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Commission OKs 2025–26 public hunting season; commissioners press wildlife division on screwworm response
Summary
Commission authorized the public hunting open season for 2025–26 and approved specific hunting activities on state parks, while commissioners sought detailed agency coordination and public guidance on New World screwworm surveillance and response.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorized an open season on public hunting lands from Sept. 1, 2025, through Aug. 31, 2026, and approved specified hunting activities on units of the state park system.
Bridal Lands and Public Hunting Program Director Kevin Mote presented the two requested actions. The department reported six public comments on the proposals, five in support and one disagreeing comment judged not germane.
Commission discussion focused heavily on surveillance and preparedness for New World screwworm, which commissioners described as an urgent concern for livestock and wildlife. Deputy Director Meredith Longoria said TPWD is coordinating weekly with the Texas Animal Health Commission, Department of State Health Services and USDA on surveillance and monitoring, and the department is preparing communications to inform the public how to report suspected cases. Longoria said state agencies and stakeholder groups including cattle‑raisers and Farm Bureau are part of the coordination effort.
Commissioners asked for a quantitative briefing on historic wildlife impacts of screwworm; staff agreed to provide a report before the next commission meeting and to develop simplified public messaging on identification and reporting. The commission approved both motions by recorded voice vote.
The authorizations do not change season dates for regulated species but formally permit hunting activities on public hunting lands and listed state park units for the specified year. Staff will implement the commission direction to improve interagency coordination, surveillance and public outreach about screwworm.
