Texas Parks and Wildlife

Wildlife Health Alert: Texans Encouraged to Stay Vigilant for New World Screwworms

New World Screwworms Detected in a Cow in Nuevo León, Mexico

September 25, 2025 — On September 21, Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) confirmed a positive detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in a cow in Sabinas Hidalgo, located in Nuevo León, Mexico, about 70 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. Preliminary reports indicate the cow had been moved to a certified feedlot from a region in southern Mexico with known NWS cases.

Teal Season Opens in Texas Sept. 20

September 9, 2025 – Teal hunting season kicks off September 20 and for the first time in nearly 20 years, Texas waterfowl hunters face a shortened early season.

The Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  (USFWS) and Canadian Wildlife Service in May of 2024 estimated the blue-winged teal breeding population at 4.55 million birds, a 15 percent decline and the lowest estimate in two decades. USFWS requires a minimum population of 4.7 million birds to authorize a full 16-day season.

Texas Game Wardens Emphasize Safety Ahead of Labor Day Weekend

August 30, 2025 – With Labor Day weekend marking the unofficial end of summer, Texas Game Wardens will patrol waterways across the state to enforce laws and regulations while doing all they can to keep the public safe on and around the water.

Last year during Labor Day weekend, wardens reported nine boating accidents, one boating-related fatality and one open-water drowning. They arrested five individuals for boating while intoxicated (BWI) and one minor for boating under the influence.

Strong Populations, Prime Conditions Set Stage for Promising Dove Season

August 22, 2025 — Despite early weather challenges, Texas dove hunters can look forward to a strong 2025 season.

Spring population surveys conducted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff found mourning dove numbers continue to trend near historic highs. Combined with strong habitat conditions across much of the state, hunters should expect solid opportunities when the 2025 dove season opens September 1.

Expanded Digital License, Tag Options for Recreational Hunting, Fishing on Sale Aug. 15

August 13, 2025 – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will offer fully digital options for all recreational hunting, fishing and combo license and tag types when 2025-26 licenses go on sale August 15th. In March, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved the expansion of digital license and tag options.

TPWD first introduced digital license options for resident supercombo license types in 2022. Hunters and anglers not interested in the digital option can still purchase traditional paper licenses both online and at point-of-sale locations.

Texas Drawn Hunt Program Opens Applications for 2025 – 26 Season

July 16, 2025 – Hunters now have new opportunities and scenery to experience this fall through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) drawn hunt permits program.

Through this program, hunters are issued permits for drawn hunts on both public and private lands throughout Texas. Applications are now being accepted for a shot at nearly 9,600 permits in more than 60 high-quality hunt categories.

Seven Heat Safety Tips to Protect You From Texas Summer Heat

June 20, 2025 - June in Texas means the arrival of scorching temperatures and the risk of heat-related illness, so Texas State Parks offers seven tips to help parkgoers beat the heat and safely enjoy the beauty that Texas has to offer.

Last year, 44 state parks reported a total of 192 heat-related illnesses, with 10 of those incidents involving pets. Texas recorded 36 more heat-related illnesses last year than in 2023.

Texans can reduce heat-related incidents this year by following these seven pieces of sun-safety advice:

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