Source: Austin American-Statesman – August 4, 1929, p. 14
In 1925, Texas created 68 game preserves to save wildlife populations that had been decimated by over hunting in the 19th century. Yellowstone, our first National Park was created in 1872, so the idea setting aside land for wilderness was still fairly new at this time. The article below confirms that the preserves had indeed started to increase wildlife numbers over their first four years of operation. These early preserves were critical in protecting bear and antelope in West Texas and quail in South Texas.
Four thousand antelope are now being protected on preserves near Amarillo and Presidio and Brewster counties, and 200 mountain sheep are making a last desperate stand in the high peaks of the Guadalupe mountains.
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