Presenter: Mike Berger
Ken Kurzawski
Larry McKinney

Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Action
2008-2009 Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation
March 2008

I. Executive Summary: This item apprises the committee of proposed changes to the Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation for the 2008-2009 seasons.

II. Discussion: Responsibility for establishing seasons, bag limits, and means and methods for taking wildlife resources is delegated to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission under Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 61. Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 67, requires the commission by regulation to establish any limits on the taking, possession, propagation, transportation, importation, exportation, sale, or offering for sale of nongame fish or wildlife that the department considers necessary to manage the species. The potential changes to the Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation are based upon statutory requirements, Commission policy, and suggestions from the regulated community, including scientific investigation and required findings of fact where applicable. The changes are intended to increase recreational opportunity, decrease regulatory complexity where possible, promote enforcement, and provide for the sound biological management of the wildlife resources of the state. The Regulations Committee at its January 2008 meeting, authorized staff to publish the proposed 2008-2009 Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation in the Texas Register for public comment. The proposed rules appeared in the February 22, 2008, issue of the Texas Register (33 TexReg 1499). A summary of public comment on the proposed rules will be presented at the time of the hearing.

III. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the commission consider the proposed motion:

"The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopts amendments to §§65.9-65.11, 65.42, 65.60, 65.62, and 65.72, concerning the Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation, with changes as necessary to the proposed text as published in the February 22, 2008, issue of the Texas Register (33 TexReg 1499)."

Attachments - 2

  1. Exhibit A – Summary of Proposed Changes
  2. Exhibit B – Proposed Rules

Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Exhibit A

Summary of Proposed Changes
2008-2009 Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation

Hunting
Mule Deer -
Pheasant -
Quail -
Archery equipment -
Tagging and Documentation Requirements -
Freshwater Fishing
Common Carp -
Largemouth Bass -
Spotted bass -
Gear -
Saltwater Fishing
Menhaden -