draft restoration plan containing proposed Texas restoration projects and associated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents for public review and comment.
On June 29, the Menard County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Game Wardens served an evidentiary search warrant on a ranch in eastern Menard County that was conducting an alleged illegal large-scale marijuana growing operation. Texas Game Wardens initially spotted the marijuana while conducting an aerial patrol of the county.
AUSTIN – Thirteen new cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) were confirmed at a Medina County captive white-tailed deer breeding facility on June 29.
ATHENS— Three more Texas lakes are being added to the list of lakes affected by zebra mussels. Lake Livingston, Eagle Mountain Lake and Lake Worth all tested positive for zebra mussels. As we head into the Independence Day weekend, these new findings serve as a good reminder to boaters to “Clean, Drain and Dry” their boats, trailers and gear every time they travel from one lake to another to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species.