Daily News Update, Jan. 31, 2008
TWPD unveils proposed regulation changes
Expanded hunting opportunities for mule
deer and pheasant in the Panhandle are among the proposed changes to the
state's hunting and fishing regulations.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission's Regulations Committee,
at its Jan. 23 meeting, authorized agency staff to take these proposed
regulation changes and others out for public comment and will make a
final determination at its March 25-26 meeting.
Following is a selection of the proposals:
Expand Panhandle mule
deer season
This proposal would consider
adding Sherman and Hansford counties to the northern Panhandle mule deer
season; and Gaines, Martin, and the eastern portion of Andrews counties
to the southwest Panhandle season. These counties, wildlife biologists
believe, have mule deer populations sufficient to allow the harvest of a
few buck mule deer. Such a buck-only harvest would not have any effect
on the overall population in those counties. Opening these counties will
result in increased hunter opportunity.
Panhandle pheasant season expansion
The proposal would expand
the season length to 37 days.
Quail season closing
change
This proposal would change
the close of quail season to the last day in February.
Eliminate bow hunting
minimum draw weight
This proposal would remove
the requirement of a 40-pound minimum peak draw weight on bow hunting
equipment.
Deer proof of sex
requirement change
This proposal would allow
special deer permit tags, including: Managed Land Deer Permits,
Landowner Assisted Management Permitting System, antlerless mule deer,
special public hunting and Antlerless and Spike Control to satisfy proof
of sex tagging requirements.
Lower minimum age for
hunter education certification
This proposal would lower
the minimum age a student may receive hunter education certification
from 12 years to 9 years.
The public is urged to comment on these proposals during a series of
public meetings scheduled across the state during February and March.
Comment may also be made online at the agency Web site or by mail to:
TPWD Regulations Public Comment
Attn. Robert Macdonald
4200 Smith School Rd.
Austin, TX 78744.
For a
full list of the proposed changes, visit
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20080130f.
To see
a schedule of the planned meetings throughout the state, visit
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/feedback/meetings/statewide_hearings/.
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