The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is excited to announce the 2024 Texas division of Wildlife Forever’s Fish Art Contest is open for submissions. The Fish Art Contest, which is accepting entries until Feb. 28, is part of an international conservation education program designed to foster youth interest in fisheries and fishing. “The Fish Art Contest does a tremendous job of exposing students across Texas to the wonders of fish and fisheries resources through the […]
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Special Olympics Fishing Tournament at Sea Center Texas
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is teaming up with Special Olympics of Texas to host a fishing tournament at Sea Center Texas for Special Olympians. This annual, in-person event creates accessible fishing opportunities, allowing many of the participants to discover fishing for the first time. This year, more than 100 participants across the state have already registered. The participants will be fishing the rearing tanks at Sea Center and will have a chance […]
Hunter Education 101 Courses Offer Hands-on Hunting Opportunities for Beginners This Fall
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. “These classes are a perfect opportunity for anyone who […]
New Military Parklands Passports Give Veterans, Service Members New Options to Enter Texas State Parks for Free
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. The new categories of Parklands Passports, which can be obtained at any state park, are Active Duty, Veterans and […]
Texas Land Management Agencies Encourage Texans to Prevent Wildfires During Dove Hunting Season
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department urges Texans to help protect the lands and natural resources we all love during the upcoming dove hunting season by being mindful of activities that may cause a wildfire. Persistent triple-digit temperatures and minimal rainfall over the past two months have resulted in extremely dry vegetation across the state, which increases the likelihood of dangerous wildfires. Any outdoor activities that create heat or sparks can ignite dry vegetation and wildfire. […]
Trinity River Alligator Gar Harvest Authorization Drawing to Open
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) opens its annual Alligator Gar Harvest Authorization drawing application process Sept 1. The random drawing authorizes anglers to harvest one alligator gar over 48 inches from a section of the Trinity River. From Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, anglers holding a valid license-year or year-from-purchase fishing license can use the My Texas Hunt Harvest mobile app or online to enter, either as an individual or as part of a small group. Winners will […]
TPWD Seeks Public Comments on the 2024 Land and Water Plan
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking public review and comments on its draft 2024 Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan (Land and Water Plan). The plan identifies goals, objectives, strategies and measurable actions to be undertaken by TPWD over the next 10 years. “In fulfilling our mission, TPWD is committed to delivering effective natural resources stewardship and outdoor recreation programs that exemplify the highest standards of quality, service and professionalism,” […]
Despite Unrelenting Summer Heat, Dove Season Expected to Have Soaring Numbers
A cool and rainy spring means that despite above-average summer temperatures, Texas hunters could encounter significantly increased dove populations as the 2023 season opens Sept. 1. Spring surveys conducted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff found an estimated 28.3 million mourning doves in Texas, a 44 percent increase from 2022. White-wing dove populations have increased 20 percent, tying the record high with an estimated 11.7 million this year. “This spring was about as […]
Big Time Texas Hunts Offers 27th Year of Unique Hunting Opportunities
This season, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Big Time Texas Hunts program is awarding 10 lucky winners with premium guided hunt packages, offering some of the very best hunting opportunities in Texas. In the last 26 years, Big Time Texas Hunt (BTTH) participants have helped raise more than $19.5 million to fund wildlife research, habitat conservation and public hunting access. The 2022-23 hunting season was the biggest revenue producing year for the program, raising over […]
RACA Program Expands Public Fishing, Paddling Access with New Sites
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. The new site on the Brazos River is in Milam County near Calvert and features […]