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  1. Public Hunting in Texas
  2. Mentored Hunting Workshops

TPWD Mentored Hunting Workshops
Public Hunting in Texas 2026-27

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 July 1st through September 15th.

Mentored Hunting Workshop Registration

Abilene State Park

Feral Hog

  • First Time Hunters

  • Dates: February 5 to 7, 2027

  • Hunters: 8 Hunters

For more information contact the park at (325) 572-3204.

Alazan Bayou WMA (Blount Tract)

Multi-species

  • First Time Hunters.

  • Dates: January 8 to 10, 2027.

  • Hunters: 10 Hunters

For more information contact the WMA at (936) 569-8547.

Cooper WMA

White-tailed Deer

  • First Time Hunter

  • Dates: January 9 to 11, 2027.

  • Hunters: 8 Hunters

For more information contact the WMA at (903) 945-3132.

Inks Lake State Park

White-tailed Deer

  • First Time Hunter

  • Dates: December 15 to 17, 2026.

  • Hunters: 7 hunters

For more information contact the park at (512) 793-2223.

Lake Corpus Christi State Park

Dove

  • First Time Hunter

  • Dates: September 26, 2026.

  • Hunters: 8 hunters

For more information, contact the Park at (361) 547-2635.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

White-tailed Deer

  • Disabled Veteran (50% VA rating or above) geared toward First Time Hunters.

  • Dates: December 2 to 3, 2026

  • Hunters: 1 Hunter

For more information contact the park at (806) 488-2227.

Purtis Creek State Park

Waterfowl

  • First Time Hunter

  • Dates: Workshop is October 24, 2026. Hunt 1 is January 9, 2027. Hunt 2 is January 23, 2027.

  • Hunters: 24 Hunters

For more information contact the park at (903) 425-2332.

Richland Creek WMA South Unit

White-tailed Deer

  • First Time Hunter

  • Dates: December 10 to 12, 2026

  • Hunters: 8 Hunters

For more information contact the WMA at (903) 389-7080.

San Angelo State Park

White-tailed Deer

  • First Time Hunter

  • Dates: January 12 to 14, 2027

  • Hunters: 6 Hunters

For more information contact the park at (325) 949-4757.

Information valid July 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027