What is the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department?

Background

Regan Templeton of KUT News researched and reported this article.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) mission is to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas. TPWD seeks to provide hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

TPWD regulates and provides licenses for fishing, hunting, and boating. The department has authority to manage fish and wildlife resources under the Wildlife Conservation Act of 1983. The department also manages state parks.

TPWD is headquartered in Austin. Carter Smith has been the executive director of TPWD since 2008.

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April 26, 2012

The Race to Save the Pronghorn of Far West Texas

The pronghorn of far West Texas are disappearing, and no one is exactly sure why.

April 13, 2012

The Top Ten Invasive Species in Texas

Burros, armadillos, bluebonnets, and pecan trees are just a few examples of the diverse flora and fauna that one might come across in Texas. While some of these species have become a source of state pride, others are much less welcome. Over the past few decades, a coterie of invasive species has trespassed into the […]

April 10, 2012

Why Texas Water Planners Worry about Mussels

You may have had mussels steamed in a bit of white wine and butter. But they most likely weren’t mussels from rivers or creeks in Texas.

April 3, 2012

A Fish a Day: One Man’s Quest to Get Kids Fishing

Keith Miller set a simple, yet challenging goal for himself a year ago: catch a fish every single day for the entire year. He did it to raise money to help the Junior Hunters and Anglers of America (and, of course, promote fishing) for kids and families. And despite having to endure sickness, drought and […]

March 30, 2012

You Can Now Hunt With a Silencer in Texas

Earlier this month we told you about a proposed rule change that would allow hunters to use silencers when going after game, birds and even alligators. Today the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) announced it has adopted that rule, so Texans can now hunt in relative silence. (Provided they submit an application to the Bureau of […]

March 20, 2012

West Texas Burros Get Reprieve

Donkeys in West Texas can bray a little easier today. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has announced that they will “not likely” conduct killings of wild burros in the region.

March 15, 2012

Latest Victim of the Texas Drought: Striped Bass

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced today that the Dundee State Fish Hatchery in Wichita Falls, Texas, will be “suspended effective immediately” because there isn’t enough water to operate during the ongoing drought. “Although many parts of the state recently received good rains, the area west of Wichita Falls around Lakes Kemp and Diversion did […]

March 5, 2012

You Could be Hunting with a Silencer Soon in Texas

A new proposal would allow hunters in the state to use a silencer when hunting deer, birds, and even alligators.

February 22, 2012

Texas Striped Bass, the Next Victims of the Drought?

The fish hatchery that supplies much of the striped bass in Texas may soon close due to lack of water.

February 21, 2012

Why Fewer Fishing Licenses Could Mean Fewer Fish for Texas

David Barer, an intern at StateImpact Texas, researched and reported this article. Derrick Schmalz is lifetime angler who grew up fishing on the Llano River with his grandfather. When it comes to fishing in his home state, he can’t help but show a little Texas pride. “I’ve fished all over the country, and Texas has […]