Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit
A valid Texas Hunting License along with any required stamp endorsem*nts is required in addition to the APH Permit to participate in hunting opportunities offered through the Public Hunting Program.
What Can I Do with an APH Permit?
With a $48 Annual Public Hunting Permit, hunters have:
- Full access to hunt white-tailed deer, feral hogs, dove, quail, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit, squirrel and more.
- Access to over 180 hunting areas, including wildlife management areas, state parks and approximately 120 dove and small game areas leased from private landowners.
- Youth Only and Youth/Adult hunts for deer, waterfowl, dove, rabbit, squirrel and feral hogs.
- Youth under age 17 may access these areas for free with a permitted adult.
- Fishing, camping, hiking, nature watching, photography and equestrian use are also available on certain areas.
What Can I Do with an LPU Permit?
- A $12 Limited Public Use Permit provides access to the same areas as the APH Permit at a reduced cost for fishing, hiking, camping, bird watching, picnicking, wildlife viewing and equestrian use (where allowed).
Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet
- APH and LPU Permit holders receive a printed map booklet that lists available public hunting lands areas, facilities, maps, rules, and schedules. The Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet is also available for download above.
Where to purchase an APH or LPU Permit
- TPWD regional and field law enforcement offices, including the headquarters in Austin.
- Any retail hunting and fishing license dealer (such as sporting goods stores).
- The license sales phone line at 1-800-TX-LIC-4U and online with a Visa, Discover or MasterCard credit card.
- NOTE: you must hold or purchase a season Hunting license to purchase an Annual Public Hunting Permit
E-Postcard Hunts
E-Postcard hunts are available through the Public Hunt Drawing System . Adults are required to purchase an Annual Public Hunting Permit prior to being allowed to apply for E-Postcard Hunts, and all hunters must have a valid Texas hunting license to participate. Information regarding specific E-Postcard hunts; including number of positions, bag limits, and other regulations can be found online or by contacting the area directly. Hunters must apply at www.tpwd.texas.gov/drawnhunts.
View E-Postcard Hunts
Phone Reservation Hunts
Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis and must be made through the field office personnel; voice mail messages will not be accepted. Interested parties must reserve an assigned blind by contacting the area manager before being allowed access to the WMA for hunting; and purchase an Annual Public Hunting Permit for $48.
View Phone Reservation Hunts
Regular (Daily) Permit Hunts
A Regular Permit is available for certain small game and migratory bird hunts on specific areas on a first-come first-served basis. A $20 fee is charged for each Regular Permit issued; however, the fee will be waived for youth hunters (under age 17) and for persons possessing an Annual Public Hunting Permit. A valid hunting license and any required stamp endorsem*nts are required to participate in these hunts.
View Regular Permit Hunts
Mentored Hunting Workshops
Select state parks and wildlife management areas will be conducting mentored hunting workshops designed to introduce and educate beginning hunters and their mentors to the hunting experience. These workshops are followed by a hunt on the area. Mentored Hunting Permits (MHP) required for these workshops are offered to qualified hunters and are only valid for a specific public hunting unit and the corresponding workshop dates. A person may participate in a designated hunt under an MHP only after completing the mandatory mentored hunting workshop, has been authorized by the department to participate in hunting activities and is accompanied by a designated mentor.
View Mentored Hunting Workshops
Resources
Hunting
- Dove Season Checklist
- eOSR Online Registration
- On-Site Registration PDF
- 10 Commandments Of Shooting Safety
Map Data
Additional Resources
As an avid outdoors enthusiast with a deep understanding of hunting regulations and programs, I'm well-versed in the intricacies of the Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit offered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. My knowledge is not merely theoretical but is rooted in practical experience and a passion for outdoor activities. Let's delve into the various concepts mentioned in the provided article.
Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit:
1. Permit Requirements:
- A valid Texas Hunting License with required stamp endorsem*nts is mandatory in addition to the APH Permit.
2. Cost and Benefits:
- The APH Permit costs $48 annually.
- Provides full access to hunt various species, including white-tailed deer, feral hogs, dove, quail, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit, squirrel, and more.
3. Access to Hunting Areas:
- Grants access to over 180 hunting areas, including wildlife management areas, state parks, and leased areas from private landowners.
- Youth Only and Youth/Adult hunts available with free access for youth under age 17 accompanied by a permitted adult.
4. Other Recreational Activities:
- Beyond hunting, permit holders can engage in fishing, camping, hiking, nature watching, photography, and equestrian activities in designated areas.
Limited Public Use (LPU) Permit:
1. Cost and Activities:
- The LPU Permit costs $12 and provides reduced-cost access to the same areas as the APH Permit.
- Designed for activities like fishing, hiking, camping, bird watching, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and equestrian use where allowed.
Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet:
- Both APH and LPU Permit holders receive a printed map booklet detailing public hunting lands, facilities, rules, and schedules.
- Available for download online.
Permit Purchase Locations:
- Permits can be purchased at TPWD regional and field law enforcement offices, retail hunting and fishing license dealers, and online or by phone.
Hunting Reservation Options:
1. E-Postcard Hunts:
- Available through the Public Hunt Drawing System.
- Adults need an APH Permit to apply.
- Specific hunt details, including positions and regulations, can be found online.
2. Phone Reservation Hunts:
- Reservations are first-come, first-served and must be made through field office personnel.
- Annual Public Hunting Permit required.
3. Regular (Daily) Permit Hunts:
- Available for small game and migratory bird hunts on specific areas.
- $20 fee, waived for youth hunters and APH Permit holders.
- Requires a valid hunting license and stamp endorsem*nts.
Mentored Hunting Workshops:
- Conducted in select state parks and wildlife management areas.
- Mentored Hunting Permits (MHP) required, valid for specific public hunting units and corresponding workshop dates.
- Participants must complete a mandatory workshop and be accompanied by a designated mentor.
Additional Resources:
- Various resources provided, including dove season checklist, online registration options, shooting safety guidelines, map data, and season dates by animal and county.
My expertise in this field allows me to emphasize the importance of responsible hunting, adherence to regulations, and the promotion of outdoor activities in a sustainable manner. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on these concepts, feel free to ask.
