TPWD Coastal Fisheries to Host Oyster Buyback Application Workshops
AUSTIN – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has opened its application period for the Oyster Boat License Buyback Program.
TPWD News Releases
March 23, 2026
March 20, 2026
El TPWD Está Cerrando el Área de Aprovechamiento de Ostión en la Bahía Matagorda
AUSTIN — El Departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Texas (TPWD) está cerrando el Área TX- 13 en la Bahía Matagorda al aprovechamiento comercial y recreativo de ostión a partir de las 12:01 a.m. miércoles, 25 de marzo. Este cierre o veda está basado en muestras recolectadas recientemente por el TPWD que mostraron baja abundancia de ostiones de tamaño legal.
TPWD Closing Oyster Harvest Area in Matagorda Bay
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is closing TX-13 in Matagorda Bay to commercial and recreational oyster harvest beginning 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, March 25. This closure is based on samples recently collected by TPWD showing a low abundance of legal-sized oysters.
Be Wowed by Wildflowers at Texas State Parks
AUSTIN — Spring has sprung and the wildflowers across Texas are beginning to bloom! One of the best, and safest spots to view the state’s various native beauties is in Texas State Parks. Choose one of more than 85 parks to take your family photos amongst this year’s blooms away from busy roadways.
March 19, 2026
Texas Game Wardens Share How to Stay Safe While Paddling
AUSTIN – As temperatures begin to rise, activity on Texas lakes, rivers and coastal waters is increasing. Texas Game Wardens are reminding paddlers to prioritize safety while kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
Great Texas Birding Classic, Great Texas Wildlife Trails Celebrate 30th Anniversary
AUSTIN — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is encouraging all birders and outdoor enthusiasts from across Texas and beyond to join the 30th annual Great Texas Birding Classic, a beloved birdwatching event that celebrates birds, conservation and community.
March 18, 2026
Tyler Nature Center Hosts 2nd Annual East Texas Fire and Nature Festival on April 18
TYLER — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Tyler Nature Center and partners invite the public to learn about nature, and the importance and benefits of prescribed fire at the 2nd Annual East Texas Fire and Nature Festival on April 18.
The Pierce Brothers, Michael Scherer to be Inducted into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame
ATHENS – The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame has announced the inductees for the class of 2026 – the Pierce brothers (Clayton and late brother Jason) of Alba and Michael Scherer of Houston.
March 13, 2026
2026 Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program Removes 973 Derelict Traps from Texas’ Bays
GULF COAST — During this year’s annual Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program (ACTRP), participants from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Coastal Fisheries Division, Texas Game Wardens, volunteers and partner organizations along the Texas Gulf Coast rallied together to search for and discard derelict traps from Texas’ Bays.
J.B. Thomas, O.H. Ivie Serve Up Three Legacy Class Lunkers Including the Second Double Lunker Day of 2026
ATHENS – The final month of the 2026 Toyota ShareLunker program collection season is off to a roaring start with four Legacy Class entries submitted by anglers across the state. J.B. Thomas and O.H. Ivie in West Texas contributed two of those fish Sunday evening with the second double lunker day of the year. O.H. Ivie followed suit with an additional Legacy Class fish on Monday night.