Texas fishermen and hunters have been wondering if they could head out to their favorite lake or ranch, especially when it might not be close to home.

On March 31, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott included fishing and hunting in his executive order implementing essential services and activities protocol.

The order reads, in part:

“This executive order does not prohibit people from accessing essential services or engaging in essential daily activities, such as going to the grocery store or gas station, providing or obtaining other essential services, visiting parks, hunting or fishing, or engaging in physical activity like jogging or bicycling, so long as the necessary precautions are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and to minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household.”

Texas Wildlife Association was instrumental in Gov. Abbott’s recognizing of hunting and fishing as essential activities.

“We are especially thankful for his recognition of hunting and fishing as healthy ways to be outdoors in his latest Executive Order he issued today,” said TWA CEO David Yeates. “We couldn’t agree more.”

Some lakes aren’t accessible, though, and some beaches and piers are closed.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reminded anglers to check community ordinances and check the status of the location you’re planning to fish before heading out, as some access points may be closed. Also fishermen and hunters were reminded to maintain a minimum of six feet social distancing and follow all guidances from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here’s the link to the full order: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-issues-executive-order-implementing-essential-services-and-activities-protocols

Story by Craig Nyhus, Lone Star Outdoor News