TPWD Accepting Comments On New Regulations

Public meetings and online comment opportunities exist for public comment on several new regulations that will affect Upshur hunters

Feb. 23, 2009 -- In addition to presenting proposed hunting and fishing regulations at dozens of public hearings taking place around the state, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is looking to interact with constituents through an online public comment survey.

Annually, TPWD recommends adjustments to hunting and fishing rules for resource management needs and increased recreational opportunity. Part of the process involves gathering public comment, which helps the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission in its final decision making on March 26.

Of special interest to Upshur hunters will be the proposed Special Late Muzzleloader-Only Season. The current muzzleloader-only open season is a nine-day late season during which antlerless and spike deer may be taken only by muzzleloading firearms.

The department proposes to expand the muzzleloader season from nine to 14 days in all counties that currently have a muzzleloader season, make it run concurrently with all other late seasons, allow for the bag composition to be identical to that of the general season, and expand it to include numerous counties, including Upshur.

Along with that, TPWD is proposing a Special Late Youth-Only Season, which would expand the late youth-only season from two days to 14 days and make it run concurrently with the special late muzzleloader season and the special late antlerless and spike deer season. The proposed expansion is intended to create additional opportunity for parents and children to hunt together during January.


The public may get involved in the process by attending one of the 46 public hearings taking place, providing comment online or by contacting TPWD directly.

The public comments section is accessible from the TPWD homepage and includes summaries of some 34 potential amendments to the state’s hunting and fishing regulations, with opportunities to provide input on each proposal.

Public hearings in the Upshur County area include:

 City        Date                       Location
Canton     Mar.  5, 2009  Farm Bureau Building, 481 E Hwy 243, Canton
Corsicana  Feb. 25, 2009  JP Courtroom; 312 W. 2nd Ave., Corsicana
Crockett   Feb. 17, 2009  District Courtroom; 401 E. Houston, Crockett
Henderson  Mar. 11, 2009  Ext. Office Meeting Room, 115 E Fordall, Henderson
Lufkin     Feb. 26, 2009  District Courtroom, 215 E. Lufkin Ave., Lufkin
New Boston Mar.  9, 2009  Bowie Cty. Courthouse, 710 James Bowie Drive, New Boston

For a complete listing of the hearings, visit
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/feedback/meetings/statewide_hearings/.

Visit the TPWD homepage at www.tpwd.state.tx.us for more on the proposed regulations and instructions for online comments. The public comment period runs through March 25.