|
|
Program Highlights & News |
Eight Novice Anglers Learn Art of Saltwater Fishing
This year's mentored fishing trip at the future Powderhorn State Park brought eight novice anglers into the field! Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) educators led the group through knot tying, fish habitat, identification, and handling, plus casting practice. The group learned about the history of the Powderhorn property and plans for the future state park from Interim State Park Superintendent Edwin Quintero.
Before sunrise on Saturday, the group headed for the water. Novice anglers spent the day on the water with their mentors fishing by boat, kayak, and wading. Mentees, mentors, and staff alike caught a variety of fish, including red drum, black drum, flounder, gafftopsail catfish, hardhead catfish, and sheepshead. The group even tried their hand at crabbing, catching three gulf stone crab and a lightning whelk (state shell of Texas) sighting.
That evening, the group learned about Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Texas' vital work and the important role of anglers in conservation from CCA Texas Advocacy Director Shane Bonnot. |
|
|
Everyone left Powderhorn with a newfound or renewed sense of gratitude, patience, and love of the water. Thank you to everyone who made this incredible event possible! |
|
|
Don't Miss Austin Chapter's Annual Wild Night |
The Austin Chapter invites you to attend its 9th Annual Wild Night on Friday, April 17. Tickets include live music, appetizers & bites, drinks, and access to amazing raffle prizes from Turtlebox, McBride's Guns, Yeti, Concho Hats, Sportsman's Finest, and more! Attendees will hear from JT Van Zandt, a well-known fly fishing guide from Rockport, TX, and avid Texas conservationist. Grammy-nominated musician Tony Kamel will headline Wild Night just one day before dropping his new studio album, We're All Gonna Live. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join Stewards on the Water for the 5th Annual Matagorda Fishing Tournament |
|
|
Save the date for the 5th Annual Statewide Fishing Tournament in Matagorda on Saturday, June 6!
This tournament is open to experienced and novice anglers alike! Teams of three (3) may register to fish with a professional inshore guide or bring their own boat. Target species are red drum and seatrout.This year, we worked with our friends at LCRA Parks to reserve a discounted block of bungalows and airstreams at the Matagorda Bay Nature Park, right on the water! Held sites for this event will be released on May 6, 2026. See event details for more information and to register. |
|
|
|
|
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Now Open to the Public |
|
|
Photo by Chase Fountain
STRAWN— For the first time in more than 25 years, the TPWD is opening the gates to a state park in North Texas. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, located between Abilene and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, offers Texans 4,871 acres of former ranch land to hike, bike, fish and explore.
“This is a tremendous moment for Texas State Parks and the state of Texas,” said Rodney Franklin, Director of Texas State Parks. “Opening Palo Pinto Mountains State Park represents the culmination of collaborative efforts that includes our Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation as well as private donors. I am proud of the dedication of our TPWD team but also the unwavering support of the Texas Legislature and the voters of Texas that have brought us to this moment. State park staff stand ready to welcome families far and wide to begin making memories at Texas’ newest state park.”
Use the links below to learn more and book your visit! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TPWF Summer Intern Application Deadline April 1
Attention Dallas Parents of high school juniors: TPWF is looking for two incoming high school juniors for a paid summer internship. This is a great opportunity for students interested in a career in conservation, ecology, wildlife and range management, public policy, environmental law, state parks, or another similar path.
The application will close April 1, 2026; applicants will be selected and notified April 3, 2026. |
|
|
|
|
.png)