Oct. 1, 2008

Science/Ecosystem Focus Is Aim of New TPWD Deputy Director Position

AUSTIN, Texas — A new position called deputy executive director for natural resources at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will bring more scientific and policy expertise to help lead several agency divisions facing large-scale conservation challenges, such as water resources for people and wildlife, changing demographics of private landownership, invasive species, climate change, declining and fragmented fish and wildlife habitats, and evolving outdoor recreation trends.

Young Hunters to Get First Shot During Special Hunting Seasons

AUSTIN, Texas — Young hunters will be taking the first shots of the 2008-09 Texas hunting seasons during upcoming special youth-only seasons and state wildlife officials say range conditions and wildlife populations are ripe for success in the field.

Sept. 8, 2008

ICF Awards $160,000 To Nature Photo Contest Winners

AUSTIN, Texas — The photographer-landowner team of Rolf Nussbaumer of New Braunfels and the Fennessey Ranch in Refugio County received the William Henry Jackson Award grand prize Saturday night for the 2008 Pro-Tour of Nature Photography: Coastal Bend of Texas. The photographer and ranch owners split $51,000, the top award out of a total of $160,000 in prize money.

Aug. 30, 2008

Annual Texas Parks & Wildlife Expo Set for Oct. 4-5

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks & Wildlife Expo continues to add new activities while sticking to a hands-on, expert-assisted formula that has made it the largest free event of its kind in the nation. Last year approximately 42,000 people visited Expo at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department headquarters in Austin.

TPWD Biologists Seek Info on Turtle Collections as Commission Amends Prohibited Nongame Regs

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission acted Aug. 21 on staff recommendations to amend regulations on prohibited nongame species.

Aug. 26, 2008

Bird Hunters Reminded to get HIP with Licenses

AUSTIN, Texas — With dove season set to open Sept. 1 in the North and Central Dove Zones, hunters are again reminded to be sure they become Harvest Information Program-certified when buying their hunting license.

Bastrop’s 2nd Annual NatureFest Celebrates 2nd Paddling Trail & Hosts USCA Aluminum Canoe Championships on Sept. 27th

BASTROP, Texas — City and state officials will come together on Saturday, Sept. 27 as the "Most Historic Small Town in Texas" hosts the official launch of the second Paddling Trail in Bastrop County, the second annual NatureFest and this year’s 40th annual United States Canoe Association (USCA) Aluminum Canoe Championships.

Aug. 21, 2008

Texas Waterfowl Seasons Finalized with No Changes

HOUSTON — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted waterfowl regulations for 2008-09 with no changes, but hinted next year’s process could see significant alterations.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine to Reach 9,000 Schools

AUSTIN, Texas — This September, Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine will begin a new Keep Texas Wild student section for teachers and families to introduce children to the world of nature and the outdoors. For the next year, magazine issues containing the new section will mail to more than 9,000 schools across the state, thanks to a grant from ExxonMobil and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

Aug. 19, 2008

Texas Youth Super Shoot set for Sept. 6

HOUSTON — Steve Hall fondly remembers the look on the faces of visitors to the clay shooting activities and the annual Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo in Austin.