Lawmaker drops push to eliminate the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Here’s why
A Texas lawmaker who filed a bill to eliminate the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is not moving forward with the legislation.
Rep. Pat Curry, a Waco Republican, filed a bill on March 13 to eliminate Texas Parks and Wildlife and move its duties to other state departments in response to the department’s handling of chronic wasting disease in deer.
In an interview with the Star-Telegram last week, Curry raised concerns about the department “creating rules and regulations that appear to be law,” particularly as it relates to managing chronic wasting disease. The Texas Parks and Wildlife is led by a panel of governor-appointed commissioners.
In a March 24 written statement, Curry said the bill was filed as a way to “shine a light” on the department and bring its commissioners “to the table to discuss proposed regulations on the deer breeding industry in Texas.”
Curry said he doesn’t intend to keep pursuing the legislation eliminating the department after “a series of productive conversations” with department staff.
“I felt filing the bill was necessary to get the agency’s attention after discussions over proposed regulations on deer breeders had failed,” Curry said. “These proposed regulations, all in the name of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), threaten to intrigue upon private property and small business owner rights.”
The legislation, House Bill 4938, has not been sent to a committee, one of the earliest steps in a bill’s path to becoming law.
Curry said he respects the duties of agencies making rules to protect industries and law enforcement agents, especially Texas game wardens.
“Moving forward, I am fully committed to working productively with TPWD staff and Commissioners to protect and improve this critical agency by ensuring transparency, clarity, and accountability when it comes to this issue or any other matter before the agency,” Curry said in the statement.
The proposal to eliminate the department garnered backlash from some and promoted an online petition that has earned nearly 6,000 signatures as of 4 p.m. on March 24.
“While this bill might have ruffled some feathers, I believe the conversation was necessary, and I appreciate TPWDs willingness to work with me for the benefit of all Texans,” Curry said.
Curry told the Star-Telegram he breeds deer at a ranch in Mexico and used to be a scientific deer breeder in Texas. In his statement, Curry said he is not a licensed deer breeder and has never “profited from any such venture.” Curry disputed what he described as suggestions that he “filed this bill to help his own industry.”
An interview request left as voice messages at his Austin office was not immediately returned.
“We are proud of the role our agency plays in serving the people of Texas and managing our state’s land and waters,” said Kirk McDonnell, a spokesperson in the Texas Park and Wildlife Department’s press office, in a March 24 written statement. “Texas Parks and Wildlife has a long history of intentional and positive collaboration with our partners and private landowners to provide for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation.”
This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 4:49 PM.
