TPWD Mentored Hunting Workshops
Public Hunting in Texas 2024-25

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 15th.

Mentored Hunting Workshop Registration

Abilene State Park

Feral Hog

  • First Time Hunters

  • Dates: Febuary 21 to 23, 2025

  • Requirements: 8 Hunters

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

Alazan Bayou WMA (Blount Tract)

Multi-species

  • First Time Hunters. Mentored hunting workshop for adults 25 years old and older who have never hunted and never completed hunter education.

  • Dates: January 3 to 5, 2025.

  • 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.

  • Requirements: 10 Hunters

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

Brazos Bend State Park

Waterfowl

  • First Time Hunter

  • Dates:Workshop is January 23, 2025. Hunt is January 24, 2025.

  • Requirements: 8 Hunters

For more information contact the park at (281) 202-7222.

Gus Engeling WMA

Squirrel

  • First Time Hunters

  • Dates:December 13 to 14, 2024.

  • Requirements: 10 Hunters

For more information contact the WMA at (903) 928-2251.

Inks Lake State Park

Deer

  • First Time Hunter

  • Dates: November 12 to 14, 2024.

  • Requirements: 7 Hunters

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

Old Sabine Bottom WMA

Feral Hog

  • First Time Hunters

  • Dates: January 11 to 13, 2025

  • Requirements: 8 Hunters

For more information contact the WMA at (903) 881-8233.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Deer (antlerless), turkey, aoudad and feral hog

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

  • Dates: December 4 to 5, 2024

  • Requirements: 1 Hunter

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

Purtis Creek State Park

Waterfowl

  • First Time Hunter

  • Dates: Workshop is December 7, 2024. Hunt is January 4 and 18, 2025

  • Requirements: 32 Hunters

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

San Angelo State Park

Deer (antlerless), javelina, exotic, feral hogs

  • First Time Hunter

  • Dates: January 21 to 23, 2025

  • Requirements: 6 Hunters

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

Information valid July 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025