Nov. 2, 2026

TPWD Purchases 46 Commercial Oyster Boat Licenses During Tenth Oyster Buyback Round

AUSTIN — During the tenth round of the Commercial Oyster Boat License Buyback Program, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) purchased and retired a total of 46 commercial oyster licenses. Combined with 112 licenses retired last year, nearly 30% of the state’s commercial oyster licenses have now been removed from circulation.

Applications Open for 70th TPWD Law Enforcement Cadet Class

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has begun accepting applications for the 70th Law Enforcement Cadet Class. The application period will close Dec. 31, 2026.

Oct. 29, 2026

Waterfowl Hunters: Lend a Hand to Help Halt the Spread of Invasive Species

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) requests the help of waterfowl hunters to protect Texas water bodies from the spread of aquatic invasive species that can reduce the quality of waterfowl habitats, block recreational access and harm ecosystems and infrastructure.

Oct. 23, 2026

La Temporada de Cosecha de Ostras en Texas Abrirá el 2 de noviembre

AUSTIN – El Departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Texas (TPWD) abrirá varias bahías a la cosecha comercial y recreativa de ostras, a partir de las 00:01 a.m. del lunes 2 de noviembre.

Texas Oyster Harvesting Season Opens Nov. 2

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is opening several bays to commercial and recreational oyster harvest, beginning at12:01 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2.

Oct. 22, 2026

Dan A. Hughes Unit of Devils River SNA Celebrates Opening with Ribbon Cutting

DEL RIO – With citizens and honored guests on hand, the Dan A. Hughes Unit of Devils River State Natural Area was celebrated with speeches, refreshments and a ribbon cutting on Friday, Oct. 9, at the unit’s headquarters.

Oct. 21, 2026

New World Screwworm Detected in Hunter-Harvested Elk in Pecos County

AUSTIN — On Oct. 21, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received confirmation of a detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in a hunter-harvested female elk in Pecos County. A sample was collected from the elk and was identified and confirmed as NWS at the ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville.

Oct. 14, 2026

Quail Surveys Indicate Another Quality Hunting Season on the Horizon

AUSTIN – Quail season kicks off Nov. 1, and the annual Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) roadside survey signaled good population numbers going into opening day. Good habitat conditions, along with timely rainfall, helped bobwhite and scaled quail production.

Oct. 12, 2026

TPWD Biologists Say Adaptability, Improving Habitat are Keys for a Successful Waterfowl Season

AUSTIN – As the 2026-27 waterfowl hunting season approaches, lower bird numbers and fluctuating habitat conditions will require hunters to be flexible and ready to take advantage when habitats evolve throughout the year.

Oct. 8, 2026

Se Esperan Buenas Cifras de Captura de Venado de Cola Blanca para la Temporada de Caza 2026-27

AUSTIN — Los biólogos del Departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Texas (TPWD) indican que los cazadores pueden esperar buenas cifras de captura y oportunidades para encontrar machos de calidad durante la temporada 2026-27. Tras tres años de tasas de supervivencia de crías superiores al promedio, la población de venado de cola blanca en Texas ha aumentado a una cifra estimada de 5.64 millones.