Texas Parks and Wildlife Press Release

TPWD Summer Photo Contest Winner; “Fall in Love With Your Park”

October 5, 2023 - The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wrapped up the summer portion of the Texas State Parks Centennial Photo Contest, choosing a winner from more than 740 entries. The winning photo for the “Keepin’ it Cool at Texas State Parks” summer theme was taken by Heather Averill and features an otherworldly underwater view of Balmorhea State Park’s spring-fed pool.

TPWD Rewards Doubled for Reporting Alligator Snapping Turtle Poaching

October 03,2023 — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is offering rewards of up to $1,000 for Texans who report poaching of alligator snapping turtles through Texas’ wildlife crime-stoppers program, Operation Game Thief (OGT). Thanks to additional funds from the agency’s Conservation License Plate Program, the reward can be doubled if the tip leads to convictions for snapping turtle cases.

Hunter Education 101 Courses Offer Hands-on Hunting Opportunities for Beginners

September 20, 2023 - Fall hunting kicked off this month with the start of dove season, but it’s never too late to learn the skill and value hunting brings to Texas wildlife through upcoming hunter education classes. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Hunter Education Program offers in-person learning events through the end of February, which combine a classroom course with beginner hunting opportunities in the field with experts.

Texas Game Wardens See Rise in Fatalities, Accidents Labor Day Weekend

September 8, 2023 - Texas Game Wardens patrolling water bodies across the state noticed an increase in water-related fatalities and boating accidents compared to last year’s Labor Day holiday weekend.

The weekend typically marks the end of the unofficial boating season and coincides with the opening of dove season, making it a busy time for Texas Game Wardens.

New Military Parklands Passports Give Veterans, Service Members New Options to Enter Texas State Parks for Free

September 8, 2023 - Thanks to a recent bill passed during the last legislative session, active-duty military, honorably discharged veterans and the immediate family members of a service member who died while serving now qualify for one of three new Parklands Passports. These passports are available at no cost and grant the cardholder free entry to all Texas State Parks.

Saltwater Fishing Regulation Changes for 2023-24 License Year

September 1. 2023 – Starting Sept. 1, changes to saltwater fishing regulations will take effect for the 2023-24 license year.

Changes include the required use of specialized devices on reef fish exhibiting signs of barotrauma, returning to previous bag and size limits for spotted seatrout on the coast, lowering the bag limit for cobia and adding shortfin mako sharks to the list of prohibited species.

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center Closing Aug. 28 for Renovations

August 7, 2023 - The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens will be closed to the public starting Aug. 28 for major renovations and updates.

The nearly 300,000 gallons of aquariums will be updated, new larger aquariums will be added, the dive theater and other existing indoor exhibits will be updated, and new exhibits will be developed. Enhancements to recreational fishing ponds like Lake Zebco are also included in the renovation project.

Emergency Rules Adopted for Movement of Breeder Deer

July 26, 2023 - In response to continued positive detections of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer breeding facilities, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has adopted an emergency rule implementing additional movement and testing restrictions for white-tailed deer in deer breeding facilities.

RACA Program Expands Public Fishing, Paddling Access with New Sites

July 17, 2023 - The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is increasing public fishing and paddling opportunities in the state thanks to the addition of two leased river access sites through the River Access and Conservation Area (RACA) program. The new sites are located on the Brazos and San Marcos rivers, giving the public more options and flexibility to access these incredible waterways.

Texas Game Wardens Urge Water, Boating Safety During July 4 Weekend

June 29, 2023 - Across the state, folks are making plans for barbeques and relaxing days on lakes, rivers and the Texas coast to celebrate the Fourth of July. Before taking a dip, Texas Game Wardens urge everyone spending time in the water to remember to follow basic safety precautions while on the water.

Simple steps to take before heading out on the water include wearing a life jacket, learning to swim, using the ignition safety switch, checking weather reports and participating in a boater education class.

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