Support the Acquisition of 56,000 Acres of New Texas Public Land!
Across Texas, opportunities to hunt and fish on public lands remain limited -- but the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) continues to take important steps toward expanding those opportunities. Three proposed land acquisitions and expansions, all from willing sellers, are now under consideration by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission that would conserve critical habitat, enhance recreation access, and expand our state park system.
1. New 54,000-Acre State Park in Kinney and Edwards Counties
TPWD is proposing to acquire approximately 54,000 acres near Del Rio in Kinney and Edwards Counties to establish a new state park in the rugged hills and canyons of South Texas. This landscape features prime habitat for whitetail deer, turkey, quail, and other game species, and includes significant riparian corridors that provide fishing opportunities for Texans.
Fishing is typically allowed on state parks, while hunting access varies and is often limited to draw hunts in designated areas.
Texas BHA supports the creation of this new park and encourages TPWD to include public hunting opportunities wherever feasible as part of the park's management plan, consistent with conservation goals and local needs.
2. 1,120-Acre Expansion at Caprock Canyons State Park
TPWD is also considering an acquisition of 1,120 acres on the southwest side of Caprock Canyons State Park, home to the Texas State Bison Herd. The park currently offers draw-only mule deer hunts on about 2,400 acres of its 15,300-acre footprint.
While this expansion is unlikely to open new hunting areas due to proximity to existing facilities and the bison range, Texas BHA supports continued habitat restoration and the maintenance of existing hunting and fishing opportunities. We also encourage TPWD to evaluate future expansions that could increase public hunting access in this region.
3. 200-Acre Expansion at Lockhart State Park
Lastly, TPWD is proposing a 200-acre expansion of Lockhart State Park in Central Texas. The existing park allows fishing and limited recreation but does not currently offer public hunting. The expansion would nearly double the size of this small park, presenting a potential opportunity to introduce small game or managed draw hunts if compatible with the park's management and visitor use.
Texas BHA supports this expansion and encourages TPWD to evaluate hunting access where appropriate, ensuring that wildlife-dependent recreation remains a key part of the park's identity.
Why It Matters
These acquisitions represent important progress in expanding public lands and waters in Texas -- a state where only about 4% of the land base is public. As these proposals advance, it's critical that sportsmen and women voice their support for new and expanded state parks that not only conserve habitat and provide fishing access, but also prioritize public hunting opportunities wherever possible.