Annual Public Hunting Permit /
Walk-in Hunts
2022-23

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 are available through the Public Hunt Drawing System beginning August 15. Adult applicants are required to purchase an APH Permit prior to submitting an application. All hunters must have a valid Texas hunting license to participate. Permitted hunters must apply using the Drawn Hunts drawing system.

View E-Postcard 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

A Regular Permit is available for certain small game and waterfowl hunts. Regular permits are issued at the hunt area on a first-come first-served basis. A $20 fee is charged for each Regular Permit issued, however, the Regular Permit fee will be waived for minors (under age 17) hunting under the supervision of an authorized adult who possesses a Regular Permit and for persons possessing an Annual Public Hunting Permit. Other than a non-hunting adult who is directly assisting a permitted disabled hunter, no exceptions will be made for family members or other non-permitted guests to accompany the hunter into the hunt area. A valid hunting license and any required stamp endorsements is required to participate in these hunts.

View Regular Permit Hunts

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) are $25, required for these workshops, and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. A MHP is only valid for a specific public hunting unit and the corresponding workshop dates.

View Mentored Hunting Workshops