AUSTIN, Texas — For many a veteran angler, the pinnacle of a fishing career comes with the explosion of chromed muscle that signals his first tarpon hook-up. That experience was once common on the Texas Gulf coast; so common, in fact, that through the 1950s, tarpon tournaments were commonplace and presidents and potentates made the journey to the third coast to catch a “silver king.”

Ducks Unlimited was awarded a North American Wetlands Conservation grant to enhance over 5,728 acres of wetland habitat in Chambers and Jefferson counties along the Texas coast. Partners contributed more than $2 million to match the $1 million received from the federal grant. The project will restore high priority wintering habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds within the Chenier Plain of Texas.

The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) and Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the country's second largest selling Bourbon brand, have announced a two-year partnership that positions Evan Williams as the official bourbon of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic. As part of this partnership, Evan Williams' branded concessions area will be one of the highlights of the expo area. The TTBC will be held October 16 - 18 at Lake Conroe in Montgomery, Texas.

Texas Parks & Wildlife TV Program - Weekly schedule and show descriptions for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has recently been updated.

Changes proposed for the 2009-10 Texas dove season include a 70 day season and 15 bird daily bag statewide, pending adoption of federal guidelines.

Her research includes determining the home range, assessing the health and measuring yearly antler growth of mature mule deer bucks. Global Positioning System radio collars tuned to specific frequencies last about two years. The collars enable Sumner to obtain home range sizes and movement by determining the location of each deer every five hours.