It seems to me that TPWD is always hurting for money even in good economic times. For years now I have wondered where the money from purchases of fishing and hunting licenses goes? My guess is that it goes into the general fund, a portion is taken out, then some of it is returned to TPWD. Does anyone know how this works? My guess would be that if TPWD could keep all of the funds from those license sales it could support itself just fine. Same thing should hold true for the various state park and other TPWD areas. Let those areas keep the money they bring in on camping and entry fees for the management of those areas. If they aren't taking in enough money to sustain themselves why bother with keeping them? Sell the land and put it to use in areas people do use. Again, Im sure all of that money goes into the state fund to be diluted and given to people who will waste it. I would love to see the details of where the money goes!

All of this info is public and you can find it by putting a Google search for "TPWD budget information". It will take you several hours of reading but the knowledge gained will be helpfull. The income/expenss for every park in Tx is there. Some are real losers.

Spend a few evenings researching this and you will find what TPWD does with your money. Some of it is good, some will make you hostile.

I think the TPWD is a valid topic on this forum, but what does "whites only scholarships" have to do with anything? I like this forum for its lack of political BS that I have to listen to on a daily basis.

Take a look at the expense/income ratio on all of the state's parks and you'll see that some need to be closed for lack of use. Some others are used but their operating cost is off the chart.

Personally, I think a entrance fee is indicated for most of the parks. It might even be a good idea to turn all of the parks system over to a separate agency whose sole purpose is to manage all of the state's parks and land holdings. This would get TPWD out of the parks business and allow them to spend all of their time and energies on managing the fish and wildlife assets of the state.

In the same vein, the GWs duties should be limited to just game and fish law enforcement. We have other agencies that handle immigration, environmental problems, and other law enforcement problems totally out of their field. There has been a gradual mission creep that takes GWs out of their primary field. Put them back to doing what they were intended to do.

The budget for TPWD has grown from $250 mil in year 2000 to $468 mil in 2010. Have you seen much to show for it??

The private sector has taken it on the chin along with the consumer since at least 2007. Govt. has to cut back too. It will never happen, but they should cut at the top, that is where the big $ are. Govt answers to everything is more $!

Someone on here wanted to try to add a stiper tag for 1 fish over(?)..Like the red drum tag. I thought that was crazy I know they fish Texoma but dont give the Gov one more reason to control anything. THEY CAN HANDLE WHAT THEY GOT.

The reason the dont have money is because someone is getting rich YOU CAN COUNT ON THAT. LIke someone said ( cuts)start at the top and they will salve the problem.Get some young fresh guy/gal's in there who will make it work.

MY .02

hope this doesnt go through though

I got a ticket last year spring time on Lake Fork. My tags for my trailer were up to date but my boat registration expired. The GM gave me the business for an hour. I think trying to set an example. I called the court house, paid my $15 fine after i showed proof of registration. For 2 GM to give me an hour long lecture for a $15 fine. Stupid. It was a busy day. They could have talked to 50 people in that hour. I was guilty, had no excuse, i asked for a warning, then i said just give me the ticket. I had a speeding ticket from a city officer give to me in under 10 minutes. time management

Perry has never done anything positive for MY state!!!!! Happy Texas Independence Day fellow Texans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bet there is another side of this story

Rarely do I see someone at Wal-Mart using a Lonestar card or other "card of entitlement" as you call it. That's all I'll say about that!!!!

I suspect you must shop with your eyes closed!!

Nope. Eyes wide open!! Not only that I shop at the busiest Wal-Mart in the Metroplex..Esters/183!!! I just don't fake facts to make my point!!!!!