July 15, 2021

Invasive Silver Carp Found in Texas Waters; Anglers Urged to Prevent Bait Bucket Transfers

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received a report in late June that an invasive silver carp had been spotted in Choctaw Creek, a Texas tributary of the Red River approximately 15 miles downstream from Lake Texoma. A bow angler, Stephen Banaszak, first reported the finding and two specimens were provided to TPWD and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) who confirmed they were silver carp.

July 9, 2021

Game Warden Field Notes, July 9, 2021

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

July 8, 2021

Texas Game Wardens Wrap up Busy July 4th Weekend Boating Safety Efforts

AUSTIN – Thousands of Texans and out-of-state visitors headed to Texas lakes, rivers and coastal bays to celebrate the Independence Day weekend. Texas Game Wardens were out in force to ensure everyone stayed safe on the water.

Commercial Gulf Shrimp Season Opens Thursday, July 15

AUSTIN- The Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp season for both state and federal waters will reopen 30 minutes after sunset on Thursday, July 15, 2021. Biologists evaluate the biological, social and economic impact when deciding the opening date to maximize the benefits to the industry and the public.

July 7, 2021

Great Texas Birding Classic Exceeds $1 Million in Grant Awards

AUSTIN—At the close of the biggest, longest, wildest birdwatching tournament in the country, organizers of the Great Texas Birding Classic (GTBC) announced a huge philanthropic milestone. Thanks to Texans who have been forming teams for a quarter-century to watch and listen for as many species of birds as possible, funds raised for conservation projects has topped $1 million.

July 6, 2021

Bipartisan Wildlife Proposal Would Enhance Fish and Wildlife, Add Jobs, and Grow Businesses in Texas

AUSTIN— During the pandemic, Texans headed back to nature in record numbers, with more people visiting state parks, hunting, fishing, and boating than ever before. A new congressional proposal aims to tap that exploding interest by investing more than $50 million per year in Texas for wildlife recovery and related public education and recreation, a move expected to boost the state’s already booming nature-based economy into overdrive.

July 1, 2021

2021-22 TPWD Drawn Hunt Permit Applications Now Being Accepted

AUSTIN — Hunters looking for a new opportunity or a change of scenery this fall are encouraged to check out the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) drawn hunt permits program. Applications are being accepted now for a shot at almost 10,000 permits in 61 hunt categories.

Six Tips to Beat the Heat Before Hitting the Trails at a Texas State Park

AUSTIN— Last year, as temperatures soared into the triple digits in Texas, staff at 39 Texas State Parks handled 132 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets. Now that the summer has officially begun and temperatures are steadily climbing, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is sharing their top six heat hacks for staying safe in the outdoors.

Seis Consejos Útiles para Combatir el Calor Antes de Recorrer los Senderos de los Parques Estatales de Texas

AUSTIN — El año pasado, cuando las temperaturas subíeron y sobrepasaron los tres dígitos en Texas, el personal de 39 Parques Estatales de Texas atendió 132 casos de enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, tanto en personas como en mascotas.  Ahora que oficialmente ha iniciado el verano y las temperaturas empiezan a elevarse, el Departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Texas les ofrece sus seis consejos más importantes para mantenerse seguros al aire libre.

June 30, 2021

Texas Game Wardens Participating in Operation Dry Water This July Fourth Weekend

AUSTIN – The Fourth of July holiday weekend is quickly approaching and those enjoying Texas waterways are finalizing their plans. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is reminding everyone to be safe this holiday weekend by following basic boating safety precautions while on the water.