Matagorda Island WMA Public Use Links:
Wildlife Management Area
 

Matagorda Island WMA: Rules

Phone: (361) 205-1510
Matagorda Island
Offshore Port O'Connor, Texas

Contact: Dan Walker

Dates Open:

The Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is open throughout the year for camping, biking, hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing and hunting activities. To camp and to hunt duck on the WMA, visitors must have a Limited Public Use Permit (LPU) or Annual Public Hunting Lands Permit (APH). No permit is needed for day use of the WMA. To get to the WMA is by boat only, see the Matagorda Island Map and the Matagorda Island WMA Headquarters Complex Map. The Sunday Beach area of Matagorda Island is open to the public for activities with no fees, permits or restrictions.

General Access

To get to Matagorda Island WMA is by private or chartered boat only. There is no State of Texas ferry service available. The WMA Check Station is approximately 7 miles across Espiritu Santo Bay from Port O'Connor. Personal motorized vehicles, aircraft, automobiles, All Terrain Vehicles (ATV), are not allowed. Visitors can hike and bike on the WMA. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department vehicles are used during scheduled hunts and tours.

Permits Required

Visitors may camp overnight on the WMA with a LPU or APH permit. Walk-in hunters must have an APU. Hunters with a Special Permit for Drawn Hunts, may enter the WMA without an LPU or APH. No daily Regular Permits are issued on the WMA.