Texas’ Largest Hunting and Fishing Newspaper Since 2004
April 9, 2021
Emergency trout rules in Laguna Madre
Migrant activity affects ranchers, hunters
Some midcoast anglers hope for the same By Craig Nyhus
Lone Star Outdoor News
Landowners feel forgotten
On April 1, under an Emergency Rule approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, speckled trout limits and size restrictions were changed in the Laguna Madre in response to the coastal freeze and fish kill in late February. The new regulations for spotted seatrout in the bays and beachfronts of the Laguna Madre include: • a three fish bag limit • a minimum size length of 17 inches • a maximum size length of 23 inches • no fish over 23 inches may be retained The changes are valid for up to 120 days, but may be extended another 60 days, if warranted. The Laguna Madre encompasses two bay systems, Upper and Lower Laguna Madre. It ranges from south of the JFK Causeway near Corpus Christi (including the adjacent beachfronts from Packery Channel) to the Rio Grande River. Robin Reichers, Texas Parks and Wildlife
By Craig Nyhus
Lone Star Outdoor News Landowners in parts of South and West Texas are reporting more damage to their properties as increased migrant activity continues from the United StatesMexico border. “We’ve been dealing with this in South Texas since it became illegal,” said Marko Barrett, whose ranch sits in Webb County. Barrett goes on to describe the pinch points in his area as “incredible.” “The drive-throughs (of fences) is terrible, guys are losing hundreds of yards of fence — and groups are cutting the fences and walking through. For guys on the highway, it happens 50 times a year.” But Barrett said he stays out of political discussions. “Moving for a better life is kind of the frontier spirit,” he said. “But with all of the safety concerns, people lose a lot of peace of mind and are looking over their shoulders and the shoulder of their wives and children.” In far West Texas, landowner Randy Wright said damage to water lines in the Chihuahuan Desert is costing millions of dollars a year in repairs, not to mention Please turn to page 5
Volume 17, Issue 15
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Despite emergency regulations limiting speckled trout to three fish, there may be some gold at the end of the rainbow. Laguna Madre anglers had been thinking nearly all the trout were dead, but plenty of reports of productive outings for speckled trout are coming in, although the big trout have been scarce. Photos by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PLANO, TX PERMIT 210
East Texans trailing deer with dogs approved Muzzleloader definition modified
Trailing wounded deer with dogs had been banned in 10 East Texas counties, but now it will be allowed. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
Because of a history of illegal deer hunting with dogs dating back for decades, hunters in 10 East Texas counties had been prohibited from trailing deer with dogs. At its March meeting, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Com-
Freshwater Fishing Report . Page 10 Saltwater Fishing Report . . Page 11 Game Warden Blotter . . . . Page 12 Heroes . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Sun, Moon & Tides . . . . . Page 15 Products . . . . . . . . . . Page 18 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . Page 19
commenting. The prohibition was completely removed in Angelina, Hardin, Nacogdoches, Orange, Shelby and Tyler counties. In four counties where deer hunting with dogs was most prevalent, the trailing of wounded deer was limited to no more than two dogs on a leash. Those counties are Jasper, Newton, Sabine and San Augustine. Please turn to page 6
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mission approved the practice in each of the counties. “The practice of illegal deer hunting with dogs has declined to the point where it is nonexistent,” said Alan Cain, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Whitetail Deer Program leader. “It’s not a concern any longer.” Cain said public comment was 76 percent in support of the change, with 38 people
HUNTING
FISHING
Turkey opens in north (P. 4)
Crappie hitting jigs (P. 8)
Breeding action delayed.
Action consistent.
Pronghorn season expands (P. 4)
Giant at Mega Bass (P. 9)
Experimental area to end.
Angler lands 15.47-pounder.
