Public Hunting in Texas
Public hunting in Texas gives you your pick when it comes to variety. The state is known for its bighorn sheep, waterfowl, pronghorn antelopes, mule deer, feral hogs and other wildlife possibilities. The Texas Parks and Recreation Department offers public hunting options through its two public hunting systems. A $48 annual public hunting permit allows access to year round hunting on nearly 1.2 million acres of land. Hunters can also apply through the public hunt drawing system for a supervised, drawn hunts as well. Whether you'd like a guided hunt or prefer a more private affair, public hunting in Texas offers a unique outdoor sporting experience.
Other People Are Reading
-
Public Hunting Areas
-
The Texas Parks and Recreation Department each year publishes maps of land open for public hunting on over 1 million acres of public land. Access can be had through the annual public hunting permit for hunting, while a limited public use permit allows access for recreational uses and fishing. The department's website features maps of public areas available for hunting, which are available for download.
Local Regulations
-
Texas hunting regulations for weapons, legal species, bag limits and season dates are issued by the state of Texas, but vary according to the county. Research local regulations of the area you'll be hunting.
-
Youth Hunting
-
Youth under 17 must have a Texas hunting license, but are not required to have a permit. They must be in the company of an adult who possesses the permit.
Hunting in Wildlife Management Areas
-
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has designated five wildlife management areas in the national forests and grasslands of Texas. Hunting is allowed, but hunters must have the appropriate Texas public hunting permits from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Rules and regulations are different from other hunting areas in Texas, according to the county.
Wilderness Areas
-
These areas are specially managed to protect their wilderness nature, but the lands are available for Texas public hunting. All roads within the wilderness areas are closed, and motorized and mechanized vehicles are prohibited. The five wilderness areas include Turkey Hill, Upland Island, Big Slough, Indian Mounds and Little Lake Creek. Though harder to access due to the ban on vehicles, wilderness offer better hunting opportunities due to their remote nature.
Grasslands
-
Texas' National Grasslands provide a very favorable habitat for small game. Seventy percent of Texas national grassland is open prairie, while the rest is wooded. The grassland is home to rabbits, doves, wild turkeys, and quail. Fox squirrels can commonly be found near wooded areas near creeks.
-
References
- Photo Credit hunting ambushing image by Galyna Andrushko from Fotolia.com
