Bannister WMA: Activities at a Glance
Phone: (936) 639-8620
Address:
8096 FM 2782
Nacogdoches, TX 75964
Contact:
Cody Dunagan
Dates Open:
Open year round.
Hunting
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) 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.
Bike riding is allowed along the forest service roads.
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.
Horse back riding is allowed but limited during hunting season. The Turkey Hill Wilderness Area of the WMA is restricted to walking or horse back riders.
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.
Fishing is allowed but not desirable. Area lakes offer better places to fish. Nearby Lake Sam Rayburn and North Toledo Bend Reservoir are suggested.
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.
Hiking is allowed along any existing forest service roads. During hunting season, orange clothing is mandatory for safety. Certain areas are considered very dangerous for hikers and hunters because of abandoned wells. Also, during turkey nesting season, portions of the area may be closed.
Wildlife Viewing
Viewing wildlife is an enjoyable activity that is available in many of the Wildlife Management Areas of Texas.