Texas Parks and Wildlife Press Release

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.

Elevate your Memorial Day Picnic with Five Campsite-Friendly Recipes

May 24, 2023 - With Memorial Day weekend fast approaching, Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine serves up some Lone Star twists on familiar staples that are easy for families to prepare for the campfire or picnic basket.

Recipes include grilled Poteet strawberry shortcake, alambres and even a brisket-laden Texas charcuterie board, and include suggestions for state parks that would make a perfect pairing. The gathering-friendly strawberry shortcake, for example, serves nicely at Village Creek State Park, near Beaumont, where the picnic pavilion seats 80.

Celebrate Texas State Parks’ 100th Birthday with Statewide S’mores Party

May 4, 2023 - Get out the graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows May 13, and head to one of 80 Texas State Parks hosting our official 100th birthday party.

Toast “100 s’more years” of outdoor fun with everyone’s favorite campfire treat. Participating parks offer events to introduce people of all ages and skill levels to the outdoors with s’mores-themed fun, from making solar-baked s’mores to a s’mores-themed star party.

Six State Parks on the Horizon for Texans

Collectible magazine issue helps Texans find their perfect park and highlights future sites.

May 2, 2023 - Over the next 12–15 years, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will open six new state parks from Big Bend to the Hill Country and Texas coast. Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine highlights these future getaways in a special May commemorative issue, on newsstands now.

Shelby County Today

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