TPWD News Releases

Official Media Statement: TPWD Files Proposed Amendments to Proof of Residency Requirements for Recreational Hunting and Fishing Licenses, Permits

Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway Becomes Fifth Texas State Park to Receive Dark Sky Park Designation

QUITAQUE – Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway is the latest Texas State Park to be designated as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). The International Dark Sky Park designation will ensure the protection of the park’s dark skies not only for the park’s natural resources, but also for the local community and out-of-town visitors to enjoy.

Toyota ShareLunker Program Launches 40th Anniversary Season on New Year’s Day

ATHENS – New Year’s Day 2026 will launch the 40th season of the Toyota ShareLunker Program, another major milestone for Texas’ highly acclaimed and storied largemouth bass selective breeding and stocking program.

Media Advisory: Kick Start 2026 With a First Day Beach Walk at Sea Rim State Park

SABINE PASS — Celebrate the beginning of a new year and the start of America’s semiquincentennial (America 250) with a First Day beach walk at Sea Rim State Park.

Trails to Trout’ Brings Fishing to Tyler’s Nature Center

TYLER – Celebrate the start of the new year by introducing a kid to the Texas winter tradition of rainbow trout fishing. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) “Trails to Trout” fishing days are scheduled for Jan. 4 and Jan. 10 at the Tyler Nature Center.

Comienza el 2026 con una Caminata del Primer Día en un Parque Estatal de Texas

AUSTIN – Celebra el inicio de un nuevo año y el comienzo del semiquincentenario de Estados Unidos (America 250) con una Caminata del Primer Día en un Parque Estatal de Texas.

Kick Start 2026 With a First Day Hike at a Texas State Park

AUSTIN – Celebrate the beginning of a new year and the start of America’s semiquincentennial (America 250) with a First Day Hike at a Texas State Park.

La Sal Del Rey National Wildlife Reserve Partners with TPWD to Host 2nd Annual Explore Bowhunting Event

AUSTIN –Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Community Archery Program is joining forces with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on Jan. 17 to help the public “Explore Bowhunting” at the La Sal Del Rey National Wildlife Reserve (NWR) in Edinburg.

Wildlife Health Alert: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Multiple Areas Throughout Texas

AUSTIN —Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) urges caution as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is circulating among wild birds across the state as waterbirds and waterfowl migrate and congregate on their wintering grounds.

Guidance on Federal Airborne Hunting Act Pertaining to Fishing with Drones

AUSTIN – Due to technological advancements with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones, now widely available, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has noticed an increase in questions connected to their use in relation to fishing and wildlife. Some of the most frequent questions have been about the legality of using drones for deploying bait by surf or bank fisherman.