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/.