The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is considering expanding white-tail deer hunting into 14 counties across the western Panhandle, and other opportunities in east Texas.
The recommendations are among a slate of proposed deer hunting regulation changes for the upcoming 2016-17 season.
TPWD will be taking public comment, with any input to be considered prior to action by the TPW Commission at its March 24 public hearing.

Conservation council awards trusts

The Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Council on March 3 approved land trust funding totaling $1.4 million for conservation easements.
These easements will help bring more than 14,300 acres of the state’s working farm and ranch lands under long-term protection.
The Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program received 12 funding applications for projects in 10 of the state’s 254 counties – with diverse backgrounds such as cattle ranches, rice production and crayfish farming.
Habitats also were diverse, ranging from high desert grasslands to Hill Country springs and tidal wetlands.
Criteria used to rank and second each project include: Threat of development or other conversion of productive working lands, value and contribution to the landscape.

Applications accepted for game wardens

The 61st Texas Game Warden Cadet class will soon take place, and applications are open now through April 30.
Applicants must be 21 years old prior to entering the academy in 2017, and have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university prior to Sept. 1, 2016.
Those applicants also must undergo a preliminary interview, background investigation and physical skills tests focusing on agility and swimming.
All cadets are required to live at the Game Warden Training Center near Hamilton for the all of the 30-week training period.
Game wardens also enforce the Water Safety Act, and conduct standard peace officer duties.
For information, check the game warden website, or call Lt. Kevin Malonson at Kevin.malonson@tpwd.texas.gov or call 1-877-229-2733. Read more in the March 9 Bowie News.

Texas mule deer. (Courtesy photo by the TPWD, used with permission)