Dec. 3, 2007

State-Fish Art Contest Calls for Entries

ATHENS, Texas — Texas students in grades 4 through 12 are invited to enter the tenth annual Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest. Deadline for entries is March 31, 2008.

Whooping Crane Numbers Break Record Fifth Year In A Row

AUSTIN, Texas — Wildlife scientists report that for the fifth year in a row a record-breaking number of whooping cranes have completed their winter migration to the Coastal Bend area of Texas. So far, 257 whoopers have reached Texas, breaking the previous count of 237 whoopers present during last year’s winter, and experts predict more are on the way.

Nov. 30, 2007

Texas Clipper Resting on Port Side; TPWD Studying Options

AUSTIN, Texas — When the USTS Texas Clipper finally plunged beneath the surface of the Gulf of Mexico in a plume of spray at 12:35 p.m., Nov. 17, it’s fair to say the mood aboard many of the boats chartered to observe the sinking was euphoric.

Nov. 20, 2007

Holt Appoints Bass to Texas Deer Breeding Interim Committee

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Chairman Peter Holt of San Antonio has appointed Chairman Emeritus Lee Bass of Fort Worth to an interim committee that will study deer breeding issues before the next session of the Texas Legislature.

Nov. 19, 2007

Increased State Park Funding Brings Positive Changes

AUSTIN, Texas — Christmas came early this year to dozens of state parks throughout Texas, thanks to lawmakers and voters who gave a strong thumbs-up to more funding for parks. That’s good news for families planning a state park outing during the upcoming holiday season.

TPW Commission Approves $400,000 Grant for Off-highway Vehicle Park

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife commission recently approved a $400,000 grant for the development of the Escondido Draw Recreational Area, a new off-highway vehicle park located near Ozona in Crockett County.

Spanish Hunter Education Course Offered in Central Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is offering a hunter education course in Spanish designed for hunters of all ages on Dec. 15-16 at Cabela’s in Buda. The course will not only benefit current hunters who speak Spanish, but for Spanish-speakers considering the activity for the first time, it’s a good way to learn more.

Chaparral WMA Adds More Public Quail Hunting Opportunity

AUSTIN, Texas — Due to improving resource conditions on the Chaparral Wildlife Management Area near Cotulla, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is providing 11 additional days of public quail hunting opportunity at the WMA.

Nov. 14, 2007

Texas Clipper Artificial Reef Sinking Postponed

AUSTIN, Texas — A ship with three lives — World War II troop transport, New York City luxury liner, and sea cadet training vessel — is about to make her final journey. Weather permitting, the Texas Clipper will be sent to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico Nov. 17* to become an artificial reef.

Nov. 12, 2007

Proposal Would Require Permits to Sell/Possess Venomous Snakes

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved the publication of proposed regulations that would require a new permit for people who sell, transport or possess venomous snakes not indigenous to Texas, plus four species of pythons and one species of anaconda.