In 1994, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) began a pilot program to benefit both hunters and agricultural producers in Texas. This program, known as the Short Term Public Hunting Lease Program, sought to lease private lands during the dove season for use by purchasers of the TPWD $48 Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit. Originally, leases were only secured along the Interstate 35 corridor in Central Texas. Since that first year, the program has found ready acceptance from both hunters and participating landowners. The program has expanded to other areas of the state and to other game species. TPWD has also increased the flexibility of lease terms, with innovations such as multiple year leases. We are always looking for good lease opportunities and this brochure is designed to explain the program and to answer some of the questions most commonly asked by farmers and ranchers with an interest in participating in the program.

What is a Short-Term Hunting Land Lease?

A short-term hunting land lease is a contract between TPWD and a private landowner. The landowner agrees to let APH Permit holders hunt dove and/or other small game on their property for a specified period of time. TPWD agrees to pay a set fee for this access and also agrees to post signs on the boundary, designated roads and parking areas, restricted areas or other areas identified in the lease agreement. The agreement does not mean that a TPWD biologist or game warden will be on site during the hunt, but staff persons will periodically monitor the site and be available if problems arise. Activities such as camping, building fires, fishing, and consumption of alcoholic beverages are not allowed.

Who can hunt on Short-Term Hunting Lease lands?

Not everyone with a hunting license is allowed legal access to these short-term lease lands. Only those hunters who purchase the APH Permit (approximately 30,000 are sold annually statewide) from TPWD are allowed to hunt.

What are my liability risks?

Recently, the Texas Legislature enacted statutes that offer additional liability protection to landowners who lease recreational (including hunting) rights. If the total income derived from all recreational activity does not exceed twenty times the annual ad valorem taxes assessed on the property for the prior year, the landowner does not assume additional liability risks. Each purchaser of the APH Permit is also provided with a disclaimer of liability whose acceptance holds both the TPWD and the landowner harmless from injuries that may be incurred on the property as a result of public hunting activity.

How much does TPWD pay for these leases?

Payment varies widely depending upon things such as size, habitat quality, game species and hunt dates provided, and location. The area must be of high enough quality and near enough to population centers to have a reasonable expectation of paying it's cost. TPWD's goal is not to make money, but rather to provide additional public hunting opportunity. That being said, the payments for most leases average almost $5.00 an acre statewide. Payment is made to the landowner within 45 days of the conclusion of public hunts.

What is the length of the hunt period and leases?

Originally, Short-Term Hunting Leases were signed strictly for the first split of the dove season: typically September 1 to mid-October in central and north Texas, and late September to early November in south Texas. TPWD is also interested in obtaining short-term leases for additional species of small game during other time periods. TPWD will consider signing multi-year leases for a good area. The deadline for signing lease agreements is normally June 1.

What species will be hunted?

Originally only for dove, TPWD is now interested in leasing short-term opportunities for rabbit, quail, squirrel, pheasant and waterfowl (ducks and geese).

Is my place something that TPWD would be interested in leasing?

TPWD does not sign up all property offered for lease. When evaluating potential lease sites, TPWD biologists and game wardens look first at the habitat (food, water, cover available) and second at the distance to a population center. Ideal lease sites have a food source (such as a crop field or recently fallowed field) surrounded by rangeland. Management of crop and fallow fields is also important. For example, fields that are entirely shredded or plowed prior to the end of the dove season are not normally leased. Planting, harvesting and post-harvest cultivation decisions have a major impact on the desirability and value as a public hunting lease. Contact your local TPWD biologist or game warden if you would like information on specific habitat needs or managing your crop fields for wildlife.

How can I contact TPWD about the Short-Term Hunting Lease program?

Contact your local TPWD wildlife biologist or game warden, or call the Austin office at 512/389-4505 or 512/389-4773.