HARLINGEN — The clock is ticking down for the start of the new season.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) personnel are reminding fishing and hunting license holders about upcoming dates and procedures.
According to Texas Game Warden Public Information Officer Ira Zuniga, the Rio Grande Valley has a large number of people that hold commercial licenses with the TPWD.
Some examples of a commercial license are a shrimp boat captain, fishing guide and retail fish dealer.
Zuniga said those with commercial licenses must schedule an appointment and report in person to the TPWD office before Aug. 31 to renew their license.
“Our hunting and fishing licenses and many commercial licenses that are through Parks and Wildlife go from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31,” Zuniga explained. “So they expire at the end of Aug. 31.”
Due to the pandemic and implemented safety measures, the TPWD office in Brownsville is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment only.
To schedule an appointment, contact the Brownsville TPWD office at (956) 546-1952.
Recreational hunting and fishing licenses go on sale on Aug. 17. These licenses are available for purchase at places, such as retail sporting goods stores, gun shops and department stores or online at the official license sales site txfgsales.com. A $5 administrative fee will be charged for online transactions.
According to the TPWD website, 100 percent of license fees go toward the TPWD for on-the-ground conservation efforts, such as fish stocking, wildlife management and habitat restoration.
For more information on licenses, visit tpwd.texas.gov.
