Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is proposing expansion of mule deer hunting in several counties and extending squirrel season into February across parts of East Texas.

TPWD staff presented proposed amendments to the 2014-15 Statewide Hunting Proclamation to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. The recommended changes include:

• Implement an archery-only open season and 16-day general season for mule deer in Knox County, where the season is currently closed;
• Implement a nine-day general season for mule deer in Castro, Hale, Lubbock, and Lynn counties, where the season is currently closed;
• Clarify rules regarding utilization of antlerless mule deer permits;
• Shorten the current year-round open season for desert bighorn sheep by one month and eliminate the requirement of a landowner affidavit for skulls and horns found in the wild;
• Extend squirrel season in 51 East Texas counties;
• Eliminate bag and possession limits for squirrel in 12 counties in the Blacklands Prairie;
• Allow the take of squirrel by means of air rifles meeting minimum standards;
• Implement rules allowing use of mobile technology by hunters to check harvested Eastern turkeys;
• Clarify rules governing possession of firearms while hunting deer or turkey during an open archery season;

Proposed changes can be found in the Feb. 21 edition of the Texas Register and on the TPWD website.

Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted by phone or e-mail to Robert Macdonald (512) 389-4775; e-mail:robert.macdonald@tpwd.texas.gov, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744. Comments may also be submitted through the department’s Internet web site after February 21 and at the following upcoming public meetings scheduled around the state.

TPWD Public Hearing Schedule

All meetings set for 7 p.m.