A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials are content with the 1,360 birds collected during two years of field research comparing lead and non-lead ammunition effectiveness for doves.

Expansion of mule deer hunting opportunities tops a short list of proposed changes to the state’s hunting and fishing regulations the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is considering for 2010-2011.

The following are excerpts from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.

Game law violators in Texas could face additional consequences for their actions under an interstate agreement recognizing suspension of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses in other states.  The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved a regulation for Texas to join 31 other states currently participating in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff briefed the Regulations Committee of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Nov. 4 on possible changes designed to increase recreational opportunity and further enhance the state’s fish and wildlife resources.

An early and abundant acorn crop, combined with new growth of native vegetation may force Texas deer hunters to stray from supplemental food sources during the 2009-2010 general deer season, which opens Nov. 7.

Ty Chumley was due for a bit of luck after losing his home and most of his belongings to Hurricane Ike.  Chumley, a tugboat operator from Nederland, bought one chance in this year’s Big Time Texas Hunts Grand Slam category; it was the first time he’d ever entered. He won.

Wetland habitat conditions across much of Texas have gone from one extreme to another entering the October 31 waterfowl season opener in the North and South Duck Zones, creating what some waterfowl biologists see as a mixed bag for migrant birds.

Hunting prospects for this year’s quail season are scattered like a busted covey as less-than-ideal range conditions have hampered production for the second straight year.  Bobwhite quail hunting can be hit or miss in Texas considering these birds exist here on the very western edge of their distribution in the U. S.