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TPWD News Release — April 2, 2013

TPWD Adopts Changes to Mule Deer MLDP, Pronghorn Seasons

AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved an experimental pronghorn buck season in some areas of the Panhandle, which would allow landowners to control the harvest of buck pronghorn on their properties. In addition, an extension to the existing mule deer managed lands deer permits (MLDP) season will be part of changes to the upcoming 2013-14 Statewide Hunting Proclamation.

Under the current statewide regulations, TPWD determines the harvest quota and issues permits directly to landowners for surplus pronghorn. With the new pronghorn rules, landowners or their agents within selected pronghorn management units in the northeast and northwest Panhandle would determine the harvest quota and control buck pronghorn harvest on their property during the three-year pilot project.

The goal of the project is to simplify pronghorn hunting regulations and increase hunting opportunity in areas with stable populations. Wildlife officials will closely monitor pronghorn herds during the pilot project to ensure populations remain healthy.

TPWD is also extending the mule deer season on MLDP properties through the last Sunday in January while maintaining the current opening date (first Saturday in November).

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