HOUSTON — At a time when people in big cities are becoming increasingly disconnected from the world of nature and the outdoors, the 4th annual Take Me Outdoors Houston is set for Sept. 15 at Discovery Green.
AUSTIN – State and federal wildlife officials are investigating a series of active dove mortality events in and around the West Texas communities of Midland, Odessa and Big Spring. The cause has yet to be determined, but poisoning has not been ruled out. At this time, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department simply desires to provide hunters information on this localized event.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has posted on its website a trove of historic photos, magazine articles, and research reports that yield a fascinating look at hunting, fishing and fish and wildlife conservation in the early to mid-1900s. For those willing to look back, these show how things have changed, but also how many of the same pressing issues are still with us today.
AUSTIN — A bumper crop of native sunflower and other seed producing weedy plants this year have created ideal habitat conditions leading into September’s dove hunter opener. Better habitat is good for the birds, but might make hunting tougher during the early migratory game bird seasons, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists.
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.
AUSTIN — Samples from two mule deer recently taken in far West Texas have been confirmed positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). These are the first cases of CWD detected in Texas deer. Wildlife officials believe the event is currently isolated in a remote part of the state near the New Mexico border.
The colorful Aplomado Falcon is regaining a foothold in parts of Texas where they disappeared more than a half-century ago. On July 1, biologists began releasing captive-bred Aplomado Falcons to the wild for the first time at Mustang Island State Park to take advantage of additional habitat that the endangered birds of prey need to survive.
LUBBOCK, TX – The first range-wide aerial survey to assess lesser prairie-chicken populations across portions of five states this spring detected several previously unknown breeding areas, known as leks, despite severe drought across the region last year. Survey teams also detected leks in Kansas beyond what was thought to be the northern extent of the bird’s historic range.
An upcoming survey will ask dove hunters from across the U.S. to share their experiences and opinions about dove hunting. Topics will include time spent hunting, demographics, constraints to hunting, and thoughts about potential effects of spent lead from hunting ammunition on mourning doves and other wildlife. The survey is a cooperative effort by the state fish and wildlife agencies, all four flyway councils, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service).
AUSTIN – State wildlife officials are taking a “boots on the ground” approach to bobwhite quail management in Texas as part of a strategic action plan that involves hunters, landowners and science. The plan focuses on habitat management and does not include changes in harvest regulations.