Mentored Hunting Workshops
Public Hunting in Texas 2020-2021
Select state parks and wildlife management areas 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) required for these workshops 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 with a MHP only after completing the mandatory mentored hunting workshop.
For the first time this season, three of the mentored hunts will include a family camping workshop hosted by the TPWD Texas Outdoor Family Program. These workshops are intended for families who are new to camping and want to learn. Bring the family along so they can learn to camp while you are learning to hunt. All camping equipment is provided. All additional details will be emailed in advance.
Cost: A $25 fee paid on-site is required for the Mentored Hunting Permit. An additional $75 fee, paid in advance over the phone, is required for the Hunting and Camping Family Workshops to cover camping related expenses.
To apply for a mentored hunting workshop, please register using our Mentored Hunting Workshop Registration form. 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. Please have your TPWD customer # ready. You can search for your customer number, or if you don’t have a customer number you can create one, on our Customer Search webpage.
Mentored Hunting Workshops Registration is now closed
Mentored Hunting Workshops
For 2020-2021
Abilene State Park
Feral Hog
First time hunters
Dates: January 29 to 31
Bag Limit: no bag limit.
For more information contact the park at (325) 572-3204.
Alazan Bayou WMA
Multi-Species
First time hunters
Dates: May 14 to 16
Bag Limit: no bag limit.
Requirements: Mentored hunting workshop for adults 25 years old and older who have never hunted and never completed hunter education. Workshop will be held on March 27 to 28 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 Bob Baker at (936) 569-8547.
Copper Breaks State Park
Feral Hog and Exotic
First Time Hunter and Camping Family Workshop
Dates: December 11 to 13
Bag Limit: no bag limit.
For more information and workshop availability, contact the park at (940) 839-4331.
Gus Engeling WMA
Squirrel
First Time Youth/Adult hunters
Dates: January 9 to 10
Bag Limit: County bag and possession limits apply.
Requirements: Hunters will be accompanied by TPWD staff at all times during the hunt.
For more information and workshop availability, contact the WMA at (903) 928-2251.
Inks Lake State Park
White-tailed Deer
First Time Hunter and Camping Family Workshop
Dates: December 1 to 3
Bag Limit: One deer (antlerless/spike buck) and unlimited feral hogs
White-tailed Deer
First Time Hunter
Dates: December 8 to 10 and 15 to 17
Bag Limit: One deer (antlerless/spike buck) and unlimited feral hogs
For more information, contact the park at (512) 793-2223.
Middle Trinity River Ecosystem Project
Waterfowl
First Time Hunter
Dates: Workshop date is Sept. 26. 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 be accompanied by TPWD staff at all times during the hunt.
For more information, contact the WMA at (903) 928-2251.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
White-tailed Deer
Disabled Veteran (50% VA rating or above) geared toward First Time Hunters.
Dates: December 16 to 17
Bag Limit: One deer (mature antlerless only), one Rio Grande turkey (mature either sex), and unlimited feral hogs.
White-tailed Deer
Disabled Youth geared toward First Time Hunters.
Dates: December 18 to 19
Bag Limit: One deer (mature either sex) and one Rio Grande turkey (mature either sex)
For more information, contact the park at (806) 488-2227.
Purtis Creek State Park
Waterfowl
First Time Hunter
Dates: workshop is October 17, hunt date #1 is January 9 and hunt date #2 is January 23. 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.
San Angelo State Park
White-tailed Deer
First Time Hunter and Camping Family Workshop
Dates: January 22 to 24
Bag Limit: Two white-tailed deer (antlerless and spike bucks only, limit 1 spike buck), one javelina, one exotic mammal, and unlimited feral hogs. Center fire rifles only; hunt will be by assigned blinds.
For more information, contact Jarrett Miller at (325) 277-3258 or the park at (325) 949-4757.