A well defined and focused big game program is needed to effectively manage upland terrestrial wildlife in order to maximize recreational opportunity of game animals and to conserve the diversity of…

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 2 awarded the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) a Formula Grant of $9.37 million under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611) for the period of September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2027. This award funds a comprehensive big game management program designed to conserve upland terrestrial wildlife species and their habitats while maximizing recreational hunting opportunities. The grant supports wildlife habitat enhancement on both public and private lands, population management and monitoring through harvest recommendations, and the promotion of both consumptive and nonconsumptive wildlife uses.

TPWD will deliver wildlife conservation, management research, habitat restoration, and public access services across Texas ecosystems under this Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act funding. The program encompasses species population perpetuation, ecological resource diversity protection, and collaborative habitat management initiatives. As a state wildlife agency with established capacity in executing federal grant-funded conservation projects, TPWD will implement these activities across its 51 wildlife management areas and natural resource programs while maintaining compliance with federal grant requirements, including separate cost accounting and three-year record retention.

A well defined and focused big game program is needed to effectively manage upland terrestrial wildlife in order to maximize recreational opportunity of game animals and to conserve the diversity of ecological resources that affect big game species. This grant will provide for the conservation of big game species as well as to encourage public and private management and enhancement of habitats and also to ensure population perpetuation and to promote protection and utilization through harvest recommendations and to provide for the consumptive and nonconsumptive use of wildlife resources.