May 21, 2020

TPW Commission Approves Changes to Freshwater Fishing Regulations for 2020-21

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted multiple changes to the freshwater fishing regulations for the upcoming 2020-2021 season at the meeting held virtually May 21. Modifications include length limits and harvest regulations at some waterbodies for largemouth bass; blue, channel, and flathead catfish; and black and white crappie. The expiration date of August 31, 2020 was removed for the five-fish daily bag limit for alligator gar at Falcon International Reservoir.

May 15, 2020

Game Warden Field Notes, May 15, 2020

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

May 12, 2020

Boaters, Anglers Encouraged to Stay Clear of Coastal Waterbird Rookeries

May 12, 2020 (AUSTIN) — With peak boating season around the corner, Texans recreating on the coast are likely to spot iconic coastal birds like brown pelicans, roseate spoonbills, black skimmers and reddish egrets nesting in dense colonies, called rookeries, which can consist of thousands of birds and a multitude of other species on barrier islands and smaller islands in Texas bays. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is encouraging Texas boaters and anglers to watch out for these nesting birds while on the coast, so they aren’t disturbed during this sensitive time.

Gulf Shrimp Season Closing on Friday, May 15, 2020

AUSTIN- The Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp season for both Texas and federal waters will close 30 minutes after sunset on Friday, May 15, 2020 until a still-to-be determined date in July.

May 8, 2020

Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest Moved to November

AUSTIN – The Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest benefiting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been rescheduled for Nov. 5-8 at Lake Fork in Quitman. The tournament was originally scheduled for June 5-9 but was moved back amid the ongoing public health situation that forced the postponement of the spring competition.

April 9, 2020

Game Warden Field Notes, April 9, 2020

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

April 1, 2020

Last Legacy Lunker of 2020 Lured in From O.H. Ivie

AUSTIN— O-M-G is right, O.H. Ivie, about an hour east of San Angelo, has produced the fourth and final Toyota ShareLunker “Legacy Class” entry over 13 pounds during the final weekend of the 2020 donation season March 29.

March 31, 2020

TPWD Sets Federal Red Snapper Season for 2020

AUSTIN- The private recreational angler red snapper season opens Monday, June 1, 2020 for a projected 63-days in federal waters. Red snapper fishing is open year around in state waters. The season length is based on historical landing data, last year’s fishing effort data and the state’s allocation from the 2019 stock assessment. Bag and size limits will remain unchanged; 2 fish per person daily with a 16-inch minimum size limit in federal waters, and 4 fish per person daily with a 15-inch minimum in state waters.

March 13, 2020

Out of an Abundance of Caution Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Sea Center Texas Closed Temporarily

AUSTIN— With the uncertain and evolving health situation in the U.S., the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson are closed temporarily to public visitation in efforts to minimize the potential risks associated with large public gatherings and close-quartered spaces to our visitors, volunteers and staff.

March 9, 2020

Intern With a Texas Game Warden This Summer; Applications due March 27

AUSTIN— University students looking for a paid summer internship have the opportunity to gain hands-on job experience assisting Texas Game Wardens with patrols. There are nine slots available in various regions of the state and selected applicants will be able to learn about the various job duties of a game warden during the 10-week internship.