Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

The mission of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Since our inception in 1895 as the Fish & Oyster Commission, with Texas Game Wardens providing "Law Enforcement off the Pavement,"​ and with the addition of the Game Department in 1907, we became the Texas Game & Fish Commission.

When we merged with the State Parks Board in 1963, we became Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Some TPWD highlights: * Our Coastal Fisheries Division manages resources in 4 million acres of saltwater to sustain fisheries populations and ensure that stocks of commercially and recreationally important species are replenishable.