Hill Country Wildlife - Texas Parks and Wildlife

08/17/2026

Hunting and fishing licenses for the 2026-2027 season are on sale now!

https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/licenses/

08/14/2026

Hill Country Plant of the Month: August 2026

Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

This common forb can be found across the hill country and most of the state in old fields, roadsides, and recently disturbed soils. Although it’s flowers and seeds are smaller than other cultivated species of sunflower, this native species grows many flowers per plant, and birdwatchers and dove hunters alike can attest to how valuable the seeds are to our gamebirds and songbirds. It flowers throughout the spring and summer, and most seeds are mature by late summer.

Photos from Mason County.

08/10/2026

One of the greatest threats to wildlife in Texas is habitat loss and fragmentation due to population growth and changing land uses. One promising solution to these problems comes through the efforts of landowners working together to conserve and enhance their land for the benefit of wildlife. Wildlife management associations (WMA) allow landowners to get to know neighbors and share support in achieving common goals, learn from natural resource professionals, and help bridge the gap of managing wildlife on a landscape level.

Many of these associations host annual meetings, field days, or workshops designed to gather members together for fellowship and continued education. These opportunities are a great way to build relationships within your community while learning from wildlife professionals on interesting topics!

Sound like something you are interested in? Check out this link to learn more about WMA's and where they might be located within your area!

https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/land/associations/

07/31/2026

06/25/2026

New World Screwworm is a devastating pest that can kill infested animals.
It's been detected in Texas.
Help stop its spread!

PLEASE REPORT SIGNS OF NEW WORLD SCREWWORM:
- Open sores or wounds with live maggots
- Animals shaking their heads or acting irritated
- Foul, rotted flesh odor

🔗 Get details on now to report at tpwd.texas.gov/screwworm.

06/01/2026

The Hill Country Alliance and key partners are hosting a plant distribution event for landowners along the Guadalupe River and its tributaries.

04/02/2026

With Spring turkey season upon us here in the hill country, remember that all turkey harvests must be reported in the Texas Hunt & Fish app! This harvest information provides biologists with valuable insight into our turkey populations across the state!

03/12/2026

Has spring sprung? These plants certainly think so!

Fun fact, an old wives tale says that when the hackberries bloom and the scissor-tail flycatchers return, it means spring is officially here!

Post your favorite spring blooms in the comments!