Nov. 8, 2019

Game Warden Field Notes, Nov. 8, 2019

The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife law enforcement reports.

Nov. 7, 2019

Residents of Aransas County Participate in Vessel Turn-In Program

AUSTIN— Texas game wardens, the General Land Office, Aransas County and Keep Aransas County Beautiful partnered for a two-day event held Oct. 25-26 offered the citizens of Aransas County an opportunity to remove unwanted or inoperable and vessels through the Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) free of charge.

TPW Commission Approves Regulation Changes for Freshwater Trotlines and Other Related Gears

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved changes to the regulations on passive fishing gear (jug lines, minnow traps, perch traps, throwlines, and trotlines) to facilitate the removal of abandoned gear from public waters, make the presence of passive fishing gear identifiable to all users of public waters, and minimize the unintended take of aquatic resources.

TPW Commission Recognize Officers and Boating Educator of the Year

AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPW) recognized two game wardens and a boating educator during today’s meeting for their contributions and efforts supporting the agency mission.

Nov. 6, 2019

TPW Commission Thanks Texas for Approving Prop 5

S. Reed Morian, Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, issued the following statement regarding the results of yesterday’s election where voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 5, a constitutional amendment dedicating revenue received from the sales and use taxes collected on sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission:

Nov. 5, 2019

Free Entrance to Texas State Parks Nov. 10 in Honor of Veterans Day

AUSTIN— In honor of both active and retired military, daily entrance fees at Texas State Parks will be waived for all visitors Sunday, Nov. 10.

Nov. 1, 2019

Waterfowl Hunters Reminded to Help Prevent Spread of Giant Salvinia

AUSTIN –With duck hunting season getting underway in most of the state in early November, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is reminding waterfowl hunters to clean, drain and dry boats and equipment before traveling from lake to lake to help avoid spreading invasive species like giant salvinia.

Oct. 31, 2019

Big Time Texas Hunts Winners Announced

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has announced the 14 lucky winners of this year’s Big Time Texas Hunts, which were selected at random from entries in the drawing.

Sunset Advisory Commission Invites Public Input on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

AUSTIN – The Sunset Advisory Commission is reviewing the mission and performance of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and welcomes public comments on whether the agency is still needed and ideas to improve its operations and services. The Texas Sunset Act requires the Sunset Commission to periodically review TPWD and recommend whether to continue the agency and change state law to improve the agency’s efficiency and effectiveness. The Legislature ultimately will decide whether to continue TPWD and adopt Sunset’s other statutory recommendations. The Sunset Commission also may adopt management directives for TPWD that do not require statutory change.

Oct. 30, 2019

Newest Texas Paddling Trail Launches on Sabine River

AUSTIN – The Sabine Sandbar Paddling Trail near Carthage opens this week, offering paddlers the opportunity to enjoy tree-lined river views and plenty of wildlife sightings. The 78th official Texas Paddling Trail, as designated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, was nominated by the Panola County Chamber of Commerce and Texas Conservation Alliance because of its gleaming white sandbars and opportunity for great paddling.