June 25, 2014

Statewide Boat-draining Rule Takes Effect July 1

ATHENS – Beginning July 1, boaters must drain all water from their boat and on-board receptacles before leaving or approaching a body of fresh water anywhere in Texas.

June 24, 2014

Texas Game Wardens Enhance BWI Enforcement Efforts

AUSTIN – Law enforcement officers across the U.S. are gearing up for Operation Dry Water – the nation’s boating while intoxicated (BWI) awareness and enforcement campaign. The nationwide event will take place June 27-29.

June 6, 2014

Celebrate Free Fishing Day This Saturday

AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is beginning summer park festivities with free fishing day this Saturday as part of National Fishing and Boating Week.  On June 7, Texans can fish on any public waters in the state without a fishing license.

June 4, 2014

Texas Game Warden Marine Theft Team Finds Success

AUSTIN – Since its formation a year ago, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Marine Theft Investigations Team has recovered more than 100 stolen boats valued at some $800,000.

May 29, 2014

“Never Happens” Tells True Stories of Water Tragedies

AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has released a sobering video aimed at motivating teens and young adults to follow simple safety guidelines while boating. It debuts in the wake of an unusually high number of drownings and fatal boating accidents across the state in recent weeks.

May 27, 2014

Memorial Day Weekend Very Busy for Texas Game Wardens

AUSTIN — Texas game wardens investigated seven drowning deaths and another four boating-related fatalities over what proved to be one of the state’s deadliest Memorial Day weekends.

May 22, 2014

Game Wardens Stress Water Safety

AUSTIN—Since May 9, at least twelve people have lost their lives on Texas waters in boating or swimming accidents worked by Texas Game Wardens, an unusually high number of fatalities before the Memorial Day weekend. With the big weekend approaching, Texans are heading to lakes, rivers and coastlines to enjoy the water. Game wardens and boater education experts are doing everything they can to make it a safe boating season, but could use a little help.

Zebra Mussel Rules Now Expanded Statewide

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved a new regulation requiring that all boats operating on public fresh water anywhere in Texas be drained before leaving or approaching a lake or river to help combat the further spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species.

May 14, 2014

Free Food, Fishing to Highlight National Fishing Day at Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

ATHENS, Texas—The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens will kick off National Fishing and Boating Week on June 7 by making a family fishing trip affordable with free admission for kids 12 and under plus free fishing for the whole family.

May 9, 2014

Game Warden Field Notes, May 9, 2014

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