Sept. 4, 2020

Texas Game Wardens Stress Water Safety During Labor Day Weekend

AUSTIN – Labor Day weekend is approaching and Texans around the state are making plans to take advantage of extra time on the waterways. Compared to this time last year, incidents on the water are up 55 percent while boating injuries having increased 68 percent. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is reminding everyone to be safe this holiday weekend by following basic boating safety precautions and public health guidelines while on the water.

Aug. 27, 2020

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Awards $15.7 Million in Local Park Grants to Texas Communities

AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved just over $15 million in competitive local park grants to help fund projects that will create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities like nature trails, native gardens, playgrounds, splash pads, dog parks and sports fields at 30 community parks across the state.

Aug. 24, 2020

Great Texas Birding Classic Moves to Fall for First Time Ever

AUSTIN— Drop that remote and grab those binoculars, the 24th Annual Great Texas Birding Classic (GTBC) is kicking off fall with its annual bird watching competition. For the first time ever, this spring event has moved to the fall due to the public health crisis. Coinciding with the fall migration, the GTBC is perfect for novice birders and nature lovers who want to get outside and take part in the competition. The deadline to enter is Sept. 14.

Aug. 9, 2020

Three Texas Parks and Wildlife Employees Perish in Helicopter Crash During Bighorn Sheep Survey

AUSTIN— While conducting aerial surveys for desert bighorn sheep in West Texas on Saturday, Aug. 8, three Texas Parks and Wildlife Department employees died in a helicopter crash on TPWD’s Black Gap Wildlife Management Area in Brewster County.

July 31, 2020

Park Rangers Statewide Recognized for World Ranger Day

AUSTIN— Every year on July 31, World Ranger Day is an opportunity to take a moment to recognize the unwavering commitment towards park stewardship by the many park rangers at the 89 Texas State Parks that make up our state park system. Initially created by the International Ranger Federation, World Ranger Day celebrates the work park rangers do daily to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage.

July 24, 2020

Toyota ShareLunker Program Generates Thousands of Big Bass Offspring in 2020

ATHENS – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Toyota ShareLunker Program is having another outstanding year in its goal to create, bigger, better bass in Texas. After obtaining two successful spawns from one of the four 13 pound or larger Legacy Class bass loaned to the selective-breeding program in 2020, the department’s hatchery staff produced more than 28,000 fingerlings to benefit Texas public waters.

July 15, 2020

Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Nominations Accepted Through Nov. 1

ATHENS — The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame committee is seeking nominations through Nov. 1, 2020 for individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to freshwater fishing in Texas for next year’s induction into the hall of fame.

July 7, 2020

Balmorhea Closure Extended to Fall 2020

TOYAHVALE— Due to construction delays caused by the public health crisis, Balmorhea State Park’s closure has been extended until the fall. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department remains in constant consultation with onsite contractors to ensure that the projects are completed safely and in as timely a manner as possible.

July 1, 2020

Texans Urged to Be Safe on the Water Over July 4th Weekend

AUSTIN – With the July 4th holiday weekend on the horizon, Texans around the state are making plans to take advantage of the sunshine on the state’s waterways. Compared to this time last year, drownings are up more than 30 percent, so the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is reminding everyone to be safe this holiday weekend by following basic boating safety precautions and public health guidelines while on the water.

June 29, 2020

Big Time Texas Hunts Offers First Ever Guided Hunting and Fishing Trip at Powderhorn WMA

AUSTIN — For the first time in its 20-year history, a lucky winner has a chance to claim not one, but two one-of-a-kind experiences through the same package as part of the Big Time Texas Hunts drawing. One fortunate outdoorsman or woman and a guest can claim a guided saltwater fishing trip in tandem with a new big game hunting package at Powderhorn Wildlife Management Area, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s newest WMA on Matagorda Bay.