Executive Orders Index

2014

• Executive Order No. 14-007 (PDF 83.9 KB)
  Date: November 4, 2014
  Subject: Under the provisions of Parks & Wildlife Code, §13.004, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (the Department) may receive grants for the operation, maintenance and improvement of state parks. Parks & Wildlife Code, §11.0171 allows the Executive Director to negotiate, contract or enter into an agreement with the United States, any of its agencies, and a political subdivision of this state for the purpose of carrying out the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Department. The Department was awarded federal funding through the Transportation Enhancement Program to fund exhibits and visitor center improvements at four state parks to interpret the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail.
• Executive Order No. 14-006 (PDF 83.3 KB)
  Date: October 13, 2014
  Subject: Modification to the department publication entitled “2014-2015 Map Booklet for Public Hunting Lands”: Youth/Adult Dove and Quail Hunts
• Executive Order No. 14-005 (PDF 85.2 KB)
  Date: September 9, 2014
  Subject: As provided in this Executive Order, the use of permanent hunting blinds at Caddo Lake Wildlife Management Area (the WMA) is being terminated in order to promote the fair and equitable distribution of public hunting opportunity, eliminate the potential for user conflict over permanent hunting blinds, enhance public access, facilitate management of the WMA, and provide greater regulatory consistency by eliminating an exception that was applicable only to the WMA.
• Executive Order No. 14-004 (PDF 82.7 KB)
  Date: September 2, 2014
  Subject: The Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ORDERS that in addition to the regulations contained in the Public Lands Proclamation (31 TAC Chapter 65, Subchapter H), hunting on public lands in this state shall be conducted as provided for in the department publication entitled “2014-2015 Map Booklet for Public Hunting Lands” and in accordance with the provisions of the department document entitled “2014-15 Drawn Hunt Catalog,” which shall be published on the official website of the department at https://www2.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/public/public_hunt_drawing/brochures/2014-2015-drawn-hunt-catalog.pdf, as may be amended by order of the Executive Director.
• Executive Order No. 14-003 (PDF 113.3 KB)
  Date: August 5, 2014
  Subject: Under the provisions of Parks and Wildlife Code, §64.022 and 31 TAC §65.313(f), the Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, after notifying the Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, is authorized to adopt regulations establishing seasons, bag limits, means, methods, and devices for harvesting migratory game birds within U.S Fish and Wildlife Service frameworks.
• Executive Order No. 14-002 (PDF 28.7 KB)
  Date: January 21, 2014
  Subject: The Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ORDERS the following modification to the department publication entitled “2013-2014 Map Booklet for Public Hunting Lands”: Page 53 — Due to planned Eastern Turkey research efforts on Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area (Unit #754), the Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ORDERS the Feral Hog and Squirrel, Rabbits and Hares hunts by Annual Public Hunting Permit scheduled for the March 1-April 30 and May 1-31, 2014 cancelled.
• Executive Order No. 14-001 (PDF 22 KB)
  Date: January 13, 2014
  Subject: The Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ORDERS the following modification to the department publications entitled “2013-2014 Applications for Drawings on Public Hunting Lands”: Due to the recent flooding on the Nails Creek Unit of Lake Somerville State Park, The following public hunting activities are cancelled until further notice: The drawn feral hog hunt (GFH) by Special Permit scheduled for January 14-16, 2014; This order is issued pursuant to §81.402 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife code and is effective immediately.

2013

• Executive Order No. 13-008 (PDF 24.6 KB)
  Date: December 10, 2013
  Subject: On June 17, 2013, zebra mussel veligers were confirmed in Lake Bridgeport, an impoundment of the West Fork of the Trinity River in Jack and Wise counties....
• Executive Order No. 13-007 (PDF 57.4 KB)
  Date: September 27, 2013
  Subject: The Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ORDERS the following modification to the department publications entitled “2013-2014 Map Booklet for Public Hunting Lands”: (Page 102) Public Hunting Unit #2456 “Fairview Road” in Chambers County will be withdrawn from the program as of October 5, 2013. There will be no hunting or public access.
• Executive Order No. 13-006 (PDF 90 KB)
  Date: September 25, 2013
  Subject: Under the provisions of Parks and Wildlife Code, §12.027, if the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission or the Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department finds that there is an immediate danger to a species authorized to be regulated by the Department, the Commission or the Executive Director may adopt emergency rules as provided by Government Code, §2001.034.
• Executive Order No. 13-005 (PDF 406.2 KB)
  Date: August 27, 2013
  Subject: The Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ORDERS that in addition to the regulations contained in the Public Lands Proclamation (31 TAC Chapter 65, Subchapter H), hunting on public lands in this state shall be conducted as provided for in the department publications entitled “2013- 2014 Applications for Drawings on Public Lands,” and “2013-2014 Map Booklet for Public Hunting Lands” and any supplements.
• Executive Order No. 13-004 (PDF 57.9 KB)
  Date: August 9, 2013
  Subject: Free Fishing in State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas — In accordance with Parks and Wildlife Code §46.002(a)(5), the Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) hereby ORDERS the sponsorship of the “Free Fishing in State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas,” an ongoing event to encourage participation in angling on state parks and wildlife management areas owned or leased by TPWD.
• Executive Order No. 13-003 (PDF 51.6 KB)
  Date: June 27, 2013
  Subject: Zebra Mussels — The Executive Director hereby adopts an amendment to 31 TAC §57.972 to extend the applicability of the provisions of 31 TAC §57.972(k) to include all impounded and tributary waters of the West Fork of the Trinity River above Lake Worth dam, including lakes Worth, Eagle Mountain, and Bridgeport, to be effective immediately upon filing, and authorizes publication of a Notice of Emergency Adoption in the Texas Register.
• Executive Order No. 13-002 (PDF 102.6 KB)
  Date: July 1, 2013
  Under the provisions of Parks and Wildlife Code, §64.022 and 31 TAC §65.313(f), the Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, after notifying the Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, is authorized to adopt regulations establishing seasons, bag limits, means, methods, and devices for harvesting migratory game birds within U.S Fish and Wildlife Service frameworks. Therefore, the Executive Director hereby adopts amendments to 31 TAC §65.314, 65.315, and 65.319, concerning the Migratory Game Bird Proclamation, with changes to the proposed text as published in the May 24, 2013, issue of the Texas Register (38 TexReg 3290). The Executive Director also hereby authorizes publication of the Notice of Adoption in the Texas Register.
• Executive Order No. 13-001 (PDF 102.6 KB)
  Date: January 11, 2013
  Subject: Due to the recent flooding on the on the Nails Creek Unit of Lake Somerville State Park, the following public hunting activities are cancelled until further notice: The drawn feral hog hunt (GFH) by Special Permit scheduled for January 15-17, 2013.

2012

• Executive Order No. 12-007 (PDF 72.4 KB)
  Date: December 20, 2012
  Subject: Due to continuing negative impacts resulting from the current drought on Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area (Unit #722), the Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ORDERS the waterfowl hunts by Annual Public Hunting Permit scheduled for the Jan. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27, 2013 cancelled.
• Executive Order No. 12-006 (PDF 113.7 KB)
  Date: November 30, 2012
  Subject: The Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ORDERS the following modification to the department publications entitled “2012-2013 Map Booklet for Public Hunting Lands”: Due to continuing negative impacts resulting from the current drought on Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area (Unit #722), the Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ORDERS the waterfowl hunts by Annual Public Hunting Permit scheduled for the Dec. 8-9, 2012 cancelled.
• Executive Order No. 12-005 (PDF 67.3 KB)
  Date: August 29, 2012
  Subject: The Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ORDERS that in addition to the regulations contained in the Public Lands Proclamation (31 TAC Chapter 65, Subchapter H), hunting on public lands in this state shall be conducted as provided for in the department publications entitled “2012-2013 Applications for Drawings on Public Lands,” and “2012-2013 Map Booklet for Public Hunting Lands” and any supplements.
• Executive Order No. 12-004 (PDF 73.7 KB)
  Date: August 9, 2012
  Subject: In accordance with Parks and Wildlife Code §46.002(a)(5), the Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) hereby ORDERS the sponsorship of the “Free Fishing in State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas,” an ongoing event to encourage participation in angling on state parks and wildlife management areas owned or leased by TPWD.
• Executive Order No. 12-003 (PDF 76.8 KB)
  Date: July 30, 2012
  Subject: The Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department finds that zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) present an immediate danger to aquatic species regulated by the department and hereby ORDERS the adoption of emergency rules to contain zebra mussels in all impounded and tributary waters of the Elm Fork of the Trinity River upstream from the Lewisville dam. The Executive Director authorizes the immediate submission of Notice of Emergency Rulemaking in the Texas Register.
  Notice of Emergency Rulemaking (PDF 90.1 KB)
• Executive Order No. 12-002 (PDF 86.7 KB)
  Date: June 29, 2012
  Subject: Under the provisions of 31 TAC §65.313(f), the Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, after notifying the Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, adopts amendments to 31 TAC §§65.315 and 65.319, concerning the Migratory Game Bird Proclamation, with changes to the proposed text as published in the May 18, 2012 issue of the Texas Register (37 TexReg 3673). The Executive Director hereby authorizes publication of the Notice of Adoption in the Texas Register.
• Executive Order No. 12-001 (PDF 86.7 KB)
  Date: January 30, 2012
  Subject: Pursuant to the requirements of Parks and Wildlife Code, §13.001 and the provisions of 31 Tex. Admin. Code §59.62, the Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department hereby orders that the tracts of land enumerated herein be designated a state park and entered into the inventory of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department lands classified as state parks.

2011

• Executive Order No. 008 (PDF 85.3 KB)
  Date: December 29, 2011
  Subject: Due to the continuing impacts of the exceptional drought on freshwater ponds on the Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area (Unit #722), the Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ORDERS the cancellation of waterfowl hunts by Annual Public Hunting permit scheduled for January 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 2012. Waterfowl hunting in the Bayshore Marsh Area is unaffected.
• Executive Order No. 007 (PDF 75.5 KB)
  Date: December 20, 2011
  Subject: Under the provisions of 31 Texas Administrative Code, §53.50, an agent appointed by the department to provide boater education instruction may charge and keep a per-student service fee in an amount established in a fee schedule approved by the director, which shall not exceed $25.
• Executive Order No. 006 (PDF 75.5 KB)
  Date: November 22, 2011
  Subject: Cancellation of waterfowl hunts at the Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area (Unit #722) by Annual Public Hunting permit scheduled for December 10-11, 2011. Waterfowl hunting in the Bayshore Marsh Area is unaffected.
• Executive Order No. 005 (PDF 69.5 KB)
  Date: August 1, 2011
  Subject: The number of drawn special permit general alligator hunt positions scheduled for the J. D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area is reduced from 180 positions to 98 positions.
• Executive Order No. 004 (PDF 27.7 KB)
  Date: July 12, 2011
  Subject: Migratory Game Bird Proclamation, with changes to the proposed text as published in the May 27, 2011, issue of the Texas Register (36 TexReg 3265)
• Executive Order No. 003 (PDF 77.4 KB)
  Date: July 22, 2011
  Subject: Sponsorship of the "Free Fishing in State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas," an ongoing event to encourage participation in angling on state parks and wildlife management areas owned or leased by TPWD
• Executive Order No. 002 (PDF 259.7 KB)
  Date: May 4, 2011
  Subject: Public hunting and recreational access to North Unit of Richland Creek Wildlife Managelment Area (Unit 703) cancelled until August 31, 2011.
• Executive Order No. 001 (PDF 28.6 KB)
  Date: February 17, 2011
  Subject: Cancellation of hunts at Cooper WMA and the Big Hill Unit of the J.D. Murphree WMA

2010

• Executive Order No. 010 (PDF 35 KB)
  Date: November 10, 2010
  Subject: Youth hunts (bag limits) at Kerr WMA
• Executive Order No. 009 (PDF 33.9 KB)
  Date: September 9, 2010
  Subject: Cancellation of hunts at Guadalupe Delta WMA (Mission Lake)
• Executive Order No. 008 (PDF 28.3 KB)
  Date: September 1, 2010
  Subject: Changes to drawn hunts and public hunting map booklet (Nixon)
• Executive Order No. 007 (PDF 142 KB)
  Date: July 26, 2010
  Subject: Migratory Game Bird Proclamation
• Executive Order No. 006 (PDF 21 KB)
  Date: July 5, 2010
  Subject: Free Fishing in State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas
• Executive Order No. 004 (PDF 27.5 KB)
  Date: February 1, 2010
  Subject: Snipe Hunts for February 1-14 cancelled at Richland Creek WMA
• Executive Order No. 003 (PDF 29.6 KB)
  Date: January 27, 2010
  Subject: Exotic-only Hunts for January 28-30 cancelled at Palo Duro Canyon State Park
• Executive Order No. 002 (PDF 301 KB)
  Date: February 25, 2010
  Subject: Speed Limits at Parks and Wildlife Department Headquarters
• Executive Order No. 001 (PDF 33 KB)
  Date: January 15, 2010
  Subject: Mission Lake Unit and San Antonio River Units of Guadalupe Delta WMA Cancel Hunts

2009

• Executive Order No. 014 (PDF 28.1 KB)
  Date: December 28, 2009
  Subject: Mission Lake Unit Reinstitute Hunts
• Executive Order No. 013 (PDF 29.4 KB)
  Date: December 17, 2009
  Subject: Chaparral Hunt, January 8-10.
• Executive Order No. 012 (PDF 29.5 KB)
  Date: December 1, 2009
  Subject: Hunt Cancellation at White Oak Creek WMA.
• Executive Order No. 011 (PDF 27.1 KB)
  Date: November 24, 2009
  Subject: Hunt Cancellation at Mission Lake Unit of the Guadalupe Delta WMA.
• Executive Order No. 010 (PDF 29 KB)
  Date: November 13, 2009
  Subject: Hunt Reinstatement at Mission Lake Unit of the Guadalupe Delta WMA.
• Executive Order No. 009 (PDF 35.9 KB)
  Date: November 3, 2009
  Subject: Hunt Cancellations at various units due to flooding.
• Executive Order No. 008(PDF 22.6 KB)
  Date: October 30, 2009
  Subject: Hunt Cancellations at Mission Lake Unit of Guadalupe Delta Wildlife Management Area.
• Executive Order No. 007(PDF 35.9 KB)
  Date: October 26, 2009
  Subject: Hunt Cancellations at Old Sabine Bottom, Richland Creek, and White Oak Creek wildlife management areas.
• Executive Order No. 006 (PDF 21.8 KB)
  Date: October 19, 2009
  Subject: Public Hunt Cancellation on Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area due to flooding.
• Executive Order No. 005 (PDF 22.9 KB)
  Date: August 19, 2009
  Subject: Public Hunting Map Booklet and Drawings
• Executive Order No. 004 (0 B)
  Date: July 3, 2009
  Subject: Free Fishing in State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas
• Executive Order No. 003 (PDF 22.9 KB)
  Date: July 2, 2009
  Subject: Migratory Game Bird Proclamation
• Executive Order No. 002 (PDF 22.5 KB)
  Date: March 20, 2009
  Subject: Reopening Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area
• Executive Order No. 001 (PDF 27.7 KB)
  Date: January 7, 2009
  Subject: Matagorda Island Hunt Cancellations

2008

• Executive Order No. 013 (PDF 34 KB)
  Date: December 8, 2008
  Subject: Public Hunts Cancelled on Matagorda Island and Purtis Creek WMAs
• Executive Order No. 012 (PDF 31.5 KB)
  Date: October 28, 2008
  Subject: Candy Cain Abshier WMA closed
• Executive Order No. 011 (PDF 27.8 KB)
  Date: October 1, 2008
  Subject: Hunts at Sam Houston National Forest WMA reinstituted
• Executive Order No. 010 (PDF 59.5 KB)
  Date: September 24, 2008
  Subject: Hunts Reinstated on Bannister and Alabama Creek wmas.
• Executive Order No. 009 (PDF 27.5 KB)
  Date: September 19, 2008
  Subject: Hurricane Ike Cancellations, Relocations and Reinstatements
• Executive Order No. 008 (PDF 73.7 KB)
  Date: September 12, 2008
  Subject: Hurricane Ike Hunt Cancellations
• Executive Order No. 007 (PDF 212.1 KB)
  Date: September 12, 2008
  Subject: Hurricane Ike Closures
• Executive Order No. 006 (PDF 21.4 KB)
  Date: August 29, 2008
  Subject: Free Fishing in State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas
• Executive Order No. 005, (PDF 21.1 KB)
  Date: August 28, 2008
  Subject: Authorizing Public Hunting Booklets
• Executive Order No. 004 (PDF 20.6 KB)
  Date: July 29, 2008
  Subject: Migratory Game Bird Proclamation

2007

• Executive Order No. 008 (PDF 19.2 KB)
  Date: November 21, 2007
  Subject: Public Hunt Additions
• Executive Order No. 007 (PDF 20 KB)
  Date: November 16, 2007
  Subject: Public Hunt Additions at Chaparral WMA
• Executive Order No. 006 (PDF 94 KB)
  Date: September 13, 2007
  Subject: Hunt Cancellations due to Hurricane Humberto
• Executive Order No. 005 (PDF 84.2 KB)
  Date: September 12, 2007
  Subject: Corrections to Public Hunting Lands booklets, and closures due to flooding
• Executive Order No. 004 (0 B)
  Date: August 28, 2007
  Subject: Authorizing and Correcting Public Hunting Lands Booklets