Sept. 16, 2015

Chronic Wasting Disease Confirmed in Lavaca County Captive White-tailed Deer; Linked to Index Herd

AUSTIN – The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) announced that a captive white-­‐tailed deer in a Lavaca County deer breeding facility has been confirmed positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station detected the presence of CWD in samples submitted, and the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa confirmed the findings today.

Sept. 14, 2015

Texas Game Wardens Destroy $6 Million Marijuana Farm on Cooper WMA

AUSTIN – Public hunters pursuing feral hogs at Cooper Wildlife Management Area in northeast Texas over the weekend stumbled upon a sophisticated marijuana growing encampment having more than 6,500 mature plants with a street value estimated at more than $6 million.

Sept. 4, 2015

Texas Game Wardens Out in Force for Labor Day Weekend

AUSTIN — Texas game wardens will be patrolling the state’s public waters this Labor Day Weekend to make sure all boaters, anglers and swimmers get home safely. They will be on the lookout for boat operators who have had too much to drink.

Fifth Annual Bison Music Festival Supports Bison Restoration Projects

QUITAQUE – With music, art, food and family fun, the fifth annual Texas State Bison Music Festival invites the public to celebrate the state’s official bison herd in Quitaque on Sept. 19.

Falcon Offers Bountiful Bass, Alligator Gar

ATHENS—Booming populations of largemouth bass and alligator gar give anglers two good reasons to fish Falcon Reservoir.

Sept. 1, 2015

Life’s Better Outside: Get Out There!

ATHENS—Do you want to learn to camp? Kayak? Fly fish? Cook gourmet campfire meals? Learn more about snakes and fish and other wildlife? Win prizes in a fishing tournament? Spend time with your family outdoors?

Aug. 31, 2015

Reminder to Take Hunter Education before Heading to the Field

AUSTIN — With hunting season right around the corner, it’s time to get your hunter education certification.

Aug. 21, 2015

Wood County Game Warden Honored

AUSTIN — Wood County Game Warden Kurt Kelley was recognized as the Association of Midwest Fish and Game Law Enforcement Officers’ Texas Officer of the Year at Thursday’s Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director Carter Smith presented the award for Kelley’s outstanding work as a law enforcement officer.

Game Warden Field Notes, Aug. 21, 2015

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

Aug. 20, 2015

State Parks Recovering After Torrential Memorial Day Floods

AUSTIN— After flooding left more than 50 Texas state parks drenched over the Memorial Day weekend, communities and park staff statewide have banded together to clean up, restore, and reopen most of the damaged sites. Thanks to their efforts, only four parks remain closed; Cedar Hill State Park, Lake Somerville State Park (all units), Lake Whitney State Park, and Ray Roberts Lake State Park (all units).