I have heard from a fellow hunter recently that there is a distinct possibility of the state selling off tracks of land it owns in order to pay for the balloning state deficit. He told me that this idea was floated before and that it centered around some of the under performing (revenue wise) state parks. I think it would be a shame to punish hunters and fisherman for the misuse of tax dollars at the state level. Has anyone heard something like this happening?

They'll probably be selling off parts of Big Bend for $10,000/acre.

Where did you hear this? If there is any validity to this then I will track someone down and talk to them about it.

Cable there is a hit list for closing state parks....

Yep, but this is the first I have heard of selling off land

I was talking with another hunter during the drawn ant/spike hunt in Huntsville. He seemed very knowledgable about the subject and said that this idea of selling off state owned land was raised before. He also said that Huntsville was considered a "money-maker" so it was deemed safe. I only raise this because of Texas' 9 billion dollar debt and it seems now that states are getting serious about trying to bring it down.

I have placed a call to Gene McCarty- Deputy Executive Director of Administration. Only person higher up is Carter Smith. Hopefully we can get Gene on the air to discuss the plan that TPWD has in place if Austin makes them take drastic measures to cut spending.

Thanks Cable. I'm interested to hear what they have to say on the matter. Keep us posted.

I've got dibs on emory peak if they start selling!

I know a couple years ago they started selling my permits for cabins down in baffin bay and the land cut. These were being auctioned off in limited numbers and going for 30K and up.

I guess it's more important for illegals to continue to get free services rather than keep the limited amount of state parks afloat.

keep us informed

Hopefully we won't be ultimately held responsible for the mistakes of elected officials. Oh wait, that never happens

First dibs on Fairfield.

They don't need to sell properties, they need to cut spending.

Interview with Gene McCarty is set and will air this weekend. If you have a specific question for him let me hear from you.

I am def going to get him to outline TPWD proposed plan for budget cuts among other things.

Cable, I appreciate all the help. "tinkerbell" just posted the proposed budget cuts and it looks pretty bad. Looks like TPWD is going to get hit hard. I guess my biggest question involves the state parks. I can't afford my own lease right now and I really enjoy the public drawing hunts provided by TPWD. I had a great time out at Huntsville this year. In the proposed cuts, it's stated that 7 state parks will be closed or transferred. Ask Mr. McCarty if there's any specific state parks that are likely to be closed and whether this will take them off the public drawing for next year. Thanks again.

Also, at what time and what station will this be airing? I'll try and tune in.

It will air Saturday morning from 7-8 on KTKR 760 The Ticket in San Antonio and from 8:30-9:30 on KHYI 95.3 The Range in Dallas. Also the podcast will be added to my website on Monday morning if you miss either broadcast: www.lonestaroutdoorshow.com

Cable, you are getting to be a regular "Walter Cronkite". Way to go, Winchline.

If they close down Ft. RIchardson State Park (not likely), I take dibs on that. There are some big bucks out there that will definatly come into bow range without fear.