Feb. 23, 2021

Public Help Sought to Report Fish and Wildlife Impacted by Winter Storm Uri

AUSTIN – Recent snowfall and freezing temperatures affected many fish and wildlife species throughout the state and now Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is asking for the public’s help in reporting any animal mortality events they observe on their property, ranches, or in their neighborhoods through this project on the iNaturalist website. Citizens are encouraged to report observations so that biologists can better understand the impacts of Winter Storm Uri to natural resources.

Feb. 5, 2021

Toyota ShareLunker Program Caps off the 2020 Season

AUSTIN – Anglers across the state entered 340 lunker bass greater than 8 pounds in the Toyota ShareLunker program from 86 lakes during the 2020 season, which wrapped up Dec. 31. In addition to helping produce bigger, better bass for Texas lakes, anglers who enter their big bass catches in the program receive special recognition and prizes, including an entry into a year-end drawing to win a $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree and an annual fishing license.

Feb. 2, 2021

Anglers Bag Two More Toyota ShareLunker Legacy Class Lunkers and Two Tournament Titles on Final Weekend of January

AUSTIN – The 2021 Toyota ShareLunker season continued its hot start after anglers reeled in two more Legacy Class Lunkers during the final weekend of January. That brings the total to four this year, equaling the amount caught during the 2020 season with two more months still to go. In addition, both anglers went on to win their respective tournaments due in large part to landing the Legacy Lunkers.

Jan. 28, 2021

Texas State Park Rangers to Stream Live Black History Month Programs Throughout February

AUSTIN— Park rangers from around Texas, including the Buffalo Soldier Heritage Outreach Program and the Texas Outdoor Family staff, are debuting a new series of virtual programs celebrating Black History throughout the month of February.  The series will culminate in a live, interactive Black History Trivia Challenge for the public at 6 p.m. on Feb. 27.

Jan. 27, 2021

Hueco Tanks State Park, Historic Site Designated as National Historic Landmark

EL PASO – After many years of work and a long application and nomination process, Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site was recently designated as a National Historic Landmark. The federal designation, as recognized by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, acknowledges that the site holds cultural and historical significance to the entire United States.

Balmorhea Closure Extended Due to Ongoing Construction

AUSTIN— Due to ongoing construction projects, Balmorhea State Park has extended its closure for the foreseeable future. A reopening date will be announced at a later date.

Jan. 19, 2021

Big Bass are Back as Lake Austin Produces Second Toyota ShareLunker Legacy Class Entry of 2021

AUSTIN – In less than a week, the second Legacy Class largemouth bass of the 2021 Toyota ShareLunker season was reeled in at Lake Austin Thursday evening January 14. Angler CJ Oates, from Lago Vista, Texas, caught the 13.02-pounder just a few days after “ShareLunker 586” was claimed at Sam Rayburn.

Jan. 15, 2021

Despite Pandemic, Great Texas Birding Classic Saw Record Participation in 2020

AUSTIN — For the first time, the 24th annual Great Texas Birding Classic (GTBC) took place in fall instead of spring last year after having been postponed due to the public health crisis. The postponement allowed event organizers to further plan and implement health and safety measures. Despite postponement, the event garnered a record 138 teams registered, with a total of 650 participants across the state.

Jan. 13, 2021

More Than 2,600 Visitors Hit the Trails for a First Day Hike at a Texas State Park

AUSTIN— Visitors from across Texas laced up their shoes and packed on plenty of layers to usher in 2021 with a First Day Hike at a Texas State Park. In total, 2,668 people hiked and biked a total of 8,173 miles statewide.

Sam Rayburn Logs First Toyota ShareLunker Legacy Class Bass Entry of 2021

AUSTIN – The second weekend of the 2021 Toyota ShareLunker season produced the first Legacy Class largemouth bass at Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Angler Travis Moore reeled in the 13.44-pounder using a Carolina rig during the Bass Champs tournament Saturday January 9.