Proposed TPWD changes

[BTLowry]

If this has already been posted please have a mod delete

I have sen the mention of squirrel with airgun and firearms during bow season but there are some more things I thought might be interesting to some TBH'rs


Mule Deer, Squirrel Seasons Top Suite of Proposed Hunting Regulation Changes

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is proposing expansion of mule deer hunting in several counties and extending squirrel season into February across parts of East Texas.

TPWD staff presented proposed amendments to the 2014-15 Statewide Hunting Proclamation to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. The recommended changes include:

· Implement an archery-only open season and 16-day general season for mule deer in Knox County, where the season is currently closed;

· Implement a nine-day general season for mule deer in Castro, Hale, Lubbock, and Lynn counties, where the season is currently closed;

· Clarify rules regarding utilization of antlerless mule deer permits;

· Shorten the current year-round open season for desert bighorn sheep by one month and eliminate the requirement of a landowner affidavit for skulls and horns found in the wild;

· Extend squirrel season in 51 East Texas counties;

· Eliminate bag and possession limits for squirrel in 12 counties in the Blacklands Prairie;

· Allow the take of squirrel by means of air rifles meeting minimum standards;

· Implement rules allowing use of mobile technology by hunters to check harvested Eastern turkeys;

· Clarify rules governing possession of firearms while hunting deer or turkey during an open archery season;

Proposed changes can be found in the Feb. 21 edition of the Texas Register and on the TPWD website.

Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted by phone or e-mail to Robert Macdonald (512) 389-4775; e-mail: robert.macdonald@tpwd.texas.gov, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744. Comments may also be submitted through the department’s Internet web site after February 21 and at the following upcoming public meetings scheduled around the state.

TPWD Public Hearing Schedule

All meetings set for 7 p.m.

Alpine
March 10
Sul Ross, Range Animal Science Bldg, Rm 103, East Hwy 90

Sulphur Springs
March 10
Hopkins Co. Courthouse, 118 Church St.

New Braunfels
March 10
WORD Offices, 1928 FM 2673, Canyon Lake

Port Arthur
March 11
Holiday Inn, Neches Room, 2929 Jimmy Johnson Blvd.

Dickinson
March 11
Doyle Convention Center, Williams Goyens Room, 2010 5th Ave North, Texas City

Van Horn
March 12
El Capitan Hotel Conference Room, 100 East Broadway

Marshall
March 12
Marshall Lions Community Center, 1201 Louisiana St.

Zapata
March 12
Zapata County Technical and Advance Education Center, Rm 128, 605 N. US Hwy 83

Port Lavaca
March 12
Bauer Exhibit Building, 186 CR 101

San Antonio
March 13
Bass Pro@ 17907 IH-10 West

Rockport
March 13
Aransas County Courthouse, 301 N. Live Oak

Lubbock
March 17
Texas Agrilife Research and Extension Center, 1102 E. FM1294

Nacogdoches
March 17
Nacogdoches County Courthouse Annex, 203 West Main

Dallas-Fort Worth
March 17
Cabela's, 1 Cabelas Dr., Allen

Palestine
March 17
Ben E. Keith Building, 2019 W. Oak Street

Huntsville
March 19
Walker County Storm Shelter, 455 Highway 75 N

Port Isabel
March 19
Port Isabel Community Center, 213 Yturria

Amarillo
March 19
Texas AgriLife Extension Center, 6500 Amarillo Blvd West

Corpus Christi
March 20
Del Mar College Center for Economic Development, 3209 S. Staples St., Rm 106

Center
March 20
Fannie Brown Booth Library, Redditt Room, 619 Tenaha Street

Houston
March 20
Sheldon Lake State Park, 15315 Beaumont Hwy

Austin
March 20
Austin TPWD HQ Commission Hearing Room, 4200 Smith School Road






Billy C. Lambert, Jr.

Private Lands Biologist

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

[RogueSamurai]

Interesting. I still find their places of meetings a bit odd, maybe it's just me. Van Horn, but not College Station, Waco, Brownwood, Stepenville, Abilene or San Angelo.

San Antonio/Austin AND New Braunfels though? Geographically speaking they're all on top of each other.

[BTLowry]

Meeting locations may be based on areas affected, I don't know

[RogueSamurai]

I don't think so, it's the same ones as last year. I just wish they'd move it around some.

[twistedmidnite]

The squirrel with air gun would be nice...

[Big Sendero]

Clarify rules governing possession of firearms while hunting deer or turkey during an open archery season;

Maybe they will change the above rule so we don't have to see any more threads on here about non-CHL holders carrying a gun while hunting in archery season.