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Governmental rule making can be a frightening event.
Thankfully, just a few of the hunting regulations are proposed for change, although the title might sound like it could involve a massive overhaul. And, experience has shown that proposed hunting and fishing regulations are supported by research that suggests a need for change.
Adoption of proposals comes only after scrutiny by a commission of Texans who have been furnished input concerning science and how the proposals will affect the public.
This happens every year in March. I had only been with TPWD a few months when my job required me to present that year’s proposals to the Commission, answer its members’ questions, and address any public testimony to the Commission. It was almost like arguing a case before the Supreme Court of Wildlife.
The Commission encourages public comment – written or in person -- to the Commission proposals. This year it’s on March 26. Members of the Public testifying are respectfully treated. It was stressful for staff presenters, earlier.
This year, the following changes are proposed.
Migratory Game Bird Regulations
• Change the South Zone dove hunting season during the first segment to include an earlier regular season opening date (September 1 – October 25, 2026), eliminate the Special White-winged Dove Days, and standardized South Zone daily bag limits.
• Change the South Zone dove season during the second segment to move the starting date from mid-December to the day prior to Thanksgiving (November 25 – December 29, 2026).
Upland Game Bird Regulations
• Simplify regulations by aligning chachalacas and quail hunting seasons.
• Close Matagorda and Wharton counties to wild turkey hunting due to the decline in wild turkey populations there.
• Due to the overall decline in wild turkey populations across Texas, a change in the annual bag limits to only gobblers and bearded hens is proposed for counties where either sex is currently allowed for wild turkey hunting.
Big Game Regulations
• Expand «doe days» for deer hunting in 21 counties in the Post Oak Savannah ecoregion. .
• Modify the definition of «muzzleloader» to allow usage of new technology for whitetail hunting. Additional details can be found on the public comment page and in the Texas Register.
Public input on the proposed changes will be considered before TPWD Commission action is taken at its March 26 public hearing. Opportunities to provide comments for or against these proposals include:
• Online: Comments can be provided on the TPWD public comment page through 5 p.m. March 25.
• Email: For Migratory Game Bird Proclamation comments regarding wild turkey or chachalaca hunting regulations, contact Shaun Oldenburger (shaun. [email protected])
• Comments regarding big game hunting regulations changes: contact Blaise Korzekwa (blaise. korzekwa@ tpwd. texas. gov).
• Commission Meeting (in Person): The TPW Commission will take public comments on the proposed changes at its meeting on Thursday, March 26 at 9:00 a.m in Austin at 4300 Smith School Road. Those wishing to provide public testimony are required to pre-register to speak. Public testimony is limited to three minutes per person.
If you’re concerned about these proposals, here’s your chance to speak.
JJ
