July 29, 2008

Game Warden Field Notes, July 29, 2008

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

July 25, 2008

Texas Game Wardens Head Home, State Parks Staff Work to Reopen Valley Parks

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens redeployed from the Rio Grande Valley to their home counties this morning as state parks officials began cleaning up storm debris in area parks.

July 24, 2008

Texas State Parks Provide Refuge in the Storm

As in past natural disasters, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is opening the gates of Texas state parks to evacuees from Hurricane Dolly. Campsites and screen shelters will be offered free to those who need a temporary place to stay.

July 21, 2008

Hunting Licenses Go On Sale August 15

AUSTIN, Texas — New hunting and fishing licenses for 2008-09 will be available beginning Friday, Aug. 15, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is encouraging hunters to buy early and avoid the rush heading into the Sept. 1 dove season opener.

Hunter Education Classes Filling Up During Summer

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is encouraging hunters in need of certification to enroll soon as hunter education courses are filling up fast. As hunting seasons draw closer, demand for hunter education classes is expected to increase.

July 14, 2008

Deadly Holiday Weekend Prompts Water Safety Warnings

AUSTIN, Texas — During the July 4 holiday weekend, at least 13 Texans drowned in public waters. Seven of those were in North Texas, and together they bring the total number of water-related fatalities in Texas to 66 for this year. More than half of those deaths did not involve boats.

Galveston Island State Park to Host Texas Outdoor Family Outings

AUSTIN, Texas — If you’ve been wanting to take the family on a camping trip, but weren’t quite sure how to put up a tent, what equipment to take and where to go to camp, the Texas Outdoor Family program is right up your alley. The first Texas state park-hosted TOF pilot program will be held on Aug. 4-5 at Galveston Island State Park. Huntsville State Park will host a TOF workshop Sept. 13-14.

July 8, 2008

Consumption Advisory Issued for Spotted Seatrout from Galveston Bay

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of State Health Services today advised limiting consumption of spotted seatrout (commonly called "speckled trout") and all species of catfish from Galveston Bay because of concerns about chemicals known as PCBs and dioxins. This marks the first time the state health department has issued an advisory for an inshore  gamefish species from an entire major bay system.

Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Season to Open July 15

AUSTIN, Texas — The Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp season for both state and federal waters will open 30 minutes after sunset Tuesday, July 15, 2008. The opening date is based on an evaluation of the biological, social and economic information to maximize the benefits to the industry and the public.

Texas Public Hunt Applications Now Online

AUSTIN, Texas -The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be conducting special drawings for hunts and applications for these quality, affordable hunting experiences are available online now.