By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is asking for public input on proposed changes to the 2019-2020 hunting regulations.

Among the possible changes are the implementation and expansion of white-tailed deer “doe days,” an experimental mule deer antler restriction in Lynn County and season dates and bag limits for migratory game birds.

Input will be considered before any action by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission at its March 20 public hearing. Public comments are encouraged for the following proposed changes:

  • Refusal of program participation in Managed Lands Deer Programs (MLDP) for non-compliant properties in areas where chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing is required for all harvested deer.
  • A four-day antlerless deer season in 21 counties in south Central Texas. Counties being considered include: Austin, Bastrop, Caldwell, Colorado, Dewitt, Fayette, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Lavaca, Lee, Waller, Washington and Wilson. In addition to these counties, Goliad, Jackson, Victoria and Wharton counties north of U.S. Highway 59 and Comal, Hays and Travis east of IH-35 would also be included.
  • Expansion of “doe days” in 20 counties from four to 16 days. Counties being considered include: Bell (east of IH-35), Burleson, Delta, Ellis, Falls, Fannin, Franklin, Freestone, Hopkins, Hunt, Kaufman, Limestone, Milam, Navarro, Rains, Smith, Titus, Van Zandt, Williamson (east of IH-35) and Wood.
  • An experimental 20-inch minimum antler spread restriction regulation in Lynn County.
  • A new season for javelina in six counties in the South Plains to include: Borden, Dawson, Gaines, Hardeman, Scurry and Terry counties.
  • Clarification that proof of sex is required for turkeys taken during seasons when the bag limit is gobblers only or gobblers and bearded hens (i.e., not either sex), and that it can remain attached to the harvested bird or accompany the harvested bird.
  • Establish seasons and bag limits for migratory game birds for 2019-2020.

Comments can be made in a variety of methods. Four public hearings will be held during March to gather public opinion on the proposals. All meetings are set for 7 p.m.:

  • Brenham: Tuesday, March 5, 1305 East Blue Bell Rd.
  • La Grange: Wednesday, March 6, Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 255 Svoboda Ln
  • Victoria: Thursday, March 7, Pattie Dodson Health Center, 2805 Navarro
  • Seguin: Wednesday, March 13, Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 210 East Live Oak

Stakeholders and constituents can also share their comments at the March 20 meeting in Austin.

TPWD will accept comments on the TPWD public comment page through March 19.

Comments can be mailed to TPWD, Attn.: Hunting Regulations Public Comment, 4200 Smith School Rd., Austin, TX 78744.

Click here for more information.