Nov. 21, 2005

TPWD Game Warden Field Notes, Nov. 21, 2005

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

Nov. 7, 2005

TPWD Unveils Possible Hunting and Fishing Rule Changes

AUSTIN, Texas — The success of resource management efforts on a variety of fronts has led Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists to recommend several possible changes to next year’s hunting and fishing regulations. Among the topics being considered include: an expansion of special regulations affecting the harvest of whitetail bucks based on antler characteristics, creation of an upland game bird management permit program and elimination of the trophy red drum and tarpon tagging requirements.

Oct. 31, 2005

Application Deadline Is Nov. 5 for Big Time Texas Hunts

AUSTIN, Texas — The Lone Star State boasts some of the finest hunting anywhere in the country, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Big Time Texas Hunts offer hunters a chance to experience the best of the best. But, you can’t have a shot at the action if you don’t apply and deadline for entries is Nov. 5.

Migratory Bird Report Gives Hunters a Weekly ‘Heads-Up’

AUSTIN, Texas — In an effort to give migratory bird hunters a ballpark view of what to expect during an upcoming trip, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offers a weekly migratory game bird hunting report.

Panhandle Boasts Boom Quail Production

AUSTIN, Texas — Quail are famous for their “boom and bust” cycles. In other words, in good years there are a lot of quail, in poor years there aren’t any. In the Panhandle region of Texas, this is more than just a good year for quail — it’s an awesome year for quail!

Oct. 27, 2005

Youth Only Hunting Weekend Full of Opportunity

AUSTIN, Texas — Passing the hunting tradition through the generations and providing opportunities for young hunters this fall are the goals of special youth-only seasons.

Oct. 24, 2005

Conditions Bode Well for Deer Hunting Success

AUSTIN, Texas — Dry range conditions across much of Texas heading into the general deer season should bode well for hunters looking to fill their tags, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists.

Wildlife Experts Advise Hunters About Avian Flu

AUSTIN, Texas — State and federal wildlife experts say the chance of people in Texas encountering wild migratory birds with HPAI H5N1 avian influenza this year is remote. However, authorities are launching proactive efforts to detect the disease if it comes to North America and they’re advising hunters about game bird handling to reduce general disease risks.

Oct. 17, 2005

Biologists Assess Resource Damage From Hurricane Rita

AUSTIN, Texas — Wildlife and fisheries biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department say the full impacts on natural resources from Hurricane Rita may not be realized for some time, but assessments in East Texas and along the upper coast in recent weeks indicate substantial damage to some ecosystems.

San Pedro Ranch Wins Range Management Award

AUSTIN, Texas — The San Pedro Ranch owned by Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Chairman Joseph Fitzsimons and his family has received the 2005 Outstanding Rangeland Stewardship Award from the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Assoc. and the Texas Section of the Society for Range Management.