J.D. Murphree WMA: Rules
Phone: (409) 736-2551
Address:
10 Parks & Wildlife Dr.
Port Arthur, TX 77640
Contact:
Michael Rezsutek
Dates Open:
Fishing, wildlife viewing and other non-consumptive uses are available seasonally as provided in the TPWD Public Hunting Lands Permit Map Booklet. These activities are limited during scheduled public hunts for September teal and regular waterfowl, feral hog and alligator seasons. A Limited Public Use permit is available for non-consumptive uses (e.g., bird watching, photography). An Annual Public Hunting permit is required for participating in public hunts.
General Access
The WMA is divided into three units:
- Big Hill Unit — Open to hunters only on designated days and to fishers during daylight hours only from March 1 through August 31. Big Hill is located north of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) and is the check station for waterfowl hunts. Big Hill Bayou is open to fishers from February 1 to August 31, and September 1 to October 31. Compartments are closed to non-hunting related activities from September 1 to January 31.
- Hillebrandt Unit — Open to hunters only on designated days during the waterfowl season for the South Duck Zone. Open for wildlife viewing any day outside of the regular waterfowl season.
- Salt Bayou Unit — The interior marsh compartments are open to hunters only on designated days of the regular waterfowl season for the South Duck Zone. Fishing within the interior marsh compartments is permitted during daylight hours February 1 through August 31. Keith Lake, Johnson Lake and Salt Bayou are open to fishing 24 hours a day year-round. Open for wildlife viewing any day outside of the regular waterfowl season.
Permits Required
Visitors 17 years of age and older must possess an Annual Public Hunting Permit (APH) or Limited Public Use Permit (LPU).