Texas Parks and Wildlife

Texas Game Wardens Participating in 'Operation Dry Water' This July Fourth Weekend

July 1, 2021 – The Fourth of July holiday weekend is quickly approaching and those enjoying Texas waterways are finalizing their plans. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is reminding everyone to be safe this holiday weekend by following basic boating safety precautions while on the water.

2021-22 TPWD Drawn Hunt Permit Applications Now Being Accepted

July 1, 2021 — Hunters looking for a new opportunity or a change of scenery this fall are encouraged to check out the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) drawn hunt permits program. Applications are being accepted now for a shot at almost 10,000 permits in 61 hunt categories.

New Monarch Butterfly Conservation License Plate Available for Texas Drivers

June 21, 2021 — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will be launching the long-awaited Monarch Butterfly conservation license plate on June 21 that will raise money to help conserve monarch butterflies and other native Texas, non-game, at-risk species.

New Program Expands Fishing Access Across Texas, Supports Freshwater Fish Habitat Projects

June 18, 2021 – The new Habitat and Angler Access Program (HAAP) will award grants to develop and increase shoreline and bank fishing access as well as restore and enhance fish habitat in Texas’ public inland waters. August 20 is the deadline to apply for grants under the new Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) program, which is funded from the sale of freshwater fishing licenses.

New Texas State Park Reservation Features Bring Opportunities for Summer Adventure

June 8, 2021 - Find adventure with friends and family this summer at a Texas State Park. Two new features, now available on the Texas State Park Online Reservations webpage, make it easier than ever to plan spontaneous camping trips. Visitors can now see and reserve available campsites for the same day and for the upcoming weekend.

Free Fishing Day in Texas Slated for June 5

June 4, 2021 - Anglers across the State of Texas are gearing up for Free Fishing Day on June 5. The first Saturday in June each year allows Texans to fish on any public waterbody in the state without a fishing license.

Prepare to “Rock Your Boat” This Summer by Taking a Boater Education Course, Being a Safe Boater

May 21, 2021 - “Rock Your Boat” Campaign Urges Boater Education to Reduce Fatalities, Injuries on Texas Waterways this Summer

With fatalities on Texas waterways up 40 percent in the first quarter of 2021, Texas boaters are being urged to take boater education before heading to lakes and rivers this Memorial Day. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is launching a “Rock Your Boat” campaign urging boater education to help reduce fatalities and injuries on Texas waterways.

National Invasive Species Awareness Week May 15-22

May 17, 2021 - Brings Attention to Harmful, Non-Native Plants and Wildlife

During National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) May 15-22, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) wants to help Texans learn more about how invasive species affect our state’s natural resources and how everyone can help in slowing their spread. In honor of NISAW, May 15 is also designated National Clean, Drain, Dry Day to promote boater behaviors to prevent the spread of invasive species.

"Bowhunter By Fall" Aims to Help Archers Get Ready to Hit the Field this Fall

May 11, 2021 – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Community Archery Program wants to help Texans learn how to harvest their own meals, join a tradition in the outdoors, and improve on or learn a new skill through “Bowhunter by Fall.” Through monthly and bi-monthly e-newsletters filled with videos and tips, archers can learn how to travel from behind the keyboard to behind the bow just in time for the fall hunting season.

Promising Spring Season on the Horizon for Texas Turkey Hunters

March 16, 2021 – Much of the Rio Grande wild turkey range in Texas experienced two great years of turkey production and recruitment in 2019 and 2020, and this means that hunters this spring season can expect to see many jakes and two-year-old gobblers across most of the Rio Grande range.

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