Dec. 12, 2008

Game warden Field Notes

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

Nov. 26, 2008

TPWD Seeking Public Input on Possible Pheasant Season Changes

AUSTIN, Texas — Any doubts that the Panhandle pheasant hunting season opener is a big deal need only spend some time at the Amarillo airport — it’s their busiest weekend of the year.

Deer Smugglers from Texas, Minnesota, Sentenced to Prison

AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas man and a Minnesota man were both sentenced to federal prison terms yesterday for illegally transporting white-tailed deer across state lines.

Winter Rainbows Arc Across Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — For an inexpensive, entry-level fishing experience the entire family can enjoy, it doesn’t get much easier than winter rainbow trout fishing in Texas.

Hill Country State Natural Area trail named ‘Most Challenging Ride’

BANDERA, Texas-Texas Horse Talk magazine readers have named a limestone trail through Hill Country State Natural Area the "Most Challenging Ride" in Texas. The trail, named Stair Step, leads horseback riders up a hill of narrow limestone steps, guaranteeing a perilous and exhilarating ride.

Texas State Parks Celebrate The Holiday Season

AUSTIN, Texas — For families seeking to spend time together during the holidays without spending a lot of money, try looking outdoors. Texas parks host plenty of activities during the holiday season that cater to all varieties of interests and age groups. From cookie decorating to Christmas concerts, there is something to interest every member of the family.

Nov. 18, 2008

Nature Conservancy Buys 7,000 Acres to Expand Big Bend Ranch State Park

AUSTIN, Texas — The Nature Conservancy of Texas has purchased the 7,000-acre Fresno Ranch in far West Texas and plans to transfer it to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the purchase price of about $2.6 million. The deal culminates 20 years of work to remove the largest remaining in-holding inside Texas’ biggest state park, expands hiking and public access, and protects desert springs, Rio Grande river frontage, diverse wildlife and rich cultural resources.

Nov. 17, 2008

New State Park to Open Near Brownsville Dec. 6

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Resaca de la Palma State Park — Texas’ newest state park and the eighth link in the World Birding Center chain stretching the breadth of the Rio Grande Valley — will host a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6 in this border city.

Nov. 12, 2008

Genetically Superior Bass Stocked into Lakes Austin and Nacogdoches

ATHENS, Texas-Texas Parks and Wildlife Department this week stocked 32,000 six-inch largemouth bass with trophy genes into Lakes Austin and Nacogdoches.

Nov. 10, 2008

TPWD to Consider Sweeping Deer Hunting Regulation Changes

AUSTIN, Texas -The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has transitioned away from political boundaries for the purpose of monitoring white-tailed deer populations and toward biologically-based communities or Resource Management Units (RMUs).