Sept. 1, 2016

Game Warden Field Notes

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

Aug. 31, 2016

Play it Safe on the Water over Labor Day Weekend

AUSTIN— In the first eight months of 2016, 88 people died on Texas rivers and lakes due to drowning, trauma and other causes. Many of these tragedies can be avoided, which is why Texas game wardens are asking boaters, anglers and swimmers to make a promise to friends and family during the Labor Day holiday weekend to stay safe out on the water and follow these basic guidelines:

Thursday’s Dove Hunting Season Opening Day a Big Deal in Texas

AUSTIN – The first of September in Texas sounds a lot like the fourth of July with the steady “pop, pop, pop” of shotgun reports as upwards of a quarter million dove hunters take to the fields across the state for the tradition-rich opening day of the season.

Aug. 26, 2016

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Evaluating Houston Toad Safe Harbor Agreement

AUSTIN — A proposal going out for public comment through Oct. 28 would allow Texas private landowners to voluntarily enter into agreements to benefit the endangered Houston toad, and in return receive assurances that they will not be held liable for incidental take (accidentally harming or killing an endangered species).

“Lake Dudes” Videos Use Humor To Stop Invading Giant Salvinia

AUSTIN – Government agencies are often tasked with informing people about pressing issues. Yet information has a hard time competing for attention. People like entertainment. Enter the “Lake Dudes,” animated characters created to catch the attention of boaters, hoping to stop the spread of an invasive water weed that threatens to take over Texas lakes.

Aug. 25, 2016

TPW Commission Adopts New Rules for Statewide Oyster Fishery

AUSTIN- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission today adopted new regulations for the statewide oyster fishery that reduce commercial possession limits and establish additional harvest restrictions. The new rules affect both the recreational and commercial harvest of oysters.

TPW Commission Adopts New CWD Zones, Deer Movement Rules

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission today approved new rules establishing chronic wasting disease (CWD) zones and restricting live deer movement authorized under permits to or from properties within those areas.

Employee Achievement Recognized at TPW Commission Meeting

AUSTIN— Two Texas Parks and Wildlife Department employees were recognized at Thursday’s TPW Commission meeting by Executive Director Carter Smith for their outstanding work in various fields.

Aug. 19, 2016

Texas Parks and Wildlife Receives Federal Grant for Work on Deadly Bat Disease

This month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded $32,719 to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for work to monitor and manage white-nose syndrome (WNS), a deadly disease that has decimated bat populations in other states. Bat Conservation International, a nonprofit based in Austin, will do much of the work using the grant funds.

Aug. 18, 2016

TPWD to Hold Three Drawings for Lifetime Licenses

AUSTIN – Each year as the fall hunting seasons get underway, Texas hunters and anglers shed their expired, folded and hopefully well-used patchwork of a license and replace it with a freshly-purchased one.