Annual Public Hunting Permit /
Walk-in Hunts
2023-24


Including Private Dove and Small Game Leases


Information valid September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024

Since 1987, the Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit has offered the opportunity to participate in a variety of inexpensive, family oriented outdoor recreational activities including hunting for a multitude of wildlife species, fishing, nature watching, camping and other activities.

Today’s Public Hunting Program includes over a million acres located throughout Texas. This Map Booklet contains information on property owned by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) as well as acreage leased by the department from other state and federal agencies, forest products industries, and other cooperating private landowners. The Public Dove and Small Game Hunting Areas are included in this booklet.

Access is provided by two types of annual permits: the $48 Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit which allows full privileges including hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and other recreational uses and the $12 Limited Public Use (LPU) Permit which also provides access for all other recreational activities except hunting. See the schedule for recreational use on pages 150-153.

To access a property for hunting and other recreational activities, purchase one of the following annual permits:

  • Annual Public Hunting Permit — $48

    Full privileges including hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and other recreational uses.

  • Limited Public Use Permit — $12

    All other recreational activities except hunting (see the "Schedule of Recreational Use of Public Hunting Lands" in the Map Booklet)

  • Purchase APH/LPU Permit

    Note: you must hold or purchase a season Hunting license to purchase an Annual Public Hunting Permit

Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit

A valid Texas Hunting License along with any required stamp endorsements 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

Secure Online Sales

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 endorsements 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

Acknowledgments

The Public Hunting Lands Program would not be possible without the support and confidence of many people. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would like to extend a special thanks to many groups whereby without their contributions of land donations, time and money, this Public Hunting Program would not be available:

  • Angelina-Nacogdoches Co. Water Control and Improvement District No. 1
  • City of Corpus Christi
  • City of San Angelo
  • Crown Pine Leasing LLC
  • Dallas Safari Club
  • General Land Office of Texas
  • Entergy Texas LP
  • Luminant Texas LP
  • National Wild Turkey Federation
  • Pheasant Forever & Quail Forever
  • Private Landowners
  • Purchasers of Public Hunting Permits
  • Sabine River Authority
  • Upper Trinity Regional Water District
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • U.S. Forest Service
 
Information valid September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024