Aerial surveys for lesser prairie-chickens will begin March 17 and run through mid-May in Texas and four other states containing habitat the bird needs to thrive. The surveys are conducted annually by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) to ascertain population trends and how the bird is responding to management strategies identified in the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Range-wide Conservation Plan.
AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is building its next generation of elite state law enforcement officers with the 61st Texas Game Warden Cadet class. Applications are open now through April 30.
ATHENS—Texas anglers will have another species to target this spring. In March, the Guadalupe River Chapter of Trout Unlimited (GRTU) will stock approximately 900 brown trout averaging 14 inches in the Canyon Dam tailrace.
FRISCO, TX – The Toyota Texas Fest presented by JBL (TTF) has released the star-studded concert lineup for the 2016 event at Toyota Stadium, May 20–22, 2016. Daily concert lineups will be headlined by Lee Brice, Kip Moore and Big & Rich with Cowboy Troy. To further enhance spectator entertainment, TTF has announced the Lone Star Food Fest hosted by Dean Fearing.
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the state’s hunting and fishing regulations for 2016-17.
ATHENS—Families looking for a place to have an inexpensive, rewarding family vacation during spring break need look no farther than the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens.
ATHENS—The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) is proud to announce that it is now part of Toyota Texas Fest presented by JBL, a three-day festival of events to be held May 20-22 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco. In addition to celebrating the 10-year anniversary of TTBC, Toyota Texas Fest will enable the event to further its mission to help broaden the audience reach and ultimately increase the awareness and funding for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Toyota Texas Fest presented by JBL will include concerts, an outdoor festival and fun activities for all ages.
ATHENS— Free fishing will once again be allowed at the Tyler Nature Center during our annual spring break trout event from March 7 through 10 (8:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon). No fishing license is required, and anglers will be allowed to harvest up to five trout each.
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.
AUSTIN —Fisheries staff with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are considering proposals to adjust bass and catfish fishing regulations in specific waters and areas, move saugeye under walleye harvest regulations, and clarify length limits on black drum and amberjack and rules prohibiting snagging of fish with pole-and-line.