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TPWD Mentored Hunting Workshops
Public Hunting in Texas 2023-24
Registration for TPWD Mentored Hunting Workshops closed Sept. 15.
Select state parks and wildlife management areas will conduct mentored hunting workshops designed to introduce first time hunters to the hunting experience, educate them on the skills they will need to be successful in the field, and build a foundation for their hunting tradition. These workshops are followed by a mentored hunt on the area.
Mentored Hunting Permits (MHP) are offered to qualified first time 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. Cost: a $25 fee paid on-site is required for the Mentored Hunting Permit.
To Apply register using our Mentored Hunting Workshop Registration form. Please have your TPWD customer # ready. You can search for your customer number on our Texas Public Hunting Customer Search; or if you don’t have a customer number you can create one.
Adult first time hunters will be selected according to their level of experience and the order in which they submit their application. If you are selected for a workshop, you will be notified by the hunt manager.
Mentored Hunting Workshop Applications will be taken until September 1 for the September 16 Dove Hunt; for all other hunts, registration closes on September 15, 2023.
Abilene State Park
Feral Hog - registration closed
First Time Hunters
Dates: Febuary 9 to 11, 2024
Bag Limit: no bag limit.
For more information contact the park at (325) 572-3204.
Alazan Bayou WMA
Multi-species - registration closed
First Time Hunters. Mentored hunting workshop for adults 25 years old and older who have never hunted and never completed hunter education.
Dates: December 1 to 3, 2023.
Details: Workshop will be held at time hunt and consist of hunter education, woodsmanship, and live fire training; followed by guided hunts on the dates provided for various in-season game animals and/or feral hogs.
For more information contact the WMA at (936) 569-8547.
Brazos Bend State Park
Waterfowl - registration closed
First Time Hunter
Dates: October 13, 2023
Details: Workshop date is October 13, 2023. Hunt date is January 25, 2024.
Bag Limit: bag and possession limits for South Zone Waterfowl Season apply.
For more information and workshop availability, contact the park at (979) 553-5101.
Gus Engeling WMA
Squirrel - registration closed
First Time Hunters
Dates: October 21, 2023.
Details: Workshop followed by hunt on December 16, 2023 Hunt.
Bag Limit: County bag and possession limits apply.
Requirements: Hunters will be accompanied by TPWD staff during the hunt.
Waterfowl - registration closed
First Time Hunter
Dates: Workshop date is October 14, 2023.
Details: Hunt dates will be determined during the workshop by staff. Hunt location (Richland Creek WMA, Big Lake Bottom WMA, Gus Engeling WMA or Keechi Creek WMA) will be determined based upon scouting results prior to the hunt date.
Bag Limit: Bag and possession limits for North Zone Waterfowl Season apply.
Requirements: Hunters will always be accompanied by TPWD staff during the hunt.
For more information contact the WMA at (903) 928-2251.
Inks Lake State Park
White-tailed Deer - registration closed
First Time Hunter
Dates: November 14 to 16, 2023.
Bag Limit: One deer (either sex) and unlimited feral hogs.
For more information contact the park at (512) 793-2223.
Old Sabine Bottom WMA
Feral Hog - registration closed
First Time Hunters
Dates: January 12 to 14, 2024
Bag Limit: no bag limit.
For more information contact the WMA at (903) 881-8233.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
White-tailed Deer - registration closed
Disabled Veteran (50% VA rating or above) geared toward First Time Hunters.
Dates: November 30 to December 1, 2023
Bag Limit: One deer (mature antlerless only), one Rio Grande turkey (mature either sex) and unlimited aoudad and feral hogs.
For more information contact the park at (806) 488-2227.
Purtis Creek State Park
Waterfowl - registration closed
First Time Hunter
Dates: Workshop is October 21, 2023.
Details: Workshop date is October 21, 2023, hunt date #1 is January 6, 2024 and hunt date #2 is January 20, 2024. Workshop attendance is required to attend either hunt date, however previous workshop/hunt attendees will not be eligible to participate.
Bag Limit: Bag and possession limits correspond to limits during the North Zone Duck and Eastern Zone Goose seasons.
For more information contact the park at (903) 425-2332.
Resaca De La Palma State Park
Dove - registration closed. Closed September 1.
First Time Hunter
Dates: September 16, 2023
Bag Limit: bag and possession limits for South Zone Dove Season apply
For more information contact the park at (956) 350-2920.
San Angelo State Park
White-tailed Deer - registration closed
First Time Hunter
Dates: January 9 to 11, 2024
Bag Limit: Two white-tailed deer (antlerless and spike bucks only, limit 1 spike buck), one javelina, one exotic mammal and unlimited feral hogs.
Requirements: Center fire rifles only; hunt will be by assigned blinds.
For more information contact the park at (325) 949-4757.