TPWD News Releases

Texas Game Wardens Remove 62 Impaired Operators, Report No Boating Fatalities During Fourth of July Weekend

AUSTIN – Texas Game Wardens maintained a strong presence on lakes, rivers and coastal waters across Texas during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. They contacted more than 10,800 vessels while participating in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign focused on reducing the number of alcohol- and drug- related incidents and fatalities through awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence on the state’s waterways.

La Temporada Comercial de Camarón en el Golfo Comienza el 15 de Julio

COSTA DE TEXAS — La temporada de pesca comercial de camarón en el Golfo de América, tanto en aguas estatales como federales, se reabrirá 30 minutos después del atardecer del 15 de julio.

Commercial Gulf Shrimp Season Opens July 15

TEXAS COAST — The Gulf of America commercial shrimp season for state and federal waters will reopen 30 minutes after sunset on July 15.

Man Recovered Following Search at Benbrook Lake

TPWD Hosting Role of State Coordinator for the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network

AUSTIN – As of July 1, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) officially began hosting the role of State Coordinator for the Texas Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) established the STSSN in 1980, which documents sea turtle strandings along the coastal areas from Maine to Texas and in parts of the U.S. Caribbean.

Enchanted Rock SNA Opens New Backcountry Area for Day Usage

FREDERICKSBURG – One of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area’s newest expansions, the Backcountry Area, is slated to open for expanded public day use on July 7. This is the first phase of opening for self-guided day use.

Official Media Statement: Vessel Incident, Lake Conroe, Montgomery County, July 4

Official Media Statement: Water Fatality, Lake Hawkins, Wood County

Celebrate Freedom Responsibly: Texas Game Wardens Urge Safe, Sober Boating

AUSTIN – As Texans and visitors prepare to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary on lakes, rivers and coastal waters across the state, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is urging everyone to prioritize water safety after Texas Game Wardens responded to an unusually high number of water-related fatalities last weekend.

TPWD Accepting Drawn Hunt Permit Applications for 2026-27 Season

AUSTIN – Hunters have an exciting lineup of opportunities and a chance to experience the beautiful scenery of Texas through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) drawn hunt permits program.