Texas Game Wardens Uncover Freezers Filled with Protected Wildlife After Anonymous Tip
Operation Game Thief report leads to multiple wildlife charges, highlighting the importance of following Texas hunting and wildlife possession laws.
Texas
Black Bears Are Making a Comeback in Texas—What It Means for Hunters
Once nearly eliminated from the Lone Star State, black bears are steadily returning to parts of Texas through natural recolonization. Recent sightings in East and South Texas highlight a conservation success story, but they also raise new questions for hunters, landowners and wildlife managers as bears expand into areas where they haven’t been seen for generations.
Texas Game Wardens File 74 Charges in Major Deer Poaching Investigation
An 11-month investigation into the alleged illegal killing of at least 13 white-tailed bucks has resulted in 74 criminal charges against a New Braunfels man. While the alleged poaching occurred during 2024 and 2025, the case became public in May 2026 when Texas Game Wardens announced the completion of their investigation and the filing of charges.
Texas May Require Mountain Lion Harvest Reporting—What Hunters Need to Know
Texas hunters and trappers could soon face a new reporting requirement for every mountain lion harvested in the state. The proposal would not create a season, bag limit, or new restrictions on pursuing lions—but it would add mandatory reporting and biological sample submission for the first time.
Hunterizer Updates Texas for 2026–27: New TPWD Seasons Live in the App, Now with Species Zone Maps
Texas hunters don’t have to wait for the full regulation booklet in August to start planning fall. With Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officially publishing 2026–2027 hunting season dates, Hunterizer has already updated Texas in the app—adding the new seasons, regulation changes, and a major new feature: species-specific zone maps.
Texas Man Sentenced in Montana Eagle Trafficking Case Tied to Illegal Hunting Operation
A Texas man was sentenced this week in federal court after investigators connected him to a large illegal eagle trafficking operation centered on Montana’s Flathead Indian Reservation. Federal authorities say the broader case involved thousands of illegally killed birds, including bald and golden eagles sold on the black market.
Texas Tightens Residency Verification for Hunting Licenses Starting in 2026–27 Season
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has approved new identity and residency verification rules for purchasing hunting and fishing licenses, beginning with the 2026–2027 license year. The change is designed to prevent residency fraud and protect resident pricing, but it will also affect how some hunters—especially those purchasing in person—verify their eligibility.
Texas Spring Turkey Season 2026: Zones, Dates, and What Hunters Need to Know
With spring turkey season already underway across most of Texas, Hunterizer releases its official 2026 Turkey Zones map—helping hunters navigate exact dates, zone boundaries, and updated regulations statewide.
Texas Hunting Regulations Updated: Key Changes to Dove, Turkey, Deer and More
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has approved a series of hunting regulation changes impacting dove, turkey, deer, and equipment rules. The updates aim to simplify seasons, address declining populations, and expand opportunity in key regions ahead of upcoming hunting seasons.
Illegal Mule Deer Harvest in Parmer County Leads to Multiple Citations
A traffic stop in Parmer County led Texas Game Wardens to uncover illegally taken mule deer outside of the legal season. Officials say the case involved multiple violations tied to season dates and antler restrictions.
Duck Hunters Pulled from Cold Cedar Creek Lake After Boat Takes on Water
A late-morning water rescue on Cedar Creek Lake ended safely after emergency crews located two duck hunters who had been stranded in cold, rough conditions. Authorities say the incident highlights the risks hunters can face on open water during winter weather.
Hunterizer.com launches “Seasons” App
Hunterizer, a leader in hunting regulation tools and public land access, proudly announces the release of the Hunterizer—a powerful new tool for understanding when hunting seasons are open across the U.S. (currently encompasses CA, MT, TX, PA, and WI, with more states coming soon). Built to simplify the confusing patchwork of hunting regulations, the Hunterizer …
Texas Horned Lizard Plate Gets a 25-Year Makeover
Most Texans recognize the horned lizard — or “horny toad” as some of us still call it — as one of the state’s most iconic critters. It’s a symbol of ruggedness and survival, and for 25 years, it’s been the face of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Conservation License Plate Program. Now, the state’s …
More Land, More Opportunity: Texas Expands Public Hunting Access for 2025–26
For Texas hunters, the chase just got wider. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) recently announced the addition of five major properties to its public hunting program for the 2025-26 season. That’s not just a win for access-it’s a clear sign that Texas is backing its hunters with real ground to work. The new …
Why Hunters Should Tune into TPWD’s New Better Outside Podcast
There’s something about hearing a turkey gobble through your earbuds while walking the dog. That’s the kind of field-ready feel Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is going for with their new podcast, Better Outside. And they’re not just talking the talk-they’re recording every episode outside, in the same wild places we chase deer, ducks, and …
Ancient Hunters of Big Bend: A Glimpse into 9,000 Years of Hunting Heritage
The Big Bend region of West Texas is as tough and beautiful as country gets. Rugged hills, sharp canyons, and wide-open skies stretch as far as you can see. For thousands of years, hunters have called this land home. Now, a remarkable find in Big Bend National Park is giving us a fresh look at …
Big Time Texas Hunts: A Dream Ticket for Hunters and a Boost for Conservation
If you’ve ever dreamed of chasing a desert bighorn across West Texas or calling in spring gobblers on private land with a world-class guide, Big Time Texas Hunts might be your golden ticket. This long-running program from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department isn’t just about trophy animals—it’s about access, adventure, and putting your entry …
The Texas Turkey Hunter’s Guide: Seasons, Zones, and Regulations
If you’re a turkey hunter in Texas, you know the state offers some of the best opportunities in the country. With diverse landscapes, thriving populations, and long seasons, Texas is a turkey hunter’s paradise. But if you’re planning a hunt, you’d better do your homework-because the rules change depending on where you are. From different …
Proposed Changes for Texas Hunters: TPWD Seeks Input on 2025-2026 Regulations
t’s that time of year again-when wildlife agencies across the country start fine-tuning hunting regulations, and Texas is no exception. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is rolling out a set of proposed changes for the 2025-26 season, and now’s the time for hunters to speak up before the rules are finalized. From expanded …