AUSTIN- Per regulation, the Texas commercial and recreational public oyster harvest season opens Nov. 1 and closes April 30, 2024. In an effort to protect and restore oyster reefs showing signs of environmental stress, many shellfish harvest areas will be closed to fishing at the beginning of this season.
AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received confirmation of a case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Medina County, marking the fifth detection since 2015 in a deer-breeding facility in the county.
AUSTIN — The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in domesticated swans in Nueces County. As expected by disease experts, HPAI is circulating among wild birds in Texas as fall migration begins for waterbirds and waterfowl.
AUSTIN— Texas Travel Alliance (TTA) named Texas State Parks the 2023 Heritage Award winners Oct. 17 at the annual Texas Travel Summit.
AUSTIN— Next week, Texans will have an opportunity to head to their local voting centers and cast their ballots on several constitutional amendments, including Proposition 14. If adopted, Prop 14 would create the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, allocating $1 billion from state government surplus to acquire and develop new state parks across Texas.
TERLINGUA— Campsites and many facilities at the Big Bend Ranch State Park Complex will be closed for the safety of park visitors during wildlife surveys Oct. 25 – 28. During the surveys, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wildlife Biologists will be counting desert bighorn sheep by helicopter and performing the lethal removal of non-native aoudad (barbary sheep) when encountered.
AUSTIN- Lingering drought conditions throughout much of Texas could present challenges as waterfowl hunters prepare for the start of the new season. The dry habitat conditions in many parts of the state are not ideal for ducks and duck hunters, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists. However, weather pattern changes, timely cold fronts and significant rain could boost hunters’ prospects.
AUSTIN — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is seeking public comment before its November Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting on proposed changes to carcass disposal regulations.
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) law enforcement reports. Images of individual field notes are available upon request from the TPWD press office.
AUSTIN— Texas State Parks received the 2023 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management Wednesday morning.