Outdoor News - Wildlife Management Pro

TPWD Public Meetings

Texas seeks public comment on waterfowl seasons and more

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) willl be holding public meetings across the state that continue until May 15. Meetings will take place this week in Midland, Bay City, Ozona, Tyler, Brownsville, Abilene, and Garland. In addition to seeking public comment on proposed fee increases and dove hunting seasons, TPWD is scoping issues related to migratory game birds. The TPWD Commission will consider proposals in late May that could increase certain license and boat registration fees, as well as general waterfowl season framework options for the 2009-2010 seasons. The meetings will seek public feedback on issues related to migratory game bird seasons in the future. More information, including the complete public meeting schedule, is in a TPWD news release online.

Texas Dove Leases Wanted

Texas Dove Leases Wanted!

Looking for a dove lease or to make some extra money? Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Public Dove Hunting Program is not only an opportunity for hunters, but it is also an opportunity for landowners to make some extra money by leasing the hunting rights for dove and other small game to TPWD. This is a short termed lease that usually last for 45 to 60 days in length, the equivalent of the first split of the dove season. Revenue from the sale of hunting licenses and the annual public hunting permit enable TPWD to expand public hunting opportunities through private land lease programs.

“We are looking for properties that are at least 50 or more acres where hunting is legal, with access, food, water and cover to attract dove,” said Kelly Edmiston with TPWD’s public hunting program. “Ideal sites have a good food source such as grain crops; sunflowers, croton (goat weeds), water or that have become recently fallowed.”

Additionally, each tract must have a public access point where hunters can park their vehicles, from which they will walk to the hunting area. Temporary signs will clearly identify property boundaries. Game wardens and other departmental staff will monitor the units to ensure compliance with all regulations. Edmiston said most entrance points are designated for parking to protect the private property and reserve the maximum acreage for actual hunting activities. Continue reading Texas Dove Leases Wanted

Dry Weather Impacts Native Wildlife

Drought impacts deer, turkey, and wildlife habitat

Despite welcome rains in late March, much of Texas remains parched by prolonged drought of historic proportions, and wildlife die-offs of whooping cranes and deer have been reported. However, experts say native wildlife evolved to bounce back from drought, and a bigger issue is how human water use is changing the equation, and how drought underscores the need for water planning and conservation. “The current drought affecting all of Texas has reached historic proportions, with the past six months among the driest since the long-term drought of the 1950’s and 1917, the driest year on record.” That sentence begins the March 11 situation report from the governor’s Drought Preparedness Council.

The council report said last December through February was the driest period on record for the east, south central, and upper coast regions. It also noted the entire state was classified as at least “Abnormally Dry” according to the United States Drought Monitor. Continued dry range conditions could have a negative impact on wild turkey production and hunting prospects for spring turkey season, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists. If parts of Texas remain parched, particularly the south, experts say Rio Grande turkey breeding activity and nesting effort will be greatly reduced or nonexistent. Rio Grande spring turkey hunting season runs April 4-May 17 in the North Zone, with special youth-only weekends March 28-29 and May 23-24. The South Zone season runs March 21-May 3, with youth weekends March 14-15 and May 9-10. Harvest data is collected and used for turkey management. Continue reading Dry Weather Impacts Native Wildlife

Texas Boat Registration

Boaters gearing up for summer fun on the water in Texas are reminded about the need for boat registration and boat and outboard motor titling. Also, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has a new Web service that started in March which allows boat owners to renew online. Boat owners can now eliminate the drive and renew an existing boat registration listed in their name using a credit card online. They can also update their address and order additional ID cards when renewing online. This service is available to boats titled and registered through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, but is not available to boats documented (titled) through the United States Coast Guard, as they must provide proof of current documentation for registration.

Boat owners can also register by providing all forms and supporting documents, any required application fees, and any boat/outboard motor taxes at TPWD headquarters in Austin or any of the 27 TPWD law enforcement (game warden) field offices throughout the state or at participating county Tax Assessor-Collector Offices. To find participating offices, check the TPWD Web site. Most boats are required by law to have current registration when on Texas public water, including vessels that are docked or moored. Texas registration is required for motorized boats of any length (including those with trolling motors), sailboats 14 feet in length or longer or sailboats with auxiliary engines, plus U.S. Coast Guard documented vessels. Continue reading Texas Boat Registration

Brazos Bend State Park Turns 25!

An alligator crosses the road at Brazos Bend State Park

Scores of visitors turned out for a day of pleasant weather and numerous activities this past Saturday at Brazos Bend State Park, as the 5,000-acre park celebrated its 25-year history as a flagship recreation destination near the Houston metro area. Park staff—both past and present—were acknowledged, as was the Brazos Bend State Park Volunteer Organization, which contributes hundreds of service hours each year. Along with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director Carter Smith and State Parks Director Walt Dabney, dignitaries on hand included two state legislators. “I think Brazos Bend is a wonderful jewel that we need to preserve,” said Senator Joan Huffman of Houston, adding “it’s a wonderful getaway within a short drive for people in the city, so they can just come out here and enjoy nature.”

Representative Dora Olivo of Rosenberg said, “I think Brazos Bend State Park represents the tranquility, beauty and peace that we all need for our lives. The birds, the trees, the leaves rustling—this park is a chance to really appreciate nature, and it’s a chance to protect the beauty and sacredness of nature as well, not only for those of us now, but also for future generations.”

Great Land Management Takes Getting Involved

Learn how to manage habitats and wildlife

It can be awful lonesome out there, facing the challenges and opportunities of working with the land. But holistic land managers have a tool that not only provides someone to talk to who really understands what they are doing, but a social and practical network of problem solving, brain-storming, and the camaraderie of like-minded friends. If you could use some input on the best wildlife management practices on your property, think about getting involved in a management club.

Management clubs all over the world have brought managers together in regional groups who are likely to face some of the same social, economic, and ecological challenges. The design of the clubs and what they actually do when they gather varies with the club. Each one designs itself. The Red River Graziers, for example, meet at a different member’s place each month. The host takes the group on a tour, pointing out the areas where he could use some ideas. Everyone chews on it awhile as they chew on lunch (usually self-provided or potluck). The afternoon is spent creating a list of practices that are working, those to stop doing, and those new one to incorporate. Continue reading Great Land Management Takes Getting Involved

Neches River National Wildlife Refuge is a Go!

Neches National Wildlife Refuge versus Fastrill Reservoir

Wildlife supporters have something to smile about. On Thursday, March 12, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court decision in favor of creating the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge. The court ruled that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acted legally in creating the refuge and denied an appeal by the City of Dallas and Texas Water Development Board, in effect precluding their ability to construct the proposed Fastrill Reservoir in the same footprint as the wildlife refuge. A coalition of environmentalists quickly hailed the court decision as a victory, but noted the legal battle may not be over.

However, the Dallas newspaper reported March 13 it was “unclear whether the city will attempt to have the case heard again by the entire panel of 5th Circuit judges or seek a hearing before the U.S. Supreme Court.” We can only hope this ads to our great National Wildlife Refuge system.