Latest news with #TPWD
USA Today
29-05-2025
- General
- USA Today
Texas fisherman catches record bass, releases it 3½ months later
Texas fisherman catches record bass, releases it 3½ months later A Texas fisherman caught a lake-record 14.05-pound largemouth bass at Lady Bird Lake in Austin, making it one of 14 bass in the state that qualified for the 2025 Toyota ShareLunker Program. Willie Pipkin caught the lunker bass on February 5 and then, as part of the ShareLunker Program for bass 13 pounds and bigger, loaned the fish to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to use in its selective breeding and stocking program. Qualifying bass are known as Legacy Class ShareLunkers. Pipkin, joined by wildlife officials, released the bass back into Lady Bird Lake on May 22, as reported by MySan Antonio. Video of the release was posted last week by the TPWD on its Facebook page. 'He just released her back into the lake to let the legend live on,' TPWD wrote in its post. 'Anglers provided 14 Legacy Class ShareLunkers from nine different public lakes across the state of Texas,' the TPWD reported in a press release. 'Another new waterbody recorded its first Legacy Class fish, and O.H. Ivie, the reigning waterbody champion for the past five seasons, finished 2025 with six of the 14 total Legacy Class entries. 'O.H. Ivie retained its designation as the undisputed leader with 59 Legacy Class fish during the five-year span. The lake sprinted across the finish line in 2025 with three consecutive Legacy Lunkers to close out the collection season. The West Texas hotspot accumulated 12 Legacy Class Lunkers in 2021, 2022 and 2024 and amassed a record-shattering 15 ShareLunkers in 2023.' The program runs from Jan. 1 to March 31 each year. 'With new lakes joining the Legacy Class ranks, and returning favorites like O.H. Ivie continuing to impress, it's clear that lunker bass fishing in Texas is thriving,' program coordinator Natalie Goldstrohm stated. 'Every ShareLunker catch helps Texas Parks and Wildlife Department advance bass genetics, fisheries management and angler recognition across the state.' Photos courtesy of the TPWD.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Officials lock in nearly 7,000 acres of land for future generations: 'Adds a vital new link in the state's network of preserved natural spaces'
Chron, a division of the Houston Chronicle, reported that Texas is adding 6,900 acres of protected land to the state's network of preserved natural spaces. The establishment of this protected area "presents an opportunity for the conservation and management of an ecologically unique and important habitat," said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) executive director David Yoskowitz. The TPWD announced that the newly-protected area is called the Trinity River Wildlife Management Area, and it is the first time in nearly 20 years that the state has added a significant mass of land to its protected area. These public lands, overseen by TPWD, have a goal to protect native wildlife and habitats and create outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors. The protected status was secured through a combination of public and private funding. In total, Texas has over 50 Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) of over 700,000 acres that cover different ecological regions. Having protected land is important because these areas are critical to preserving natural habitats and biodiversity. Wildlife can thrive in their natural environments, which helps the species become better-established and can revive endangered populations. Protected lands also help communities by maintaining natural landscapes that become areas of recreation and cultural significance, ensuring the lands are conserved for future generations. Chron reports that the new WMA borders more than 11 miles of the Trinity River, bringing together a conservation corridor connecting more than 21,000 acres of protected land, including bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands. The protected area will help naturally absorb and slow floodwater, reducing erosion and improving water quality downstream, having a positive impact on human health. The land is also providing a natural, protected habitat for migratory birds, pollinators that are vital to the health of the region, and other wildlife. TPWD is set to begin restoration efforts of this newly protected area and plans to revitalize the wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, and upland prairie. In addition to providing a secure habitat for wildlife, the plan is to provide Texans and visitors from other areas more opportunities to connect with nature. The area, according to the article, "adds a vital new link in the state's network of preserved natural spaces." Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Where alligators are found in North Texas, and what to do if you see one
What lives in North Texas, has 80 sharp chompers and can hold its breath for almost 45 minutes? It's not a fish or a turtle. It's the American alligator. These large reptiles are not as scary as they sound. In fact, the American alligator is the least aggressive of all the crocodilian species, according to Texas A&M Agrilife. They are most populated in East and South Texas. So, while sightings in North Texas are rare, they are still present. Now that summer is here, keep your eye out. The American alligator is really only spotted in late spring through fall while the weather is warm — they go dormant when temperatures are 60 degrees or colder. Though alligator attacks are extremely rare, we do share marshes and swamps with the mega-lizards. Here's what you should know about American alligators in North Texas, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. There are many differences between alligators and crocodiles. The most defining factor here in Texas is that crocodiles do not live in Texas, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Alligators are grayish-black in color. Female alligators grow to about nine feet long, while males can get up to 14 feet. They only mate once a year during the spring breeding season, and then the females lay their eggs in late June and July. It only takes two months for the eggs to hatch. Alligators only eat one to two times a week. There are no molars within their 80 teeth, so gators swallow most of their food whole. Their most active feeding hours are during dusk and dawn. Per Texas A&M, alligators use their keen sense of smell, sight and hearing to stalk their prey. They are exceptionally sneaky. TPWD says there has never been a fatality from an alligator in Texas. In fact, 'alligators don't normally eat people. Since they have been isolated from humans for all but about five or six thousand years, they don't really understand we're on the menu, unless we teach them,' TPWD said. According to TPWD, alligators in Texas live pretty much anywhere there is water. In North Texas, they are most commonly found in freshwater lakes and rivers. In D-FW, alligators have been spotted in the Trinity River watershed region. Specific sightings also include Lake Worth and Eagle Mountain Lake, according to the City of Fort Worth. During the summer of 2024, the City of Coppell issued an alligator warning due to sightings along Denton Creek. ⚡ More trending stories from our newsroom: →Why 'Last Rodeo' star loves Fort Worth →Price Check: Cheapest produce in Fort Worth for May →These are the most unsafe hospitals in North Texas If you run into an alligator, TPWD recommends the following: Refrain from calling TPWD if the alligator is not approaching humans or posing an obvious threat. Simply seeing an alligator does not mean it is a nuisance. If you hear an alligator hissing, that means you are too close. 'Never make the mistake of thinking that an alligator is slow and lethargic. Alligators are extremely quick and agile and will defend themselves when cornered,' according to TPWD. However, if you see one, back away slowly because it is rare for gators to chase humans. Alligators along the water, basking in the sun, are just trying to regulate their body temperature. Do not alarm them, otherwise they will retreat into water. TPWD considers alligators a nuisance if they are near homes, livestock pens or other urban structures. (This is when you should call TPWD.) If an alligator comes out of the water towards people, this alligator should be reported because it is also considered a nuisance. Alligators will consider pets a food source. Keep your animals leashed up or in fenced yards. If an alligator is on a road, notify TPWD. Never swim in a pond where you may see a gator, especially during night. Though gators can be hard to spot in water, you can sometimes see their eyes pop above the surface. Alligators may pursue fishing lures because they see it as a natural food source. However, if an alligator is following a boat or watercraft can be considered a nuisance. Never feed alligators. If caught doing so, you can face up to a $500 fine and be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. To report an alligator, you can call TPWD at 1-800-792-1112 or a Tarrant County game warden. Though alligators are a protected species by TPWD, they are also allowed to be hunted if the hunter has a valid hunting license and lawful means. Depending on the county you live in (core or non-core), there are different regulations. Tarrant County is considered a non-core county. Hunting season is April 1 though June 30. In non-core counties, hunters are allowed one alligator per season. Those who hunt an alligator in the wild, outside of Texas law, can be faced with a misdemeanor and fine. According to TPWD, violating Texas Fish and Wildlife law consequences can result in any of the following: Class C: $25-$500 Class B: $200-$2,000 Class A: $500-$4,000; Be fined for state jail felonies ($1,500-$10,000 and/or up to 2 years in jail). Face automatic suspension or revocation of licenses for up to five years. Forfeit hunting gear, including firearms, used to commit a violation.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Concho River restocked ahead of Memorial Day weekend
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — Anglers looking to spend their Memorial Day weekend reeling in their next big catch are in luck after hundreds of fish were stocked into the Concho River. According to the San Angelo district of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's Inland Fisheries, approximately 600 catfish have been stocked into a section of the Concho River between South Chadbourne Street and South Oakes Street. What to do in San Angelo for Memorial Day weekend The TPWD website states that catfish are stocked 'from mid-April through October each year' with a break throughout August 'due to high water temperatures.' The stockings occur 'every two to four weeks' and consist of fish 'big enough to catch and keep.' Children under the age of 17 may fish through the Neighborhood Fishin' program for free, while adults must acquire a fishing license with a freshwater endorsement. Program participants may only fish with a fishing pole and line, with a limit of two poles per person. Participants have a daily bag limit of five fish across all species, plus one black bass with a length of 14 inches or greater. Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 26, this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Several Central Texas counties receive trail grants from the state
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved more than $6.8 million in grants Thursday for trail construction and maintenance projects, and a few Central Texas counties received funding. TPWD approved $300,000 for the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. This funding is expected to create the Onion Creek Greenbelt trailhead and trail expansion. TPWD said the project included the construction of a .6-mile trail, parking area and utilities, as well as revegetation in the area following construction. The Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center received $59,348, which TPWD said would be used to renovate the 431-feet of trail, as well as fund the construction of 176-feet of natural surface trail, including a boardwalk renovation and improved fencing, interpretive signage and benches. The department said BikeTexas also got $75,000 for the Texas Trails and Active Transportation Conference, which focuses on creating and maintaining Texas trails. The San Marcos Aquatic Research Center, which is under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, received $57,427. The funding is expected to be used for the rehabilitation of interior trails, with improvements to include: Renovation of a 1.75-mile trail Construction of a .56-mile trail, including: a gravel turnpike, parking improvements and signage Universal City received $220,800, which would fund phase two of the Cibolo Creek Recreational Trail, according to TPWD. The department said the project would include constructing a 1.23-mile cement-stabilized base trail, as well as wayfinding signage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
