Annual Public Hunting Permit /
Walk-in Hunts
2024-25

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.

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

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 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. All participants must check in and out each day at the area check station before entering the hunt area and before leaving for the day.

View Regular Permit Hunts

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 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