Aug. 1, 2012

Deputy Executive Director Gene McCarty Announces Retirement

AUSTIN — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Deputy Executive Director for Administration Gene McCarty has announced his retirement effective Aug. 31 after 34 years of state service.

Neches River Access above Lake Palestine to be Improved

ATHENS—It’s easy to tell when the white bass are making their annual spring run up the Neches River above Lake Palestine: cars and trucks line both sides of the highway where Texas 31 crosses the river just east of Chandler, and tackle-laden anglers scramble across the busy four-lane divided highway.

July 31, 2012

Emergency Zebra Mussels Order Signed

AUSTIN – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director Carter Smith has signed an emergency order adding Lake Ray Roberts and Lake Lewisville to the list of water bodies under special regulations intended to control the spread of zebra mussels.

July 26, 2012

Craig Hunter Named New Game Warden Colonel

AUSTIN – Craig Hunter, a 38-year law enforcement veteran, has been selected as director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Law Enforcement Division. He will pin on his colonel’s badge Aug. 1.

July 25, 2012

Toyota Texas Bass Classic Concerts Highlighted by Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan and Jake Owen

CONROE—The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) will bring an exciting lineup with some of country music’s biggest artists to Conroe for free! The Toyota Texas Bass Classic will take place Sept. 28-30 at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center and concerts will be headlined by Dierks Bentley on Friday, Sept. 28, Gary Allan on Saturday, Sept. 29 and Jake Owen on Sunday, Sept. 30.

Game Warden Field Notes, July 25, 2012

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

July 23, 2012

Conservation Group Sparks Lake Buchanan Renaissance

ATHENS—Lake Buchanan has suffered multiple setbacks from drought in recent years—boat ramps out of water, declining striped bass fishery and decreased tourism—but a local conservation group has engineered ways to combat all those problems.

July 18, 2012

Zebra Mussels Found in Lake Ray Roberts

AUSTIN – Three years after the discovery that zebra mussels had established themselves in Lake Texoma, the destructive invasive species has been confirmed in Lake Ray Roberts north of Denton. This is only the second lake in Texas found to have zebra mussels, and the first in the Trinity River basin.

July 3, 2012

Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Season to Open July 15

AUSTIN — The Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp season for both state and federal waters will open 30 minutes after sunset Sunday, July 15, 2012. The opening date is based on an evaluation of the biological, social and economic information to maximize the benefits to the industry and the public.

Caution Urged on Lakes and Bays during Busy 4th of July Holiday

AUSTIN — State Game Wardens are urging boaters to take extra care as thousands take to the state’s lakes and bays over the busy Independence Day holiday.