AUSTIN — With more people enjoying the outdoors this spring season, you may start to notice more wildlife in your backyard, neighborhood or surrounding areas. Species including birds, deer and snakes are active this time of year and their young can be mistaken as abandoned. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) experts caution against lending a helping hand.
AUSTIN— For the 11th year, Whole Earth Provision Co. will celebrate April is Texas State Park Month by hosting a fund drive supporting Texas State Parks. The Texas-based travel, adventure and nature store will give all funds gathered at its seven Texas store locations to help finance day-to-day operational expenses, including enhanced visitor programs, park trail maps and facilities maintenance.
AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) asks Texans to weigh in on their favorite designs for a new conservation license plate to support wildlife viewing and nature tourism programs. Voters have until April 21 to complete a short online survey, where they will be able to choose between three images proposed for the Greater Roadrunner license plate. Survey results will help the agency decide which of three photographic designs should be featured on the new specialty plate.
TYLER– Beginning Monday, March 28, the Tyler community will have a new location to service its boating, fishing and hunting needs. Housing divisions including Texas Game Wardens, Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and State Parks, the facility will act as a one-stop-shop for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) business.
AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved hunting regulations for the 2022-23 season at its public meeting held March 24 in Austin. Commissioners adopted the following modifications and clarifications to the 2022-23 Statewide Hunting Proclamation:
HUNTSVILLE – To address concerns about the welfare of a large colony of free-tailed bats in a warehouse operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is working alongside TDCJ staff to develop a safe, slow, and progressive movement (exclusion) of the bats from the building. The exclusion effort will help to minimize potential human-bat conflict.
AUSTIN – During National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW), Feb. 28 – March 4 this year, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) asks Texans to help slow the spread of invasive species affecting our state’s natural resources and economy. The Office of the Governor has recognized NISAW with an official proclamation.
AUSTIN — In early 2020, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received test results confirming that Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV) was found in several species of wild rabbits in Texas. Since April of this year, TPWD, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) have not confirmed any new cases in wild rabbit populations in the state. However, TPWD is seeking input from the public, especially hunters, asking that they report any dead rabbits found this fall and winter, similar to practices encouraged last year.
AUSTIN — With the first sightings of iconic, endangered whooping cranes along the Texas coast being reported, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is reminding Texans to be on the lookout for these impressive birds as they move through the state.
AUSTIN— Quail season begins statewide Oct. 30 but outside of South Texas, bobwhite and scaled quail populations continue to their long, slow road to recovery following several years of drought. As such, hunting opportunities and success will vary across the state.