Valid Sep. 1, 2023 through Aug. 31, 2024.
UnlawfulMeans and Methods in Specific Areas
It is unlawful to:
- possess, shoot or hunt with a firearm or any archery equipment on all land and water in the Aransas River and Poesta Creek in Bee County; on all land and public water in the state-owned riverbeds of La Salle and McMullen counties; and on all land and public water in the state-owned riverbeds of the Nueces, Frio and Atascosa rivers in Live Oak County; except for waterfowl hunting on any reservoir (existing or to be constructed) owned, operated, or maintained by a government entity.
- discharge a firearm or shoot an arrow in or on the bed or bank of a navigable river or stream. This law does not apply to persons fishing by means of archery equipment, lawful alligator hunting activity, or shotguns loaded with shot, including buckshot. A shotgun slug is prohibited. Exemptions allow the take of venomous snakes and non-indigenous rodents by landowners or their agent(s). Other exemptions may be in effect.
- hunt on water of Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir or land adjacent to the reservoir owned by the federal government in Bell County, except for game birds hunted with a shotgun. A hunter must be 600 feet from the nearest private property line.
- discharge a pistol or rifle in, on, along, or across Wallisville Reservoir, and Lake Anahuac in Chambers County; the water of the Trinity River or Wallisville Reservoir in Liberty County.
- discharge any firearm or shoot any crossbow or bow and arrow on, along, or across the waters of Oyster Bayou in Chambers County from State Hwy. 65 south to the mouth of Oyster Bayou in the East Bay.
- hunt wild animals or wild birds or target shoot on land in Harris County owned by another without having in immediate possession written consent of the landowner of that land. The written consent must contain the hunter’s name, identify the land on which hunting or target shooting is permitted, be signed by the landowner or legal agent for the owner, and must show the address and phone number of the person signing consent. The owner or agent and any person hunting or target shooting with the owner or agent on public or private shooting ranges are exempt from this special regulation.
Hunting on Federal Lands
- It is the responsibility of the hunter to be aware of applicable federal regulations on federal lands (Forest Service, National Recreation Areas, Corps of Engineers, etc.).
- On the LBJ National Grasslands in Montague and Wise counties, antlerless may only be taken during archery, youth-only, and during the 4-day season (known as doe days).
- On all other US Forest Service (USFS) lands, antlerless deer may only be taken during archery, muzzleloader, and youth-only seasons.
Hunting on Federal or Other Governmental Lands
When hunting on U.S. Forest Service, Army Corps of Engineers, River Authority properties or other lands owned or administered by units of government (federal, state, or local), additional regulations and/or requirements may apply. It is the responsibility of the hunter to determine if such additional regulations or requirements apply.
- U.S. Forest Service (USFS) - on USFS properties managed by TPWD through the Public Hunting Program, antlerless deer may be taken by special drawn hunt permit. These properties include Alabama Creek WMA, Bannister WMA, Caddo National Grasslands WMA, Moore Plantation WMA, Sam Houston National Forest WMA.
- Army Corps of Engineers
- River Authority
Annual Public Hunting Permit
The Annual Public Hunting Permit (also known as walk-in) provides nearly year-round hunting on property that TPWD owns or leases from various agencies, corporations, and private landowners. In order to hunt on these public hunting lands, persons age 17 or older must possess a TPWD Annual Public Hunting Permit, a hunting license, and any required endorsem*nts. Youth (under age 17) are required to have a Texas hunting license but are not required to possess their own permit to hunt or fish on these lands; however, they must hunt or fish under the supervision of an authorized adult (age 18 or older) who possesses the permit.
