TPWD News Releases

Official Media Statement: Pelican Island Bridge Collision

Make a Splash Safely During Water Safety Month

AUSTIN – As temperatures across the state start to heat up, many Texans will begin taking refuge in the water. May is National Water Safety Month and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reminds boaters to follow some simple yet effective safety precautions to prevent accidents and save lives.

Three Texas Students Garner National Fish Art Contest Honors

WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn. – Three Texas students were recently honored with awards in Wildlife Forever’s National Fish Art Contest.

MT7 Ranch Receives Texas Leopold Conservation Award

AUSTIN — Mike and Mary Terry, owners of the MT7 Ranch near Breckenridge, are this year’s recipients of the state’s highest honor for private land conservation, the Leopold Conservation Award.

First Ever Spring Fling Event at Lake Corpus Christi State Park

MATHIS – Have fun in the wild and wonderful South Texas thorn scrub from 1-4 p.m. May 11 at Lake Corpus Christi State Park’s first ever Spring Fling – A Celebration of Native Plants.

Official Media Advisory: Sam Houston National Forest Wildlife Management Area Closed Due to Severe Flooding

Public Comment Sought on Proposed Regulation Changes to Disease Detection, Response Rules in Deer Breeding Facilities

Austin — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking public comment until May 22 on amendments to disease detection and responses within deer breeding facilities.

Toyota ShareLunker Program Wraps Up Another Outstanding Collection Season

ATHENS – The 2024 Toyota ShareLunker program was full speed ahead and produced an exceptional collection season for the fourth consecutive year.

Gulf Shrimp Season Closes May 15

AUSTIN- The Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp season for both Texas and federal waters will close 30 minutes after sunset on Wednesday, May 15, until a still-to-be determined date in July. While the statutory opening date for the gulf season is July 15, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Coastal Fisheries Division will be sampling shrimp populations this summer to determine the optimum opening date. The Texas shrimp fishery is closed annually to allow brown shrimp to reach a larger and more valuable size prior to harvest.

Displaced Wildlife May be Found in Unlikely Places as Flooding Recedes

AUSTIN — As flood waters begin to recede across much of Central and East Texas, property owners may encounter wildlife in unexpected places. Floods can temporarily displace wildlife like snakes, armadillos, skunks and raccoons into some people’s yards and houses as they seek cover or higher ground.