Matagorda Island WMA: Wildlife Viewing


Phone: (361) 205-1510
Address:
2200 7th Street, 3rd Floor
Bay City, TX 77414
Contact: Dan Walker

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife Viewing Permitted

Viewing wildlife is an enjoyable activity that is available in many of the Wildlife Management Areas of Texas.

The location and geological makeup of Matagorda Island, including coves, bays and marshes, provides a natural nursery for fish and shellfish. These crustaceans supply the shorebirds and wading birds with a plentiful food supply. Whooping cranes are known to winter along the bay side of the WMA. Bird watchers can also find peregrine falcon, brown pelican, egrets, ibis, hawks, storks, herons and Southern bald eagles to name a few. White-tailed deer, feral hogs, wild turkeys, turtles, alligators, lizards and many other native and migratory wildlife are seen throughout the year.

The north end of the island (throughout the runway/headquarters complex, extending down the road system to the lighthouse and including the beach) is available for unsupervised wildlife viewing and hiking, during daylight hours only. Note that such activities are not allowed while public hunts are in progress. Wildlife viewing can be conducted either via bicycling or hiking. Guided wildlife and natural history tours will be scheduled periodically. A Limited Public Use Permit (LPU) or an Annual Public Hunting Lands Permit (APH) is required for all persons, except for youth under age 17, who must be accompanied by a permitted adult. Removing plants, animals, or artifacts is prohibited.

This Wildlife Management Area is one of many wildlife viewing sites along THE GREAT TEXAS COASTAL BIRDING TRAIL.

For information: Texas Parks and Wildlife - Great Texas Coastal Birding Trails