May 13, 2021

Game Warden Field Notes, May 13, 2021

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

Texas Parks and Wildlife Partners with City of Abilene for “Abilene Outdoor Adventures 2021”

ABILENE – Mark your calendars and gear up for Saturday, June 5 to participate in Abilene Outdoor Adventures 2021 at Cal Young Park in Abilene. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is teaming up with the City of Abilene to host the free event that is open to participants of all ages. Since June 5 is Free Fishing Day in Texas, anyone can fish even if they don’t have a fishing license.

San Pedro Ranch Receives Texas Leopold Conservation Award

AUSTIN – San Pedro Ranch, located near Carrizo Springs, will be awarded the state’s highest honor for private land conservation, and a $10,000 award, at the Lone Star Steward Virtual Awards Banquet on May 27. Anyone can join the livestreamed banquet and can find more information on how to tune in, along with information on other award winners, on the Lone Star Land Steward page of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website.

May 7, 2021

Gulf Shrimp Season Closing on Saturday, May 15, 2021

AUSTIN- The Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp season for both Texas and federal waters will close 30 minutes after sunset on Saturday, May 15, 2021until a still-to-be determined date in July. While the statutory opening date for the gulf season is July 15, the Coastal Fisheries Division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will be sampling shrimp populations this summer to determine the optimum opening date.

May 6, 2021

"Bowhunter By Fall" Aims to Help Archers Get Ready to Hit the Field this Fall

AUSTIN –Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Community Archery Program wants to help Texans learn how to harvest their own meals, join a tradition in the outdoors, and improve on or learn a new skill through “Bowhunter by Fall” .Through monthly and bi-monthly e-newsletters filled with videos and tips, archers can learn how to travel from behind the keyboard to behind the bow just in time for the fall hunting season.

May 4, 2021

Federal Red Snapper Season Opens June 1

AUSTIN- The private recreational angler red snapper season in federal water opens Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Bag and size limits will remain unchanged. The regulations are 2 fish per person daily with a 16-inch minimum size limit in federal waters, and 4 fish per person daily with a 15-inch minimum in state waters. Red snapper caught in federal waters count as part of the state bag limit of 4 fish. No more than 4 red snapper may be in your possession while fishing in state waters and no more than 2 in federal waters.

April 30, 2021

Texas State Parks Provide Physical, Mental and Economic Benefits for Texans

AUSTIN, TX — Each year over 8 million people visit Texas State Parks, a number that continues to increase. Texas State Parks provide more than just recreation but also help enhance the well-being of Texans. Studies have shown that time spent outdoors can help improve mood, problem-solving abilities and physical health.

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center Announces Inaugural “Spring Spawning Run”

ATHENS — The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is hosting the first statewide virtual 5K “Spring Spawning Run” to celebrate the fish spawning season and recognize the importance of state fish hatchery efforts to enhance the fisheries resources and fishing opportunities for more than two million anglers in Texas. This year’s 5k run will take place virtually the entire month of May, which means participants can show their support from anywhere in the state at their own pace.

April 29, 2021

Lone Star Land Steward Ecoregion Award Winners, Virtual Banquet Date Announced

AUSTIN – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is proud to reveal the 2021 Lone Star Land Steward Ecoregion Award winners. This year’s group of award winners represent a variety of conservation goals and accomplishments, all of which display excellence in natural resource management and stewardship.

April 27, 2021

Zebra Mussels Detected at Lake Brownwood

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has detected invasive zebra mussels at Lake Brownwood in the Colorado River Basin, southeast of Abilene. Zebra mussel larvae were detected in plankton samples collected at two sites approximately three miles apart at Lake Brownwood in November. This is the second lake in the Upper Colorado River Basin where zebra mussels have now been detected, which indicates this species is continuing to spread westward.