Texas Game Wardens

As May comes to a close, we pause to remember three Texas Game Wardens who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Game Wardens William Barry Decker, Franklin Bruce Hill and Teyran “Ty” Patterson dedicated their lives to serving the people and natural resources of Texas. Their courage, selflessness and commitment to duty continue to inspire those who wear the badge today.

We honor their sacrifice and remember their legacy.

End of Watch
William Barry Decker • May 26, 1990
Franklin Bruce Hill • May 26, 1990
Teyran “Ty” Patterson • May 30, 2007

Just after midnight on May 27, game wardens in Williamson County and members of the Texas Game Warden Search and Rescue team (SAR) responded to significant flooding in Berry Creek near Florence. Three men were stranded in trees downstream from their vehicle. SAR personnel rescued two of the men, and Starflight rescued the third.

This was a coordinated response between multiple local and state partners.

Never drive or walk through flooded areas. Floodwater can hide washed-out roads, debris and other hazards, and it is often moving faster and is deeper than it appears.

Turn around, don’t drown.

Texas Game Warden and Texas State Park Police cadets and lieutenants recently completed The Murph Challenge in honor of Lt. Michael P. Murphy and the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

The workout is physically demanding by design, but the purpose behind it matters far more.

1-mile run
100 pull-ups
200 push-ups
300 air squats
1-mile run

This Memorial Day, we remember the fallen and honor those who gave everything in service to this country.

Someone is waiting for you. Don’t disappoint them.

Wear your life jacket.
Don’t drink and boat.
Make it home safe.

🔗 https://bit.ly/42RR6KY

Texas Game Wardens filed 74 charges against a New Braunfels man accused of illegally killing at least 13 white-tailed bucks across Comal, Hays and Bexar counties between 2024 and 2025.

Poaching is not a victimless crime. It undermines wildlife conservation efforts, harms Texas’ natural resources and takes opportunities away from lawful hunters who follow the rules.

Texas Game Wardens remain committed to protecting the state’s wildlife resources and holding violators accountable.

🔗 tr.ee/TXGW74CH

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👉 You Spot It. We Stop It. 👈
Report violations, 24/7, to Operation Game Thief (OGT) via Tip411. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.
💬 Text TXOGT and your tip to 847411
📲 Download the iOS or Android Texas OGT App
💻 tpwd.texas.gov/warden/connect/ogt
📞 1-800-792-GAME (4263)

Texas Game Wardens are prepared and ready to support operations in areas affected by the potential severe weather event with personnel, search and rescue boats, four-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, helicopters and unmanned aerial systems (drones) across the state. Texas Game Wardens will also be monitoring the situation 24/7, with representatives at the State Operations Center.

We will also work closely with any activated Disaster District Emergency Operations Centers to ensure our resources and emergency personnel are positioned to best support public safety and will increase our resources as needed in affected areas.

Recently, the Texas Game Warden Training Center welcomed retired Texas Game Wardens for a luncheon and update on the division’s latest initiatives.

Col. Ron VanderRoest, director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Law Enforcement Division, briefed attendees on current operations and shared how Texas Game Wardens are using new technology, expanded capabilities and advanced training to serve Texans and protect the state’s natural resources.