TPWD Passes Changes to Hunting, Fishing Regulations

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has adopted a series of changes to state hunting and fishing regulations that offer greater harvest flexibility on lands managed for mule deer and prairie chickens, while simplifying and expanding hunting opportunity in other areas.

Based on the department’s popular Managed Lands Deer Permit program that provides incentives to individuals that conduct habitat improvement projects on their property for the benefit white-tailed deer, the commission approved similar opportunities for mule deer and prairie chickens.

Experienced Anglers Sought for Coastal Fisheries Bay Team

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is looking for some skilled anglers to help catch spotted sea trout and flounder for its hatchery breeding program. Rough work, but someone’s got to do it, and TPWD is dangling some nice bait—one angler at each of four special tournaments coming up on the Texas coast will win a lifetime fishing license.

With the new Coastal Fisheries Bay Team program, TPWD is working with coastal conservation groups to recruit experienced folks who have the skill to handle fish so they arrive alive and well at the hatcheries.

TPWD Seeking Input about Proposed Regulation Changes

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is encouraging the public to provide input about a slate of proposed changes in hunting and fishing regulations.

Each year, TPWD considers regulation changes to achieve resource-management objectives and maximize outdoor recreation opportunities consistent with good stewardship.

TPWD Seeks Public Comment About Proposed Regulation Changes

he Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is considering altering hunting and fishing regulations that could increase opportunity and simplify rules.

TPWD staff briefed the Regulations Committee of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Jan. 26, about a series of issues that could result in changes to hunting and fishing regulations next season. Each year, TPWD considers changes in hunting and fishing regulations to achieve resource management objectives and maximize outdoor recreation opportunities consistent with good stewardship.

Weekly Migratory Bird Hunting Report

Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February.

High Plains Mallard Management Area: Duck hunting has been solid on playa lakes near Amarillo, Etter, Dumas and Spearman. Outfitters are reporting lots of ducks, with teal, pintails, wigeons and a few mallards comprising the brunt of the bag. Canada geese are plentiful, and that season begins Nov. 7. Crane numbers are just as good, with most hitting corn, milo and plowed ground (opens Nov. 7). Pheasants are everywhere. Water is plentiful. Prospects are very good.

Anglers Urged to Report Fish Sightings via Tarpon Observation Network

As we approach the peak of fishing season for one of the most sought-after saltwater species in Texas waters, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is encouraging anglers to report when and where tarpon have been spotted or caught.

Anglers can report sightings or catches using the online Tarpon Observation Network, maintained by the TPWD Coastal Fisheries Division. Angler reports will help biologists learn more about the silver king’s life cycle, habitat use and migration patterns.

New Web App Tracks Texas Tarpon

A new online tool created by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will help anglers find out where tarpon have been seen or caught in Texas waters, and will help biologists learn more about the “silver king’s” distribution and movements.

Coastal Fisheries Bay Team Tournament Slated for Aransas Pass

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has scheduled a Coastal Fisheries Bay Team tournament targeting flounder for 6 a.m. until noon Nov. 15 at Conn Brown Harbor in Aransas Pass.

The program, launched in 2005, is designed to recruit experienced anglers to assist TPWD with collecting brood stock for hatchery programs. The anglers receive t-shirts and fishing lures — and the chance to win hand-held GPS units, rods and reels and BOGA-Grip handheld scales — all while promoting conservation.

Four Boat Ramp Projects Receive Grant Funding

Four projects designed to enhance boating access to Texas waters will share more than $1.4 million in matching federal grants through the State Boating Access Program.

Boat ramp facility improvement projects at Lake Buchanan, Cameron Park in Waco, Port Aransas and Surfside Beach were approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission at its Jan. 24 meeting.