DISCUSS POLICIES, CONSERVATION LAWS, AND THE

ADMINISTRATION OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

8983-C

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE LAWS

INTRODUCTION

Fish and game populations, habitat, food, and water

constantly change. Because of this, Texas fish and
game laws must constantly change. Also, Texas
has a varied ecosystem. No less than five distinct
ecosystems make up the state. These factors
combine to make regulating the taking of wildlife
a difficult task. Fish and game laws need yearly
review and often revision. It is helpful to
understand the principal of the law since the written
law changes so often.

This topic will focus on the “Texas Parks and

Wildlife Outdoor Annual Hunting and Fishing
Regulations Publication”. It will be helpful to
obtain the latest copy of this publication during this
review. Any retail store that sells hunting or fishing
licenses will have copies of this guide. A copy can
also be obtained from the local office of the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department (TP&WD).

Also included in this topic are enforcement, boating,

and trespassing issues. It is one thing to have laws,
but it is still another to effectively enforce those
laws. With the mass of land area in the state, the
public can also provide a service in protecting Texas
resources. Texas has many parks and water
resources that provide recreation outlets for the
public. The safe use of boats* on these waters is a
matter of legal concern. Private landowners also
have areas that provide personal recreation. Their
lands also border on public waters. Where private
land and public water meets, trespassing becomes
an issue.

* Underlined words are defined in the Glossary of Terms.

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HUNTING AND FISHING REGULATIONS

The current issue of the “Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual Hunting and Fishing Regulations”
provides sports persons with information regarding the taking of wildlife. There are addendums or
supplements to this publication. One is “Texas Hunting Regulations for Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, Geese,
& Cranes.” The other refers to public hunting areas in Texas. It is “Public Dove Hunting Areas and Other
Small Game Leases.” It serves as a supplement to the “Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet.” All of these
books represent the legal taking of game throughout the state.

“Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual Hunting and Fishing Regulations”

Hunting Seasons

The front of the booklet has a summary of hunting seasons. The hunting season for each game species is at
the front of the booklet. These seasons are general listings. Each county has its own seasonal listing. There
are provisions for youth, muzzleloader, and archery seasons. With the size of Texas, there are also season
listing for North Texas, South Texas, Edwards Plateau, Trans-Pecos, Southwestern Panhandle, Panhandle,
Coastal, and East Texas. In some cases, individual counties are also listed on this summary page. Since this
is a general summary, a hunter should check the season for the county where the hunt is to take place.

General Hunting and Fishing Requirements/Restrictions

This section provides answers to commonly asked questions. It clearly defines terms and phrases related to
taking game. It also provides information about hunting and fishing licenses, tags, and stamps. This
section discusses resident and non-resident hunting requirements. Requirements and restrictions are also
noted for the following areas.

Hunter Education
Boater Education
Transfer of Wildlife Resources
Importation of Wildlife Resources

A restriction is placed on every hunter born on or after September 2, 1971 to successfully complete a
Hunter Education course. This also applies to out-of-state hunters. There is a $10 cost for the certification
course. A person does not need to complete the certification to buy a license. The course must be successfully
completed before hunting. The hunter is required to carry proof of certification when hunting. A person 12
through 16 years of age must also complete the course or be accompanied by a person 17 years of age or
older when hunting in Texas. A person under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a person 17 years of
age or older.

Summary of Recreational Fishing Regulations

Fishing licenses are the first topic of discussion. This section lists the various licenses available for resident
and non-resident anglers. A person must have a stamp endorsement or tag to take certain species or use
certain equipment. Tags and stamp endorsements are in addition to a valid fishing license. When a valid
fishing license is not a requirement, tags and stamps endorsements are not necessary. An angler must
possess a stamp endorsement when saltwater fishing. Freshwater trout fishing requires a stamp endorsement.
The first Saturday in June is the annual Free Fishing Day. On this day, the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department does not require any person to have a license or stamp endorsement to fish.

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Texas will share border waters Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Texas and Mexico also share border
waters. An angler must comply with the state fish and game rules of each state and country when fishing
these waters.

This section will discuss the taking of aquatic animals from both fresh and salt waters. It should be noted
that salt waters and coastal waters are the same. An exact location of all coastal waters is identified in this
booklet (see Figure 1). Not all waters in these areas are classified as coastal. This means that a saltwater
fishing stamp endorsement is not needed for those areas. A stamp endorsement would be needed when
fishing in estuaries or rivers within the described boundaries. Many counties share reservoirs. Identification
of these reservoir boundaries is for bag, possession, and length limits.

Also discussed are general prohibited acts, anchoring of boats and vessels, tagging fish, waste of fish, and
possession of fish. This information makes clear what activities may or may not take place. There is even
a notice regarding scientific research areas.

General Fishing Requirements/Restrictions

General fishing requirements has a list of definitions pertaining to fishing activities. Definitions may
include a description of equipment and its use. Among the definitions is a list of game fish. This list will
include both freshwater and saltwater species.

There are regulations that govern fish harvest. Harvest or taking has daily bag and length limits. Only
game fish in Texas have these limits. Baitfish species may also have limitations. Trash fish or non-games
species do not have limits. There is a statewide bag and limit but many counties have exceptions. These
limits pertain only to public waters. This includes public reservoirs, lakes, rivers, creeks, and bays and
other coastal waters. Private waters such as watershed ponds, stock ponds, or fee fishing ponds are not
subject to limits. Fishing in private waters does not require a fishing license. But since the waters are
privately owned, permission of the landowner must be obtained before fishing.

Handling fish is an important area of discussion. An angler should be able to identify the species of fish
caught. This is important for determining daily bag and length limits. Game fish taken from public waters
may be kept for food. They may also be released back into the water. If kept, many fish species have to be
within the legal length to keep. Measuring fish and crabs requires the handling of these aquatic animals.
Then, if the species is not legal to keep, it must be released. Tips for the safe release is provided for both
freshwater and saltwater species.

Shrimp, crab, ghost shrimp, oysters, and other aquatic life are included in the fishing section. Discussed are
methods for taking these species, bag and possession limits, seasons, and size limits. Many of these species
are mollusks and therefore filter feeders. This raises certain health issues. These issues also pertain to fish
consumption. The Texas Department of Health (TDH) monitors water quality conditions and issues
consumption advisories, as they are needed.

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 Figure 1. Freshwater/Coastal Water Boundary

Summary of Hunting Regulations

There are many regulations that affect hunting and the subsequent taking of wildlife. Licenses, stamp
endorsements, and tags qualify a hunter to take game. Means and methods of taking game will depend on
the species. Rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, pellet guns, air guns, archery equipment, and
crossbows are all legal for specific animals. At the same time, some of these same weapons are illegal for
use with some game species.

The use of lights, traps, dogs, calling devices, decoys, and baiting all has limits. For example, dogs can be
used when hunting any game bird. They cannot be used when hunting deer. But up to two dogs can be used
to find a wounded deer. A wounded deer is one that is leaving a blood trail. Baiting for game animals can
be lawful on private property. It is never lawful when hunting migratory game birds.

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Once a hunter harvests a game animal, the carcass cannot be wasted. Some type of disposition of the
carcass must take place. This may involve carcass processing in camp or in a processing facility. It may
also involve all or part of the carcass going to a taxidermist. Sale of animal parts is also a regulated area of
game harvest.

Deer and turkey require tagging once they have been killed. The hunter who made the kill is responsible
for tagging the animal. Attaching the tag should be immediate. The animal should remain tagged until it
reaches its final destination and is processed. It is also important that the correct tag be used for the
animal taken. Specific tags are for buck or antlerless deer. Note: an antlerless deer does not necessarily
mean a doe. If the deer is taken from managed lands, a Managed Land Deer (MLD) permit must also be
immediately attached to the carcass.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sponsors the Harvest Information Program (HIP). Only a HIP
certified hunter might take migratory game birds. To become a HIP certified hunter, a person must answer
a few questions. This is done when purchasing a license. The person should inform the sales clerk of intent
to hunt migratory games birds. The clerk will ask the questions and the person can become a HIP certified
hunter. The letters “HIP” should appear on the certificate. The questions will be informative such as “How
many did you harvest last year?” They will pertain to the migratory species. A random selection of HIP
certified hunter would receive a survey from TP&WD. HIP is as it sounds; an information program and
hunters are encouraged to participate.

A section on nongame and other species is in this section. It has a partial listing of animals that TP&WD
considers nongame. Where taking of nongame animals is not restricted, public hunting lands may set
restrictions. It is unlawful to hunt any protected, threatened, or endangered animals. This applies to private
and public hunting lands. Anyone taking nongame furbearing animals must have a trapper’s license.

Each county in Texas has specific hunting regulations for several reasons. Texas has a diverse ecosystem.
Soil type, vegetation, and water are major factors that affect game populations. These conditions vary for
each county. The limits placed on hunters are a result of game populations within each county. Larger,
healthier populations can stand and often require heavier harvesting. The remaining part of this publication
lists the hunting limits for each county.

The publication has a number of other features. Guest authors provide feature articles with each edition.
Articles can apply to all things outdoors, from boats to tackle. These articles are interesting and can provide
helpful information. Also, within the rules and regulations, there is additional information on the following.

White-tailed Deer Youth-only Season

Managed Lands Deer (MLD)
Safe Boating Laws and Guidelines
Importance of Wildlife Resources

“Texas Hunting Regulations for Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, Geese, & Cranes”

TP&WD will publish the “Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual Hunting and Fishing Regulations”
before setting migratory waterfowl regulations. Waterfowl travel through the United States when migrating.
As a result, waterfowl are subject to federal regulations. Texas laws cannot override federal laws. Ducks,
mergansers, coots, geese, and cranes are migratory waterfowl. Each year, TP&WD publishes a supplement

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to their hunting and fishing regulation guide. This guide repeats some of the information found in the larger
publication. This guide identifies hunting zones in Texas and the hunting seasons in each zone. It lists the
limits for species, daily bag, possession, merganser daily bag, and coot daily bag. Seasons and limits are
also given for dove, teal, rails, gallinules, woodcock, snipe, and sandhill cranes.

“Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet”

Texas Parks and Wildlife makes land available to the public. These lands can be used for hunting, camping,
or any type of recreational activity. The use of these lands began in1954. There is a $40 Annual Public
Hunting (APH) Permit available. This booklet is given to each person that purchases an Annual Public
Hunting Permit. A person can use the land for hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking activities. It does not
allow any consumption of the resources. That is, a person cannot harvest timber or conduct mining activities.
A $10 permit, called a Limited Public Use (LPU) Permit is also available. It is similar to the APH but does
not allow hunting or fishing activities. A Texas Conservation Passport (TCP) provides for group access for
non-consumptive land use. A gold edition ($50) and a silver edition ($25) passport are available.

The “Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet” explains the use of these lands. At the present, 62 counties
contain public hunting lands. A total of 1,181,323 acres of land are described in the booklet. Maps to
each site are provided. A chart in the front of the booklet will identify the access permits required for
admission. Some locations require on-site registration before entering. Some of the areas do not require
an access permit.

A disclaimer and waiver of liability are found on page one of the booklet. Any person entering these lands
should be aware that hunted lands are dangerous. The disclaimer and waiver of liability release the TP&WD
from any responsibility due to injury or death of an individual. Signing the Annual Public Hunting Permit
invokes the disclaimer and waiver of liability. An unsigned permit is not valid.

The land in this program is owned or leased by the TP&WD. Where the land is leased, the landowner
retains full rights to use the property for consumptive and non-consumptive activities. The landowner
cannot use the land for hunting activities.

Hunting on these lands must comply with all TP&WD rules and regulations for taking game. A qualified
disabled person may use an all terrain vehicle (ATV). Passengers on ATVs are prohibited. Hunting from
any type of motor vehicle or possessing a loaded weapon is allowed only for disabled persons or someone
directly assisting a disabled person. Any disabled person may only possess a loaded weapon in a vehicle
only when the vehicle is not in motion and the engine is not running.

“Public Dove Hunting Areas and Other Small Game Leases”

The “Public Dove Hunting Areas and Other Small Game Leases” booklet is a supplement to the “Public
Hunting Lands Map Booklet.” This booklet is also given to each person that purchases an Annual Public
Hunting Permit. The booklet divides Texas into three hunting zones (see Figure 2). The North Zone is
located north of I-30 from Texarkana to Dallas, the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, north of I-20 from Fort
Worth to I-10 in Reeves County, and north of I-10 to El Paso. The South Zone is south of I-10 from the
Texas/Louisiana border to San Antonio and from south of I-90 from San Antonio to Del Rio. The
Central Zone is the area between the North Zone and the South Zone. Each zone identifies hunting areas
by county. Directions to each hunting area are provided along with a detailed map. The legal game and
season is listed in each county.

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 Figure 2. Dove Hunting Zones

ENFORCING LAWS

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is an agency of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. A
nine-member commission sets the policy for the TP&WD. The governor appoints the commission and the
commission selects a director. The director is the chief executive officer for the department. The director
will appoint TP&WD division heads, law enforcement officers, and park managers.

The department employs two levels of law enforcement officers. They are game wardens and deputy game
wardens. The game wardens have the same powers and privileges as other Texas peace officers. Their
jurisdiction is statewide and extends to the coastal waterways, bays, and estuaries of the state. Their main
responsibility is the enforcement of the state’s parks and wildlife laws. However, they have the authority to
enforce any state law.

The deputy game warden works only in an assigned area. They assist private landowners with enforcement.
The deputy must complete a training education course. This is a non-salaried position. A commissioned
deputy game warden serves only a four-year term. If necessary, the deputy game warden is eligible for re-
commission. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department uses very few deputy game wardens.

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OPERATION GAME THEFT

The 67th Legislature created Operation Game Thief in August 1981. The purpose of this legislation is to
involve the true sportsman and conservationist in protecting our wildlife. A nine-member committee
administers the Operation Game Thief Fund and makes reward payments from that fund. A toll-free telephone
number (1-800-792-GAME) provides 24-hour access for reporting flagrant violations.

Funding for the program comes from voluntary donations. Persons furnishing information leading to the
arrest and conviction of violators are eligible for a reward. Operation Game Thief Fund pays the rewards.
The committee accepts applications for rewards. They meet during April and October to consider applications
and determine reward recipients.

VIOLATION CONSEQUENCES

Hunting Provisions

Chapter 62 of Parks and Wildlife Laws contains provisions that apply to hunting. It defines “open season”
and “closed season” hunting periods. Violations are Class C misdemeanors. If a conviction occurred
within the past five years, the punishment becomes a Class B misdemeanor. This chapter includes sale,
transportation, and storage of game and hunting in state parks.

Under this chapter, it is illegal to

hunt from any type of air, land, or water vehicle;

hunt any protected animal one-half hour before sunrise or one-half hour after sunset;
hunt protected game with the aid of any type of artificial light;
hire or be hired to hunt protected game;
wound or kill game without making a reasonable effort to retrieve it and include it in the person's
daily or seasonal bag limit;
harass hunters, trappers, and fishermen legally hunting or catching game; and
sell, transport, and store certain game.

This chapter tells how a person may legally

hunt or target shoot on private land;

hunt and possess exotic animals;
hunt in state parks; and
sell or transport protected animals.

Fishing Provisions

Chapter 66 of the Parks and Wildlife Laws covers the provisions for fishing Texas waters. They
include freshwater and saltwater fishing activities. Freshwater fishing areas consist of all lakes, lagoons,
rivers, and streams. Saltwater fishing areas are all coastal or tidal waters. Territorial waters are part of
coastal water.

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This section prohibits

the use of explosives or harmful substances to take fish;

taking fish by electric shock;
willful destruction of boats, seines, or nets;
importing, possessing, selling, or releasing harmful tropical fish into state waters;
fishing from bridges maintained by the State Highway Department;
use of certain fish as bait fish;
use of any trap, net, or device near the mouth of any inland bay that empties into the Gulf of
Mexico; and
fraud in fishing tournaments.

Chapter 66 provides for

methods of taking bait fish;

use of screens and ladders to aid and protect fish;
removal of rough fish and turtles;
catch and possession limits and sale of speckled trout and red drum, for both sport and commercial
use (Note: violations in this area constitute a Class A misdemeanor);
use of trotlines in saltwater; and
continuous finfish research.

Punishment

Violation of parks and wildlife laws are criminal offenses. They are punishable by fine, confinement in jail,
loss of license or permit, or forfeiture of property. The two classifications of offenses are Parks and Wildlife
Code misdemeanors and Parks and Wildlife Code felonies.
The three classifications of misdemeanor offenses indicate the seriousness of the violation. Classification
and punishment for each offense shall be:

Classification Fine Jail Sentence

Class A misdemeanor not less than $500 not to exceed 1 year
nor more than $2,000
Class B misdemeanor not less than $200 not to exceed 180 days
nor more than $1,000
Class C misdemeanor not less than $25 none
nor more than $200

Parks and Wildlife Code felony punishment may include imprisonment for not more than 10 years or less
than 2 years. Violations may also include a fine of not less than $2,000 or more than $5,000.

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Each animal is a separate offense. Any fish or game taken legally becomes illegal when in possession with
illegal fish or game. Illegal fish or game includes those animals taken out of season, under sized, or too
many in possession. In addition to criminal penalty, state or private parties may file civil suit against the
violator. Civil suit by the state is for recovery of the value of the animal taken. A civil suit by a landowner
can seek to recover damages to the property or possessions.

MEANS AND METHODS OF HARVESTING FISH AND GAME

Freshwater and Saltwater Devices

An angler can harvest game fish by the pole and line method. This includes cane poles and the rod and reel.
Reels include the following types: general purpose, level wind, fly, and spinning. Cast nets, seines, trawls,
spears, spearguns, throwlines, trotlines, sail lines, and umbrella nets are legal for taking certain species.
Most have specific use and size limitations. Most of these devices are only for use in taking nongame
species. For example, a cast net should have a diameter no greater than 14 feet. It can be used only by hand
throwing. It can only be used to take nongame fish and shrimp. In saltwater, nongame fish taken with a cast
net can only be used for bait. “The Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual Hunting and Fishing
Regulations” gives detailed use of each piece of equipment.

Firearms and Other Methods

A firearm is any device that uses exploding gunpowder to power a projectile (bullet) to its target. There are
a variety of firearms. Not all firearms are legal for taking game. Additionally, a firearm that may be legal
for one type of game may not be legal to use for other game animals. Types of firearms include the following:

Handguns
Shotguns
Rifles
Muzzleloaders

There are other weapons that do not use firepower. Some are legal weapons while others are not. Air guns
are not legal for taking game or nongame species. Pellet guns operate with compressed gas or air. They
may be used to take certain nongame species. Archery and crossbows are lawful in certain cases. The
following four types of bows are legal for some species.

Longbow
Compound bow
Recurved bow
Crossbow

The projectile must be equipped with a legal tip designed for the game animal being hunted. The arrow or
bolt tip may not be poisoned, drugged, or explosive. There are additional restrictions for the tip used on
arrows. Crossbow bolts also have restrictions.

Non-weapon methods used in taking game include traps, dogs, falconry, calling devices, decoys, and baiting.
Aircraft are illegal for hunting unless authorized by the TP&WD. The other devices can be used in specific
cases. Reference to the hunting and fishing regulations will identify the legal use of each method.

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BOATING

Title 4, Chapter 31 of Parks and Wildlife Laws covers water safety, primarily with boats. Included in this
chapter is identification and numbering of motorboats, certificates of title, registration fees, enforcement,
and penalties. Failure to follow these regulations is a Class C misdemeanor.

This chapter requires that all vessels must provide the required equipment in order to operate. There are
four classes of motorboats. Class A is less than 16 feet in length. Class 1 is from 16 feet to 26 feet in length.
Class 2 is from 26 feet to 40 feet in length. Class 3 is any motorboat over 40 feet in length. The equipment
your vessel must carry depends on its class. Motorboats must carry lights, whistles or bells, life preservers,
and fire extinguishers. When towing a person on skis or similar device, a rearview mirror becomes an
additional requirement.

Canoes, rowboats, sailboats, and rubber rafts only need life preservers and Class A vessel lights. Certain
motorboats and vessels must have flame arrester or backfire trap, adequate ventilation, and exhaust water
manifold or muffler. Racing craft competing in a sanctioned race may be exempt from certain devices.

Town, village, city, and county governments can control the use of public water within its jurisdiction. It
cannot charge vessel registration fees. Local governments can charge entry, launch, or docking fees. Persons
operating any boat on public water must obey the boating regulations. The United States Coast Guard
Inland Rules apply to all public water. Boating regulations of major interest prohibit the following activities.

Reckless operation, excessive speed or both (Class B misdemeanor)

Operation of a vessel while intoxicated (Class B misdemeanor)
Creating a hazardous wake or wash
Interference with markers or ramps
Operating boats in restricted areas
Operating close to swimmers or fishermen
Towing persons on water skis after sunset or before sunrise

Texas Parks and Wildlife Laws govern boating on public waters. To insure a safe boating trip, TP&WD
provides a Boater Education course. Laws affecting boat use depend on completion of this course. Individuals
12 years of age or older may complete this course. Persons 18 years of age or older are not required to
complete the certification course. Those persons 13 to 17 years of age that have completed the course may
operate the following vessels.

A boat with an engine 10 horsepower or more

A windblown vessel over 14 feet
Personal watercraft

They may only operate these vessels when accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older. Currently,
TP&WD law does not require boat operators to complete certification. Common sense and safe handling
of a vessel is required for a fun-filled outing.

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STATE TRESPASS LAW

Trespass law, under the Texas Parks and Wildlife Laws, basically has two classifications: legal entry and
illegal entry. Entry may be on public or private lands. Trespassing is entry by an individual without
permission from the person in charge of the property. Any authorized employee of the TP&WD may enter
any land where wild game or fish may range or stray. This entry is legal only when the employee is acting
in an official capacity.

According to State Wildlife Law, a person must make a “reasonable effort” to retrieve killed or wounded
game. “Reasonable effort” does not give a hunter the right to trespass. If a wounded animal enters private
property, contact the owner. It is also trespassing to shoot into private property, regardless of intent.

Public waters belong to the people of the state. The land bordering the water is often privately owned.
Access to the water does not automatically give the occupants of a vessel access to bank property. Ponds or
a lake on private property is not public water. Fishing requires the landowner’s permission. No person may
target shoot, hunt, set traps, or pursue game without written consent of the landowner. No person may catch
fish by any method from private ponds without consent of the owner.

SUMMARY

Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Texas Parks and Wildlife Laws is the primary text that covers all areas of
state wildlife law. This code is enacted as a part of the state’s continuing statutory revision program, begun
by the Texas Legislative Council in 1963 as directed by the legislature in Chapter 488, Acts of the 58th
Legislature, 1963. Updating of these rules is a continual process. The text includes rules, regulations,
definitions, and explanations of Texas wildlife laws. There are too many laws to cover in a single topic.
Instead, a general discussion of these laws centers round the popular areas. Secure a copy of Texas Parks
and Wildlife Laws for more in-depth understanding of state wildlife laws.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Laws protect the natural resources and guarantee their future. Carefully controlled
conservation practices allow for the taking of wildlife to control the populations. Management of an animal
population is weakened each time a hunter exceeds the bag limit or the angler keeps undersized fish. In
addition, state law makes it possible for residents and visitors to safely enjoy Texas resources. Sportsmen
and conservationists must keep in mind that the laws are for them as much as for the wildlife. Everyone
must become active in the support and in reporting those who violate the laws.

Acknowledgements

Dr. Joe Dettling, Associate Professor, Instructional Materials Service,

Texas A&M University, researched and developed this topic.

Vickie Marriott, Office Software Associate, Instructional Materials Service,

Texas A&M University, prepared the layout and design for this topic.

Christine Stetter, Artist, Instructional Materials Service,

Texas A&M University, prepared the illustrations for this topic.

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 REFERENCES

Jefferson, John. Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual Hunting and Fishing Regulations. Current
Edition. Austin, TX: Texas Monthly Custom Publishing.

Public Dove Hunting Areas and Other Small Game Leases: Supplement to the Public Hunting Lands
Map Booklet. Current Edition. Austin, TX: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet. Current Edition. Austin, TX: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Laws. Current Edition. Austin, TX: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Bag limit – The number of individual game animals allowed to be taken during a specified hunting period.

Boat – Any vessel not more than 65 feet in length used primarily for noncommercial use.

Closed season – The time when it is unlawful to hunt protected game.

Coastal water – All of the saltwater of this state, including territorial waters.

Flagrant violations – Violations of hunting laws or fishing laws so extreme, conspicuous, or outstandingly
bad as to be impossible not to notice.

Ladders – A device used to allow fish to move upstream, avoiding obstructions, for spawning.

Motorboats – Any vessel propelled or designed to be propelled by machinery, even if it is not the principal
source of propulsion.

Open season – The time it is lawful to hunt protected game.

Protected animal – Any game animal, wild fowl, bird, finfish or non-fish species taken for sport or
commerce, whose population is regulated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Public water – Non-private freshwater lakes, lagoons, rivers, streams, and saltwater fishing areas are all
coastal or tidal water. Territorial waters are part of coastal water.

Rough fish – Bony or rough-fleshed fish species having no sport value and generally regarded as harmful
to the reproduction and preservation of game fish.

Screen – A device used to protect fish at the intake of a canal, pipe, or other device used to take freshwater
of the state.

Seasonal – Open season hunting or fishing.

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 Territorial waters – That portion of the Gulf of Mexico within the jurisdiction of Texas.

Tidal water – Water that moves in and out of low lying coastal areas due to tide activity.

Trespass – To enter property without permission of the owner, operator, manager, or caretaker of the property.

Vessels – Any watercraft, other than seaplane on water, used or capable of being used for transportation
on water.

SELECTED STUDENT ACTIVITIES

MATCHING: Use the current edition of “Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual Hunting and Fishing
Regulations” for this exercise. Read each phrase or statement below and use the list of words found at the
bottom of the statements to match it with the correct term.

____ 1. A non-metallic main fishing line with more than five hooks attached and with each end
attached to a fixture.
____ 2. Minerals, vegetative material, or any food substance placed to lure wildlife resources.
____ 3. The maximum number of game species that may be lawfully taken by a hunter during a
licensed year.
____ 4. Any hand-held pole with a hook attached directly to the pole.
____ 5. The maximum number of species that lawfully may be in one person’s possession at any
time after the first day of hunting season.
____ 6. One’s principal or ordinary home or dwelling place.
____ 7. Any device with hook or hooks attached that is man-made and used as a bait while fishing.
____ 8. To capture, trap, take, or kill, and includes any attempt to capture, trap, take, or kill.
____ 9 A projection that extends at least one inch from the edge of the main beam or another tine.
____ 10. Any wild animal, wild bird, and aquatic life.

TERMS

A. gear tag B. bait C. aggregate limit

D. gaff E. day F. tine
G. artificial lure H. wildlife resource I. migratory game birds
J. permanent residence K. possession limit L. pole and line
M. trawl N. annual bag limit O. legal point
P. trotline Q. hunt R. baited area

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DISCUSSION: Use facts from “Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual Hunting and Fishing Regulations”
to answer the discussion question.

11. Select a fishing stamp or tag and give a description of its use and cost.
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____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

TRUE/FALSE: Circle the “T” if the statement is true or “F” if it is false.

T F 12. Persons fishing in coastal waters need a fishing license and a saltwater fishing stamp
endorsement.
T F 13. Baits are legal for all types of game animals.
T F 14. If a wounded animal enters property other than that being hunted, the hunter has the legal
and moral right to enter the property to retrieve the game.
T F 15. Operation Game Thief provides citizens the way to report illegal taking of game.
T F 16. All of the rules and regulations for hunting and fishing are found in the current edition of
“Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual Hunting and Fishing Regulations.”
T F 17. A person 18 years of age or older operating a boat is required to complete a Boater Education
course.
T F 18. A person 17 years of age or older and born after September 2, 1971 must complete a Hunter
Education course and carry proof of completion when hunting.
T F 19. A Class C violation is more serious than a Class B violation.
T F 20. Coastal waters can include rivers, estuaries, bays, and the gulf.
T F 21. Each edition of “Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual Hunting and Fishing Regulations”
contains specific hunting regulations for specific counties.

SHORT ANSWER/LISTING: Use the current edition of “Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual
Hunting and Fishing Regulations” for this exercise. Read each statement carefully and respond with the
correct answer in the space provided.

22. Name four of the five parts of a deer that may be sold.
a. _______________________________ c. _______________________________
b. _______________________________ d. _______________________________

23. Identify three restrictions for a crossbow to be a legal means of taking game.
a. _______________________________ c. _______________________________
b. _______________________________

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24. Identify six nongame animals specifically listed in the booklet.
a. _______________________________ d. _______________________________
b. _______________________________ e. _______________________________
c. _______________________________ f. _______________________________

ADVANCED ACTIVITIES

1. Objective:
The student will be provided with the opportunity to demonstrate correct use of the “Texas Parks
and Wildlife Outdoor Annual Hunting and Fishing Regulations” handbook.
Materials:
The student will need a copy of the latest edition of “Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual Hunting
and Fishing Regulations.” Use of a computer and spread sheet (i.e., Excel) would be beneficial.
Procedure:
It is recommended that you choose your home county. Select at least four other counties, preferably
from different parts of the state. In chart form, list the species, types of seasons, dates, and bag
limits. Compare the data from other counties to your own county. Compare the data from all
counties to the area of the state the counties are located. Draw and present conclusions as to why
there are or are not differences in species, seasons, and bag limits.
2. Objective:
The student will be provided with the opportunity to become familiar with the “Public Hunting Lands
Booklet” and the “Public Dove Hunting Areas and Other Small Games Leases” booklet.
Materials:
The student will need a copy of the latest edition of the “Public Hunting Lands Booklet” and the
“Public Dove Hunting Areas and Other Small Games Leases” booklet and a map of Texas.
Procedure:
Find your county in the booklets and determine the closest public hunting lands available. Identify the
species that can be taken, the seasons, and restrictions that apply to the area. If possible, contact your
TP&WD office for permission to visit the area to take photographs. Present your findings to the class.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Reproduction prohibited without written permission.

Instructional Materials Service
Texas A&M University
2588 TAMUS
College Station, Texas 77843-2588
http://www-ims.tamu.edu

2002
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