Feb. 23, 2017

Game Warden Field Notes, Feb. 23, 2017

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

Three Leased Public Fishing Access Areas Open for White Bass Anglers

AUSTIN – White bass are one of Texas’ most sought after game fish, especially when they make their annual spring spawning migration into rivers above reservoirs. Now that those fish are on the move, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) River Access and Conservation Area program has opened free public access sites for anglers at three of the best white bass runs in the state.

Feb. 22, 2017

Whole Earth Provision Co. Hosts Banff Film Festival Benefiting Texas State Parks

AUSTIN — For the sixth consecutive year, Whole Earth Provision Co. will be donating proceeds from the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour to Texas State Parks.

Feb. 21, 2017

Texas Game Wardens Lead Successful Joint Operation Bahia de Aransas

AUSTIN – Texas game wardens over the weekend wrapped up a successful six-day multiagency initiative, called Operation Bahia de Aransas, designed to increase law enforcement presence along the coastal bend region. The initiative was in response to increased commercial oyster activity in Aransas, Carlos and Mesquite bays.

Biologists Confirm Genetics of First ShareLunker Offspring Entered into Program

ATHENS – In March 2006, angler Edward Reid pulled a staggering 14.48-pound largemouth bass from the depths of Lake Conroe near Houston. On Feb. 10, nearly 11 years later and more than 234 miles away, angler Ryder Wicker caught the 13.07-pound offspring of that fish from Marine Creek Lake near Fort Worth.

Feb. 16, 2017

TPWD Taking Comment on Proposed Hunting and Fishing Regulation Changes

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the state’s hunting and fishing regulations for 2017-18.

TPWD Announces New Paddler Camp Sites on Iconic Devils River

AUSTIN – The Devils River is one of the premier paddling and fishing destinations in Texas, drawing outdoor enthusiasts each year to enjoy the preserved natural beauty, excellent sport fishery, and native wildlife along its clear waters. But the river is not for the faint of heart.

Feb. 15, 2017

Lone Star Law Second Season Premieres Sunday, Feb. 19

AUSTIN – The nation will once again be able to ride along with Texas Game Wardens as they patrol more than a quarter-million square miles of Texas’ deserts, lakes, piney wood, bayous, plains and coastline as the second season of Lone Star Law premiers this Sunday, Feb. 19. at 9 p.m.

South Llano River State Park Designated as an International Dark Sky Park

JUNCTION — Nestled just off IH-10 on the western edge of the hill country is the International Dark-Sky Association’s newest appointee – South Llano River State Park located just outside of Junction. The International Dark-Sky Park designation will ensure the protection of the park’s dark skies not only for the park’s natural resources, but also for the local community and out-of-town visitors to enjoy.

Feb. 13, 2017

First 2017 Toyota ShareLunker Collected at Marine Creek Lake

ATHENS — Fort Worth angler Ryder Wicker caught the first Toyota ShareLunker of the 2017 season Feb. 10 at Marine Creek Lake. But this wasn’t the only “first” he checked off the list – this particular fish outweighs the former water body record holder by more than 2 pounds, and is likely the first ShareLunker caught from a group of selectively bred largemouth bass that were stocked by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Inland Fisheries biologists 11 years ago.