Texas. Game and Fish Commission
The Texas Game and Fish Commission managed wildlife, fish, and marine resources and sanctuaries; conducted research and gathered information on Texas' fish and game; promoted preservation efforts; regulated hunting activities and enforced game laws; educated the public about conservation and environmental issues; controlled the sand, shell, and gravel in Texas' waters; and oversaw the operations of fish hatcheries, game preserves, and oyster beds throughout Texas until its merger with the Texas State Parks Board to form the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1963 (House Bill 21, 58th Legislature, Regular Session). The Texas Game and Fish Commission traces its history back to early government conservation efforts during the late 1870s. Charged with monitoring compliance to fish preservation legislation, the Texas Office of the Fish Commissioner was established in 1879 (Chapter 78, 17th Legislature, Regular Session) and lasted until 1885. In 1895 the Legislature (House Bill 55, 24th Legislature, Regular Session) authorized the creation of the Office of the Fish and Oyster Commissioner. Early duties included protecting marine life and oyster beds along Texas bays and coastal waters.
Due to growing concerns over regulating hunting and preserving wild game, a game department was added in 1907 (House Bill 379, 30th Legislature, Regular Session) and the office was renamed the Texas Office of Game, Fish, and Oyster Commissioner. This department was designated to issue hunting licenses with the idea that the department would sell enough licenses to absorb its operating costs. During 1909, the year the first hunting license law was passed in Texas, the department sold five thousand licenses. Throughout the 1910s and 1920s the Office of the Fish and Oyster Commissioner continued its conservation efforts with projects focusing on gathering specimens of native birds, promoting awareness of growing pollution problems, and exploring water sewage issues. The department grew considerably in 1923 (House Bill 85, 38th Legislature, 3rd Called Session) when the game fund was turned over to the agency (instead of remaining under the Legislature's control) and forty-five game wardens were hired. This development made the enforcement of game laws possible, and two years later the activities of the Commissioner expanded further when fish hatchery construction resumed and game sanctuaries were created. Along with these activities came a new emphasis on public education and awareness of environmental issues, and the Division of Education, Publicity, and Research was formed in 1926 to oversee publications and establish a relationship with the press.
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