Texas Game Wardens

09/05/2026

If your holiday weekend plans include launching the boat, whether it’s for recreation or to fish, expect plenty of company on Texas lakes, rivers and coastal waters. Texas Game Wardens will be out there, too.

Before you leave the ramp:

🛟 Wear your life jacket.
🚫 Leave the alcohol on shore.
🔑 Use your engine cut-off switch.
🌦️ Check the weather and keep an eye on changing conditions.
⚓ Don’t overload the boat and keep weight evenly distributed.
👀 Slow down, stay alert and watch for other boaters, paddlers and anglers.
📍 Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to be back.

And before you head home, remember to clean, drain and dry your boat and gear to help protect Texas waters from aquatic invasive species.

09/04/2026

Dove season kicked off statewide Tuesday, and plenty of hunters will be heading to the fields this weekend. Before you go, a few reminders from Texas Game Wardens:

🔸 Treat every fi***rm as if it is loaded and always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
🔸 Know your target, what is beyond it and where everyone in your hunting party is before you pull the trigger.
🔸 Make sure your hunting license, migratory game bird endorsement and HIP certification are in order.
🔸 Carry proof of Hunter Education certification, if required.
🔸 Know your daily bag and possession limits, and know what you’re shooting.
🔸 Don’t hunt over bait, be sure to check the area before hunting. It’s the hunter’s responsibility.
🔸 Don’t trespass or shoot across property lines or roadways.
🔸 Be weather aware and leave the alcohol at home.

The rules aren’t just fine print that can be overlooked and they exist for multiple reasons. Texas Game Wardens seized the 23 dove pictured here from a baited field in Bell County on opening morning.

Enjoy the tradition, follow the rules and don’t let a preventable mistake cut your hunt short. Hunt safe and good luck this weekend!

09/03/2026

Did you know paddlecraft have specific safety requirements?

✅ Have a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for everyone on board. Kids 12 & under must be wearing it.
✅ Have a flashlight or lantern if paddling after dark or in low visibility.
✅ Have a visual distress signal if paddling coastal waters.
✅ Have a whistle or sound-producing device.

To remind the public about these requirements, Kendall County Game Wardens partnered with the City of Boerne Parks and Recreation Department to place informational signs at Boerne City Lake.

But no matter if you’re paddling at Boerne City Lake or one of Texas’ many other waterways, keep these requirements in mind. They’re there to keep you and others safe.

09/02/2026

Texas Game Wardens continue to support state and local response operations as Tropical Storm Edouard impacts portions of East Texas.

Game wardens have conducted a swiftwater rescue and assisted with the evacuation of 21 nonambulatory patients from a Hardin County assisted living facility after it sustained damage.

Personnel and resources remain positioned to respond to calls for service and deploy where needed.

Texans in impacted areas should monitor local forecasts, follow instructions from local officials, avoid unnecessary travel and never drive through flooded roadways.

09/02/2026

We invite you to the second annual Run 4 Hope 5K and 1 mile event held at the Texas Game Warden Training Center on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Experience a unique family fun run or walk fundraiser benefitting children fighting cancer. All ages and fitness levels are welcome!

Details ➡️
https://runsignup.com/race/tx/hamilton/gwtcrun4hope

09/02/2026

With the potential for heavy rainfall and flooding across parts of Texas, stay weather aware and be prepared for changing conditions.

You can help keep yourself and first responders safe:

• Monitor local forecasts and weather alerts.
• Follow instructions from local officials, including evacuation orders and road closures.
• Never drive around barricades.
• Avoid unnecessary travel in flooded areas.
• Never drive or walk through floodwater. It can conceal washed-out roads, debris and other hazards and may be deeper and moving faster than it appears.

Turn Around, Don’t Drown. No destination is worth risking your life or anyone else’s.

More info ➡️
https://texasready.gov/be-informed/natural-disasters/hurricanes.html

09/01/2026

Happy opening day to those who celebrate! Good luck out there and stay safe while you're enjoying one of Texas' favorite traditions. We’ll see you in the field.

Reminder: season is open across the Lone Star State, and yes that means the South Zone too (no more Special White-winged days).

We want to hear from you! How’s opening day treating you? Drop your photos and reports from the field in the comments. 👇
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⚠️ If you witness a fishing, wildlife or boating violation in progress, report it anonymously to Operation Game Thief:
💬 Texting “TXOGT” to 847411 along with your tip
📱 Texas OGT app available for iOS and Android devices
📞 Calling 1-800-792-GAME (4263)
💻 Online at ogttx.org/blank-3

Rewards of up to $1,000 may be available for information leading to convictions.

08/30/2026

Our hearts are with our partners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as they mourn the loss of Federal Wildlife Officer David Taylor.

His courage, selflessness and devotion to those he served will not be forgotten.

Texas Game Wardens extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow officers.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is mourning federal wildlife officer David Taylor, 38 of Scio, Oregon, who is believed to have died while helping evacuate residents threatened by the Railroad South Fire.

Officer Taylor was going door to door alongside local emergency crews helping families get to safety. His last contact with dispatch came while he was helping a family evacuate their home. Evidence recovered from a structure where he was working to help a resident escape indicates that he died during the evacuation effort. Formal identification remains pending with the medical examiner.

Everything we know about David's actions reflects extraordinary courage, selflessness and devotion to duty.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, fellow officers and all who served alongside him. We will never forget his service.