Gus Engeling WMA: Activities at a Glance
Phone: (903) 928-2251
Address:
16149 North US Hwy 287
Tennessee Colony, TX 75861
Contact:
Jeffrey Gunnels
Dates Open:
Open except for drawn hunts in fall and winter. Please call ahead when planning to visit during hunting season.
Dates Closed:
- October 16, 2023 through March 11, 2024
Daily On-site Registration is required of all public users. General public access to the area is during daylight hours through designated legal entry points only and by APH or LPU Permits.
Registration is required.
Hunting
Wildlife Management Areas have rules and regulations for hunting not required on private property. Hunters must possess a valid hunting license, the appropriate tags and stamps, as well as the proper public hunting permit. Permits include: Annual Public Hunting Permit (APH), computer drawn Special Permits, and the Regular Permit, which allows daily small game hunting on some areas. Hunters 16 years of age and younger are not required to have a hunting permit, but must have a hunting license and be supervised by a licensed, permitted adult, 18 years of age or older. Hunters and non-hunters must wear hunter orange during daylight hours at any time when firearm hunting for any species is authorized on the unit (except turkeys, waterfowl, and dove). For more details see the rules page for this WMA, the Summary of Fishing and Hunting Regulations and Public Hunting Lands Information and Maps.
Biking
Bicycling is a healthy and enjoyable activity that is available in many of the Wildlife Management Areas of Texas.
Mountain bikes are recommended. Water should be carried.
Camping
- Users may not camp or build a fire anywhere other than in a designated campsite.
- Users may not cause, create, or contribute to excessive or disturbing sounds beyond the person's immediate campsite between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Users may not establish a camp and leave it unattended for a period of longer than 24 hours.
- Users must remove refuse from the area upon departing.
- Cutting of firewood is prohibited.
Equestrian
- While in designated campsites, horses should be kept haltered on a lead or in a pen area authorized by department personnel.
- All horses must be certified to be free of Equine Infectious Anemia. Horse owners/riders must carry such certification (negative Coggins Test results) during their stay and present such documentation upon request.
Use of horses is prohibited other than by written permission of the area manager in advance. Call (903) 928-2251.
Fishing
For general information on fishing requirements and restrictions, see the Outdoor Annual Fishing Regulations. For information on fishing licenses, stamps, and tags see Outdoor Annual Fishing Licenses.
Hiking
Hiking is an enjoyable activity that is available in many of the Wildlife Management Areas of Texas. Since potable water is not available on many of the Wildlife Management Areas, it is a good idea to bring plenty of drinking water.
A nature trail, worn paths, and dirt roads crisscross the area and provide visitors a way to view wildlife and natural habitat. Hiking is limited to designated non-hunting areas and only when hunting season is over. Drinking water, insect repellent and sunscreen are recommended.
Wildlife Viewing
Viewing wildlife is an enjoyable activity that is available in many of the Wildlife Management Areas of Texas.
Detailed Wildlife Viewing Information for the Gus Engeling WMA