The Alazan Bayou WMA is located in southern Nacogdoches County and is within the Pineywoods ecological region of East Texas. The WMA is located 6 miles south of Nacogdoches and 1.1 miles west of US Hwy 59 on FM 2782. The WMA totals 2,063 acres and is primarily comprised of bottomland hardwood forests and old field habitats adjacent to the Angelina River. The WMA provides excellent habitat for wintering waterfowl, white-tailed deer, turkey, woodcock, rabbits, squirrels and feral hogs. Call the WMA headquarters for more information (936/569-8547).

The Anacua Unit consists of 220 acres located approximately 1/2 mile south of Santa Maria south off of US Hwy 281. The unit was originally in farm fields, but now consists primarily of reforested white-winged dove breeding habitat. The unit is divided into two separate sections, with the check station located in the north parking lot. There are designated hunting areas for doves in both the north and south sections of the unit. The closest complete commercial facilities are available in Harlingen. Call the Las Palomas WMA headquarters for more information (956/501-4793).

The Angelina Neches/Dam B WMA is located in Jasper and Tyler counties in the forks of the Angelina-Neches Rivers and the B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir and comprises 12,636 acres. The topography is generally flat with many sloughs and ridges. Surface water is abundant.

Access to the majority of the Area is by boat only. Airboats are prohibited on the Area. Public boat ramps and information stations are located at Bevilport, the Walnut Ridge and Cherokee Units of Martin Dies, Jr. SP, and the Magnolia Ridge Army Corps of Engineers Park.

The Arroyo Colorado Unit consists of 761 acres, most of which have reverted from farm and ranch land to native brush. The unit is located by traveling 3 miles east of Rio Hondo on Hwy 106, then 5.5 miles north on Hwy 2925. Primitive camping is allowed for permitted hunters selected for the drawn youth deer hunts. There are no restroom facilities or potable water available. The closest complete commercial facilities are available in Harlingen. Call the Las Palomas WMA headquarters for more information (956/501-4793).

Atlanta SP is located in central Cass County approximately 10 miles northwest of Atlanta. The 1,475 acres, set in pine forests adjacent to Wright Patman Dam and Lake, were acquired in 1954.

The Area is closed to park visitors during the public hunts and the entrance fee is waived for hunt participants. Hunters may use park camping facilities for which the standard fee is charged. Call the Park headquarters for further information (903/796-6476).

The Baird, Chapote, and Taormina units contain 947 acres and are located 3.5 miles south of Expressway 83 in Donna and 1 mile east of FM 493 and .5 miles south on Victoria Road. The Baird and Taormina units were formerly pasturelands that have been converted to native brush. The Chapote unit is primarily open, weedy fields. There are designated hunting areas for dove, and hunters are cautioned not to trespass on adjoining private property or shoot from public roads. The check station is located on the west side of the Taormina unit. The closest complete commercial facilities are available in Donna and Weslaco. Call the Las Palomas WMA headquarters for more information (956/501-4793).

Big Bend Ranch’s 301,648 acres lie west of Big Bend National Park covering some 400 square miles. For the most part, the Park is desert grassland or succulent-desert grassland and rocky slopes.

Successful applicants should meet at Sauceda Ranger Station by 10:00 a.m. on the first morning of their hunt. All hunters desiring to stay on the Park during the hunt period will be required to stay at Sauceda headquarters. The hunting permit will serve to waive the Park entrance fee. All other standard park fees apply during the hunt. Optional transportation and guide service is available at additional cost. Call the Park headquarters for further information or accommodations (432/358-4444).

Big Lake Bottom WMA comprises 2,870 acres located 15 miles southwest of Palestine. The entire area lies within the floodplain of the Trinity River, and is a remote, heavily forested bottomland hardwood habitat. It is recommended that hunters bring rubber footwear and a compass.

Portable deer stands that do not damage trees are encouraged and will increase hunter success. Portable blinds are not available at the Area. One primitive campground is available to hunters and permit holders.

DUE TO VERY LIMITED ACCESS AND DISTANCE TO HUNTING COMPARTMENTS (often 2-3 miles), USE OF ATVs and other ORVs IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. ATVs must be operated in accordance with state law regulating the use of ATVs on public land. Caution should be taken during rainy weather as this area is prone to flooding. High water may result in cancellation of scheduled hunts on short notice. Call the Big Lake Bottom WMA headquarters for further information (903/389-7080).

The Black Gap Area in Brewster County is located 58 miles south of Marathon, on 2627. It has approximately 25 miles of the Rio Grande as the south boundary, adjoining the Mexican state of Coahuila. The Area contains 119,171 acres of semi-arid land. Annual rainfall averages approximately eight inches.

Participants in public hunts held on the Area should bring all necessary provisions with them. Primitive camping is allowed during public hunts in designated areas. No trailer hookups are available. Firewood is scarce; therefore, hunters should either bring a supply or use camp stoves that burn white gas or similar fuel. Phone the Area headquarters for further information (432/837-3251).

Brazos Bend SP consists of 4,975 acres located in Fort Bend County approximately 20 miles southeast of Richmond. Most of the Park is in the Brazos River floodplain with bottomland habitat. Waterproof footwear is recommended for hunter comfort.

The hunter check station is located at the group banquet hall in the interior of the Park. Hunters may use park’s shelter area overnight for which a fee is charged. Lodging and restaurants are available in Richmond for those not wishing to camp on the Park. Call the Park headquarters for further information (979/553-5101).

The Walter Buck WMA consists of 2,133 acres located on the south fork of the Llano River in Kimble County, approximately 5 miles southwest of Junction.

Caprock Canyons SP is in southeast Briscoe County, 3.5 miles north of Quitaque, off SH 86 on FM 1065. The Park’s 13,960 acres were purchased in 1975. The Park is closed to park visitors during the public hunts and the entrance fee is waived for hunt participants. Hunters may use park camping facilities for which the standard fee is charged.

NOTE: Because of the extremely rugged terrain in portions of the Park, hunters should be prepared for a very strenuous hunt which may occur during severe winter conditions such as freezing rain or snow. Also, the removal of the harvested animals from portions of the Park to the nearest road or pickup point can be very strenuous because of the terrain and size of the larger animals (200 lbs. plus). Phone the Park headquarters for additional information (806/455-1492).

The Carricitos Unit comprises 118 acres, including 103 acres of high quality, mature native forest and 15 acres of open farm field. The property was purchased with white-winged dove stamp funds to preserve this rare fragment of native habitat. The unit is located about 2.5 miles northeast of San Benito, and can be reached by traveling northeast from San Benito on FM 345 about 3/4 mile, then turning east on FM 3426 (San Jose Ranch Road). Travel about 3/10 mile east on FM 3426, then turn north on Kornegay Road, and travel north about 1 mile. Kornegay Road dead-ends at the Carricitos Unit. The closest complete commercial facilities are located in San Benito and Harlingen. Call the Las Palomas WMA headquarters for more information (956/501-4793).

The Chaparral WMA is a 15,200-acre research and management facility located 8 miles west of Artesia Wells. The Chaparral is representative of the South Texas Plains Ecological Region vegetated by thorny brush or "chaparral" dominated by mesquite, prickly pear cactus, granjeno, black-brush, and leatherstem.

A primitive campground on the Area is available for use by hunters. Restrooms and potable drinking water are available at the campground, although hookups are not available. An RV campground is also available that features paved pull-throughs but has no hook-ups or facilities. Campground will be open at 8:00 a.m. on the day prior to scheduled public hunt periods. Commercial lodging and restaurants are located in Catarina, Carrizo Springs, and Cotulla. Cold storage facilities are present at the check station for use by hunters. NOTE: All hunters must sign in at check station. A daily use fee or annual permit is required on regular permit hunts. Standby hunters wishing to participate in special permit hunts must be at the check station by 11:00 a.m. (10:00 a.m. for the youth hunts) on the scheduled hunt start date. Baiting is not allowed.

The Calliham Unit is approximately 1,100 acres located 8 miles west of the Choke Canyon Dam between Three Rivers and Tilden. The terrain is covered by thorny brush consisting mostly of mesquite, black-brush, and various cacti. Multi-purpose campsites are available at Choke Canyon State Park South Shore Unit. The hunter check station is located at the James E. Daughtrey WMA headquarters. Call the Park office for further information (361/786-3868).

The North Shore Unit is approximately 1,700 acres located northwest of the Choke Canyon Dam between Three Rivers and Tilden. It is accessible only through the South Shore Park on SH 72.

The gently rolling terrain is covered by thorny brush consisting mostly of mesquite, black-brush, and various cacti.

The hunter check station is located at the James E. Daughtrey WMA headquarters. Multi-purpose camp sites are available at Choke Canyon State Park South Shore Unit. Call the South Shore State Park for further information (361/786-3868).

Colorado Bend SP consists of 5,328 acres located on the Colorado River, approximately 10 miles above Lake Buchanan.

Camping is permitted in the designated primitive camping area. Campfires permitted in on-site fire rings. Drinking water is available and chemical toilets are provided. There is no electricity available.

The hunter check station is located at the park maintenance area. Call the Park office for further information (325/628-3240).

Cooper WMA is located on the South Sulphur River, 4 miles South of Cooper and 70 miles northeast of Dallas. The Area covers 9,460 acres on the periphery of Cooper Lake and 4,700 acres of potentially flooded timber within the reservoir. Cooper WMA is within the Post Oak Savannah and Blackland Prairie ecological areas, with habitat consisting of bottomland hardwoods, emergent wetlands, grasslands, shrublands and upland hardwoods. Numerous creeks and two rivers are present on the Area.

Copper Breaks SP consists of 1898.8 acres, 12 miles south of Quanah or 9 miles north of Crowell. The park was acquired by purchase from a private owner in 1970 under the State Parks Bond Program and was opened in 1974. The park features rugged, scenic beauty with mixed grass/mesquite-covered mesas and juniper breaks. North Texas wildlife abounds; roadrunners, great blue herons, many species of ducks, meadow larks, quail, doves, cardinals, owls, flickers, bluebirds, kites, hawks and mockingbirds are just a few of the many species of birds found in the park. Most species of mammals in the park are best viewed during the early morning and late evening hours.

The public hunts are being conducted to control the impact to natural resources on the park. Access to the park will be limited to drawn participants. Hunters may use park camping facilities for which the standard fee is charged. For more information, contact the Park headquarters (940/839-4331).

The James E. Daughtrey WMA is located between Three Rivers and Tilden and contains 4,400 acres surrounding Choke Canyon Reservoir. The terrain is generally flat with thorny brush dominated by mesquite, blackbrush and cacti throughout. Roads on the Area are primitive and trucks will provide access to most areas. Four wheel drive is recommended in wet weather.

Limited permanent blinds are provided and hunters may bring their own portable blinds. There are no cold storage facilities available on the

Area. Potential standby hunters must be at the check station no later than 11:00 a.m. on the first day of each hunt. A primitive campground is available for Special Permit hunters and will open the evening before the start of each hunt. Drinking water and electrical hookups are not available. A limited number of fire rings and picnic tables are provided on a first come, first served basis, as is one rented chemical toilet. Camping is also available at Choke Canyon State Park – South Shore Unit (361/786-3538). For further information call the WMA office (830/676-3413 or 361/274-3573).

Davis Mountains SP is 2,708 acres in size and is located in the southeastern foothills of the Davis Mountains of West Texas. Elevations in the Park average over a mile above sea level. Winter seasons are usually dry and cool with light freezes most nights. Vegetation is dominated by grasslands and oak-juniper in the uplands.

Campground facilities in the Park will remain open during the hunt. Standard park fees will apply during the hunt. Other accommodations are available in Fort Davis, 4 miles from the Park.

The primitive Devil’s River SNA contains 19,988 acres located approximately 45 miles north of Del Rio. Vegetation on the ridges and slopes is typical of semi-desert grasslands, and is fairly open. There is a scattered population of free-ranging exotics consisting of corsican and aoudad sheep, also axis deer.

Only primitive camping near the headquarters will be allowed on the Area. Water is available, no ground fires permitted. Only self-contained stoves and containerized fuel will be allowed.

Vehicles with high clearance or 4-wheel drive are recommended. Call the Park headquarters for further information (830/395-2133).

Devil’s Sinkhole SNA, 1,859 acres, was acquired on August 1, 1985, and is located in Edwards County. The Park is northeast of Rocksprings off US Hwy 377 in the west central portion of the Edwards Plateau. Limestone canyons are covered by a mosaic of woody vegetation, including live oak and pinyon pine. The Area is undeveloped and is open to the public through regularly scheduled tours. All hunters must report to the Visitor’s Center in Rocksprings for orientation. For further information, contact the Area (830/683-3762).

Martin Dies, Jr. SP, 705 acres, is located 10 miles west of Jasper and 17 miles east of Woodville on US Hwy 190. The Park is located in an old growth pine/hardwood forest adjacent to B.A. Steinhagen Lake and the Neches River.

The Hen House Ridge Unit is closed to park visitors during the public hunts and the entrance fee is waived for hunt participants. Hunters may use park camping facilities for which the standard fee is charged. Provisions have been made for handicapped hunters. Call for more information about the Park (409/384-5231).

Elephant Mountain WMA contains 23,147 acres located approximately 26 miles south of Alpine. Vegetation consists primarily of desert shrub species including juniper, pinyon, mesquite, sotol, yucca, lechugilla, and cacti.

Desert bighorn sheep have been released on the Area. Hunters must exercise caution while hunting for other species.

The site is on the county line between Gillespie and Llano counties and contains 1,643 acres. The four major plant communities of Enchanted Rock are open oak woodland, mesquite grassland, floodplain, and granite rock community.

The Park will be closed to the public during the hunts. Tent camping is available at the Area for drawn hunters. The check station is located at the Park headquarters. Call the Park headquarters for further information (325/247-3903).

The Gus Engeling WMA is located 22 miles northwest of Palestine and 38 miles southeast of Corsicana on US Hwy 287. The Area consists of 10,958 acres operated as a wildlife research and demonstration station. The terrain is flat to gently rolling post oak woodlands, consisting of dense stands of oak-hickory overstory, with associated understory species such as yaupon, greenbrier, dogwood, hawthorn, elm, and huckleberry.

Hunter orientation will be conducted at the Wildlife Conservation Center (WCC) located 1/2 mile north of the main gate on the main area road. Portable deer blinds that do not damage trees are encouraged. Portable blinds are not available at the Area. Pick-ups or four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended because portions of the Area are not accessible by passenger car. Standby applicants need to report to the WCC at 10:30 a.m. the first day of the hunt.

An improved campground with designated camper pads and modern restroom facilities is available for use by hunters, anglers and other authorized public users. Motel facilities are available in Palestine. Fairfield Lake State Park (903/389-4514) has camping available approximately 30 miles away on Fairfield Lake. Call the Area headquarters for further information (903/928-2251).

Fairfield Lake SP contains 1,460 acres located 6 miles northeast of the city of Fairfield adjacent to Lake Fairfield. Stately oak, hickory, cedar, and elm trees mark the transition zone between the pine forests to the east and the prairie grasslands to the north and west.

The Park will be closed to the general public during the hunt periods. Hunters may use park camping facilities for which the standard fee is charged. Call the Park headquarters for further information (903/389-4514).

Fort Boggy SP is a developed state park containing 1,847 acres located 4 miles south of Centerville on the west side of SH 75. Currently, it is a "day-use" only park. The Park is about two-thirds wooded and contains a mixture of upland and bottomland habitat.

Garner SP is located 31 miles north of Uvalde and 7 miles north of Concan on US Hwy 83 to FM 1050. This 1,484-acre park is located along the Frio River in the Edwards Plateau region of the state. The Park has steep limestone hills and dense juniper and oak woods.

Camping will be available for the hunters during the hunts. For information contact the Park (830/232-6132).

The Granger WMA is located in East Central Texas in the Blackland Prairies Ecological Region. The area consists of 10,888 acres of US Army Corps of Engineers land approximately 7 miles east of Granger and 9 miles northeast of Taylor.

The lake takes in approximately 4,400 acres with the remaining 6,643 acres of land being divided into 9 separate hunting compartments.

Camping is permitted on the adjacent US Army Corps of Engineers managed parks, for site reservations phone (877/444-6777). Motel and commercial lodging facilities are available in the vicinity as well. It is recommended that hunters wishing to camp should stay at the Willis Creek Park due to its close proximity to the hunter check station. Hunters will be assigned to compartments and the Management Area will be closed to other users during the special permit hunts. Hunters will have limited vehicular access, however, ATVs or ORVs may be used for blind placement and game removal. Call the WMA check station for further hunt information (512/859-2838).

The Mission Lake Unit of the Guadalupe Delta WMA is located 12 miles west of Port Lavaca on SH 35 and consists of approximately 4,400 acres of marsh. It is a freshwater marsh subject to flooding from the Guadalupe River and its adjacent bayous.

Guadalupe River SP has approximately 1,280 acres open to public deer hunting by Special Permit only. In the uplands away from the river, the limestone terrain is typical of the Edwards Plateau and has oak and juniper woodlands with interspersed grasslands. The North Unit of Guadalupe River SP consists of 661 acres of parkland located north of the Guadalupe River. Drawn hunters will report to the Guadalupe River SP hunter check station and will be escorted by park staff to their assigned blind.

All hunters may use park camping facilities for which the prevailing fee is charged. Commercial lodging, restaurants, and private campgrounds are available in nearby Boerne, Blanco, New Braunfels, and the Canyon Lake area. Call the Park headquarters for further information (830/438-2656).

The Hill Country SNA contains 5,370 acres located on the boundary between Bandera and Medina counties 11 miles southwest of Bandera. Vegetation is predominately live oak/grassland, with some areas heavily wooded.

Camping will be available on the Park for permitted hunters. Drinking water can be purchased and chemical toilets are provided in the camping area. Campfires are allowed on the Park in fire rings only, located in camping areas. Overnight camping fee will be charged to those hunters using the Park’s facilities. Motels and private campgrounds are available in Bandera and other surrounding towns. Call the Park headquarters for further information (830/796-4413).

Honey Creek SNA has 1,500 acres and is located approximately 30 miles northwest of San Antonio. The uplands are typical of the Edwards Plateau and have oak and Ashe juniper woodlands with interspersed grasslands.

The hunter check station is at Guadalupe River State Park headquarters. Hunters may use park camping facilities at the nearby Guadalupe River State Park for which the prevailing fee is charged. Commercial lodging, restaurants, and private campgrounds are available in nearby Boerne, Blanco, New Braunfels, and the Canyon Lake area. Call Guadalupe River State Park for further information (830/438-2656).

The Gene Howe Wildlife Management Area consists of 5,394 acres of rolling plains country along the Canadian River. Northern portions of the WMA contain rolling sand hills dominated by tall grasses and sand sagebrush. Open tallgrass meadows and stands of eastern cottonwood and Russian olive dominate the bottomlands to the south.

Huntsville SP contains 2,083 acres in the pineywoods of the Sam Houston National Forest located 6 miles south of Huntsville. These woodlands, dominated by loblolly and shortleaf pines, are typical of East Texas.

The Park will be closed to the general public during the hunt periods. Hunters may use park camping facilities for which the standard fee is charged. Call the Park headquarters for further information (936/295-5644).

The Justin Hurst WMA is located 8 miles west of Freeport and contains 15,612 acres of upland hardwood, upland prairie, fresh and saltwater marshes. The land is nearly flat and poorly drained with elevations ranging from sea level to a maximum of 10 feet.

Inks Lake SP contains 1,201 acres located 9 miles west of the town of Burnet and 3 miles south of SH 29 on P 4. Inks Lake State Park contains large outcroppings of pink granite interspersed with stands of live oak and Ashe juniper. Longhorn Caverns State Park is located southeast of Inks Lake State Park about a 10-minute drive along P 4. Longhorn Caverns State Park contains 653 acres of hilly limestone terrain with dense woods of Ashe juniper and live oak.

Inks Lake State Park and Longhorn Caverns State Park will be hunted as one combined unit with the hunter check station located at Inks Lake State Park. Overnight camping is available for permitted hunters and the standard fee is charged. Call Inks Lake State Park for further information (512/793-2223).

Keechi Creek WMA consists of 1,500 acres located approximately 10 miles south of Oakwood. Approximately 80 percent of the Area is bottomland hardwood intersected with creek drainages and containing numerous standing water sloughs.

The Kerr WMA consists of 6,460 acres located west of Hunt. The WMA is representative of the Edwards Plateau with rolling hills, fresh water springs, dense cedar (juniper) brakes, and live oak-shin oak thickets. The Area is enclosed by a 7-foot fence to facilitate scientific investigations.

No camping or fires are allowed on the Area. Camping facilities are available at Kerrville State Park (830/257-5392). Motels and other commercial facilities are available in and around Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt. Hunters will take their vehicles to the hunting compartment to which they are assigned. Hunting is by assigned compartment and portable blinds may be brought for personal use. Call the Area headquarters for further information (830/238-4483).

Kickapoo Cavern SP contains 6,368 acres located 23 miles north of Brackettville. The Park includes a mixture of live oak, Ashe juniper, mountain laurel, mesquite, and large stands of pinyon pine.

Camping will be permitted in the designated areas. Fires are allowed in fire rings only. Hunters should bring all water, food and other supplies to sustain themselves while on the Area. Campgrounds, commercial lodgings and other facilities are available in Brackettville, Fort Clark Springs, and Rocksprings. Hunters will take their vehicles to the hunting compartments to which they are assigned. Hunting is by assigned compartment and portable blinds may be brought for personal use. High clearance and/or 4-wheel drive vehicles may be required in some compartments.

Call the Park headquarters for further information (830/563-2342).

Lake Brownwood SP is located 18 miles northwest of Brownwood on SH 279, then east on Park Road 15 for 6 miles. The 538-acre park is located on a peninsula in Lake Brownwood in the Cross Timbers region of the state.

Limited camping will be available to hunters at regular camping fees during the hunts. For more information contact the Park (325/784-5223).

Lake McClellan Recreation Area is located approximately 60 miles east of Amarillo and 3 miles north of I-40 (exit 128) on FM 2477. The

U.S. Forest Service administers the 1,440-acre area surrounding Lake McClellan. The site is predominantly bottomland, surrounded by rough rangeland terrain. Brushy draws extend down from upland rangeland into the bottomlands containing cottonwood, hackberry, and elm.

Lake Mineral Wells SP’s 3,000 acres lie in far west Parker County, 4.5 miles east of the city of Mineral Wells. The Park is characteristic of the Cross Timbers ecological areas of Texas, with a mix of post oaks and grasslands. The portion of the Park that is being hunted will be closed for all other uses. Most camping areas will be open. The entrance fee is waived for hunt participants. Hunters may use park camping facilities for which the standard fee is charged. For more information contact the Park headquarters at (940/328-1171).

To access the Park, travel 3 miles east of Mineral Wells on US Hwy 180 or 14 miles west of Weatherford.

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park is located 12 miles southwest of Mount Pleasant, Texas. The Park is 640 acres nestled in the midst of the beautiful Pineywoods region of Texas in Titus County. There are many pines, cedar, sweetgum, dogwood and oak trees in the Park.

The public hunt is being held to help control the increasing population of white-tailed deer, which has impacted the natural resources here. Access to the Park will be limited to participants of the public hunt. The hunter check station is located at the Park headquarters accessed off FM 21. For more information, call the Park headquarters (903/572-5531).

Lake Whitney SP consists of 955 acres on the eastern shore of Lake Whitney in Hill County. The Park is located 2.5 miles southwest of Whitney on FM 1244. The area consists of rolling grassland with scattered stands of mesquite, cedar elm, hackberry, live oak, and post oak.

The Park will be closed to the public during the hunt. Entrance fees will be waived to drawn hunters. Limited camping will be available to hunters at the regular camping fees. Call the Park headquarters at (254/694-3793) for further information.

Lost Maples SNA is approximately 2,200 acres of steep, rugged limestone canyons, springs, plateau grasslands, wooded slopes, and clear streams. It is located in western Bandera County on the Sabinal River, 5 miles north of Vanderpool on Ranch Road 187. The hunter check station is located at the Park Maintenance Area. All hunters should first stop at the Park headquarters accessed off FM 187 for instructions.

Camping is available at the Area. Except for drawn hunt participants, the Park will be closed to the public during the hunts. Call for camping information (830/966-3413).

The Mad Island WMA is located 6 miles east of the town of Collegeport and consists of 7,281 acres of fresh to brackish marsh. The Gulf and Intracoastal Waterway forms the southern boundary of the Area.

Regular permits are issued, on the morning of scheduled hunts, at the check station beginning 2 hours before sunrise until 30 minutes before legal shooting time. The gate on C.R. 374 is unlocked during times of scheduled public use. Hunters should be prepared to walk up to .5 miles in wetland habitat to reach their hunting site. Small boats, suitable for hand launch and operated by electric motors, can be used in compartments 9 and 10 during the waterfowl hunts. No trailers or outboard motors are allowed. No permanent blinds may be constructed on the Area. No camping or open fires are allowed on the Area. Commercial facilities are available in Bay City. Call for further hunting information about the Area (979/244-6804) or (979/244-6805).

The 5,301-acre Mason Mountain WMA is located 4 miles north of Mason. The Area is situated on the boundary between the Central Mineral Region and the Edwards Plateau, and as such, a variety of wildlife habitats are represented. About two-thirds of the Area consists of granite derived soils supporting a community of post oak and blackjack oak. The remainder of the Area is dominated by live oak and Texas oak on limestone derived soils. The topography of the Area is rough, with steep canyons, caliche hills, and granite outcrops. An 8-foot fence to facilitate scientific investigations encloses the Area. In order to properly manage the habitat, deer populations are maintained at approximately 1 deer to 12-15 acres, substantively lower than much of the Hill Country.

Hunting is by assigned compartment, and some blinds may be available for use. Hunters will be required to take their own vehicles to their assigned compartments. Due to the rough topography and other obstacles such as running water, mud, deep sand, etc., high clearance vehicles will be required in most areas, and 4WD is recommended. Some portions of the Area are designated 4WD only.

The Matador WMA, containing 28,183 acres, is located in Cottle County 7 miles north of Paducah. The Area is at the end of FM 3256, 2.5 miles west of US Hwy 83.

Principal game species found on the Matador Area include bobwhite quail, mourning dove, Rio Grande turkey, desert mule deer, and white-tailed deer.

Open campfires are not allowed during very dry range conditions. Two camping areas located 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile west of the Area headquarters are available to hunters, however, electrical and water hookups are not available. All hunters should bring their own drinking water, and camp stoves are recommended, as firewood may not be available. Pickups or four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended because portions of the Area are not accessible by passenger car.

Call Area headquarters for information (806/492-3405).

Matagorda Island consists of approximately 56,688 acres that is jointly managed and overseen by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the General Land office. The FWS has lead responsibility for wildlife and habitat management for all lands on Matagorda Island. TPWD has the lead responsibility for compatible public use management, inclusive of public hunting, and other public uses such as camping, bird watching, etc. The joint management agreement allows TPWD to permit hunting and fishing on state lands in accordance with good wildlife management practices and consistent with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Code and applicable Federal law. All hunting and fishing is managed to prevent impacts to any federally listed endangered or threatened species.

PAT MAYSE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

The Pat Mayse WMA is located approximately 12 miles northwest of Paris. The Area includes about 8,925 acres of land and water and is adjacent to and includes part of the Pat Mayse Reservoir. The land is primarily upland oak woodlands with some bottomland hardwood habitat associated with Sanders Creek.

The hunter check station may be accessed via US Hwy 271 north from Paris to FM 1499, then west on FM 1499 approximately 11 miles. Camping is available at Corps of Engineers parks at Lamar Point on the south shore of the lake and on the north shore of the lake near the Forest Chapel and Chicota Communities.

Permitted hunters may camp at the hunter check station during the gun deer hunts. Call the Area Manager between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for further information (903/982-7107).

J.D. MURPHREE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

The J.D. Murphree WMA contains approximately 24,516 acres of fresh, intermediate, and brackish water marsh within the prairie-marsh zone along the upper Texas coast near the Louisiana border. The WMA is divided into the BIG HILL UNIT, which is located north of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW), and the SALT BAYOU UNIT, which is located south of the GIWW. All J.D. Murphree WMA waterfowl hunts, teal hunts and all alligator hunts will be administered out of the WMA headquarters located on the south side of SH 73, 1/2 mile east of the Taylor Bayou Bridge, and 3 miles west of the SH 87 intersection in Port Arthur. All hunters must report to the appropriate check station for orientation, assignment to a hunting compartment, and validation of their hunting permit. The check station for Salt Bayou Unit waterfowl hunts opens at 4:00 a.m. and the check station for Big Hill Unit waterfowl hunts opens at 4:30 a.m. on each designated day and permits will be issued until 30 minutes before legal shooting hours. Waterfowl hunters for the Salt Bayou Unit must be checked out and off the WMA by 12:00 p.m. when the check station closes.

The BIG HILL UNIT is approximately 8,900 acres of marshland. Access to the Unit is by boat only. A shallow draft boat approximately 14-16 feet in length equipped with an outboard motor (20-40 horsepower) light enough to be pulled over small levees is strongly recommended. An additional canoe or small boat may aid in accessing assigned hunting areas within leveed compartments. Large, moderate draft, or heavy boats will limit access in many hunt areas due to shallow water conditions and levee portages.

The SALT BAYOU UNIT is approximately 15,300 acres of marshland. Access to the Unit is by boat only. A shallow draft boat approximately 14+ feet in length equipped with a moderate-sized outboard motor (25-75 horsepower) is recommended. An additional canoe or small boat may aid in accessing assigned hunting areas within hunt compartments. Boat launch accommodations are limited to shallow draft boats only. Rough and choppy water conditions frequently exist on windy days.

Construction of permanent waterfowl hunting blinds is prohibited, and it is a hunter’s responsibility to maintain a distance of 200 yards from other hunting parties. Airboats are prohibited on the WMA except in Big Hill, Taylor’s, Hildebrandt Bayou, Blind Bayou, and Keith Lake. In the Salt Bayou Unit only, airboats may only be used for access by permitted waterfowl hunters and must have a motor of less than 10 horsepower. Use of retriever dogs and waterfowl decoys will add to the success of a waterfowl hunt. Use of retriever dogs during warm weather is discouraged due to the presence of alligators.

W. A. "PAT" MURPHY UNIT, GENE HOWE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

The W.A. "Pat" Murphy Unit of the Gene Howe Wildlife Management Area consists of 889 acres of rolling plains country comprised primarily of short- and mid-grass prairie. Portions have been enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Plum Creek crosses the WMA and is lined with cottonwood trees.

There is no vehicular access to roads inside the WMA. Hunters should enter at the information kiosk on SH 305 and walk from there. There is no camping on the WMA, but primitive campgrounds are available at Gene Howe WMA. Contact Gene Howe WMA personnel for details (806/323-8642).

MUSE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

The McGillivray and Leona McKie Muse WMA is located 15 miles northeast of Brownwood and consists of 1,975 acres. The Area is considered to be in the southern Cross Timbers and Prairies ecoregion, although the majority of the Area is encompassed by a large ridge of limestone rising above the prairie floor. Diverse topography and soil types are conducive to a variety of plant types and generally dominated by oak-juniper woodlands, post oak-mesquite flats and small creeks with hardwood bottoms.

No camping or fires are allowed on the Area. Camping facilities are available at Lake Brownwood State Park (325/784-5223). Commercial accommodations are available in Brownwood. All hunters are required to sign in at the check station when entering or leaving the Area. Hunting is by assigned blind and hunters will take their vehicles to the hunting blind assigned. For more information contact the Brownwood Wildlife Office (325/643-5977).

OLD SABINE BOTTOM WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

The Old Sabine Bottom WMA is located 5 miles northeast of Lindale. The WMA meanders between the Old Sabine River Channel and the Sabine River. The Area covers 5,727 acres of mostly bottomland hardwood habitat containing large stands of hardwoods such as oak, elm, and ash, and a diverse mixture of understory vegetation. Depending on annual conditions, the Area maintains fair populations of squirrels, waterfowl, deer and hogs. The Area can become extremely wet so rubber boots are recommended. Hunters selected for "Special Permit" hunts are encouraged to bring an ATV or ORV if they have one. Hunters will be allowed limited use of their ATV or ORV to access the management area. Hunters that have boats capable of navigating swift flowing currents are also recommended to gain access to more remote areas of the WMA during high water events.

The hunters check station for Gun Deer Hunts is located off of County Road 4106 at the Old Channel Parking Area. Primitive camping will be available at the Old Channel Parking Area for hunters selected for the "Special Permit" hunts. Camping is also available at Tyler State Park (903/597-5338), subject to park entrance and camping fees. Motel facilities are available in both Lindale and Tyler. Call for further information (903/881-8233).

PEACH POINT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (SEE JUSTIN HURST WMA)

POSSUM KINGDOM STATE PARK

Possum Kingdom SP contains 1,528 acres located 47 miles northwest of Mineral Wells. The Park borders the southwest side of Possum Kingdom Lake. The terrain is rugged and dominated by dense stands of juniper and live oak.

Park will be closed to the general public during the hunt periods. Hunters may use designated park facilities for which the standard fee is charged. Call the Park headquarters for further information (940/549-1803).

RESACA DE LA PALMA STATE PARK

The Resaca de la Palma State Park consists of 1,175 acres, which includes a meandering resaca (ox-bow lake), old age native brush, revegetation sites, and open farm fields. The Park is located 1.2 miles west of the intersection of US Hwy 281 and FM 3248 (Alton Gloor Rd) west of Brownsville, then 1.2 miles north on a dirt field road. The check station is located on the southernmost boundary. The closest complete commercial facilities are available in Brownsville. Call the Park headquarters for more information (956/350-2920).

RICHLAND CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

The Richland Creek WMA is located 25 miles southeast of Corsicana, along US Hwy 287 and FM 488 between the Richland-Chambers Reservoir and the Trinity River. It encompasses 13,852 acres of land; the majority of the Area lies within the floodplain of the Trinity River. The Area is a remote and heavily forested bottomland hardwood habitat. It is recommended that hunters bring rubber footwear and a compass.

Portable deer blinds that do not damage trees are encouraged and will increase hunter success. Portable blinds are not available at the Area. Pickups or four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. All terrain vehicle (ATV and ORV) use will be allowed during special permitted hunts. ATVs/ORVs must be operated in accordance with state laws regulating the use of ATVs/ORVs on public lands.

One primitive campground is available to hunters and permit holders. Caution should be taken during rainy weather as this area is subject to flooding. High water may result in cancellation of scheduled hunts on short notice. Standby hunters must report to the office no later than 10:00 a.m. on the first day of each scheduled hunt. Call the WMA headquarters for further information (903/389-7080).

RITA BLANCA NATIONAL GRASSLANDS

SAN ANGELO STATE PARK

San Angelo SP, consisting of approximately 7,063 acres along the western shore of O.C. Fisher Reservoir, is adjacent to and northwest of the city of San Angelo. Located in the southern reaches of the Rolling Plains, the area is relatively level with well established drainages. The predominant vegetation is mesquite brush, hackberry, gum elastic, little-leaf sumac, prickly pear, and tasajillo. The North Concho River provides a thin corridor of riparian woodlands containing large pecan, elm, hackberry, and black willow trees. Extensive stands of salt-cedar and black willow occur at the point where the North Concho River empties into O.C. Fisher Reservoir.

Hunting compartments and blinds are readily accessible from parking areas at designated access points along FM 2288. The hunter check station/registration station is located at the Park headquarters near the south end of the dam and may be accessed via Mercedes Street off of FM 853 (Arden Road) approximately 1 mile east of its intersection with FM 2288. A full range of commercial facilities are available in nearby San Angelo. Hunters may use park camping facilities for which the established fee is charged. Call for camping reservations (512/3898900). Call for information concerning these hunts (325/947-2687).

SEA RIM STATE PARK

Sea Rim SP is located approximately 9 miles west of Sabine Pass on SH 87. The Park contains approximately 4,141 acres of Gulf Coast beach and marshes. Information on waterfowl hunting is detailed in the Annual Public Hunting Booklet. Hunters may use camping facilities but will be responsible for any additional park user fees or permits.

All hunting activities including hunter orientation will take place at Sea Rim SP. For more information phone (409/971-2559).

SEMINOLE CANYON STATE PARK AND HISTORIC SITE

Seminole Canyon SP/HS contains 2,173 acres located on US Hwy 90, 45 miles west of Del Rio. The Park is a short distance downstream from the confluence of the Rio Grande and the Pecos River.

The rugged limestone terrain is noted for its sparse vegetation and deep canyons. Hunting will be by preassigned compartment.

SIERRA DIABLO WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

The Sierra Diablo WMA contains 11,624 acres and is named for and located in the mountain range extending north and south along the Hudspeth and Culberson county line. The Area was acquired by Texas Parks and Wildlife in 1945 to serve as a sanctuary for the last remaining desert bighorn sheep in Texas. The Area is currently utilized for the restoration, conservation, and management of bighorn sheep and contains the largest free-ranging population of bighorn sheep in Texas. As such, caution must be used while hunting for other species. The WMA has a well established and stable desert mule deer population. Rough rugged hills and steep canyons make up the area which is reached from the southwest across gentle, sloping foothills. After attaining an average elevation of 6,200 feet, the topography breaks sharply with 1,000-foot drops to the desert floor to the east.

The Sierra Diablo Area is closed at all times. Drawn hunters will be advised when and where to meet with Department staff. Access to the Area requires departmental escort through private ranches with locked gates along the way. Travel to and from the Area by permitted hunters will be accomplished as a group. No Standby positions will be offered for hunts on this area. All hunters will be required to stay on the Area for the entire duration of the hunt. Due to conditions of access roads, 4x4 high road clearance vehicles are required. Hunters selected for public deer hunts will be required to camp on the Area. No RVs or trailers will be permitted due to road conditions. All hunters must bring water and other supplies needed for primitive camping. Due to the elevation and extremely rugged character of the Sierra Diablo Area, anyone having physical or medical disabilities needs to consider these factors before applying for a hunt on this Area. The nearest comprehensive medical complex is El Paso, 150 miles from the Area. The Area is located approximately 15 miles north-northwest of Van Horn. For more information call (432/837-3251).

SOMERVILLE STATE RECREATION AREA

The Somerville SRA in Burleson and Lee counties contains approximately 5,520 acres of post oak, hickory, blackjack oak, and water oak timber with an understory dominated by dense stands of yaupon. The terrain is flat to gently rolling.

The hunter check station is near the entrance to the Nails Creek Unit of the SRA at the very end of FM 180. FM 180 may be accessed off US Hwy 290 approximately 7 miles southeast of Giddings.

Commercial facilities are available at Giddings, Brenham, and in the vicinity of Lake Somerville. Camping is available subject to entrance and camping fees at nearby Birch Creek and Nails Creek state parks (979/535-7763).

SOUTH LLANO RIVER STATE PARK

South Llano River SP consists of 524 acres of wooded bottomland located on the South Llano River in Kimble County, approximately 5 miles southwest of Junction off US Hwy 377 on Park Road 73.

Camping will not be available in the Park during the hunt. Camping and lodging are available in Junction. For more information call (325/446-3994).

The Nannie M. Stringfellow WMA is located 14 miles southwest of Lake Jackson and 7 miles southeast of Sweeny on County Road 316. The hunter check station is 2 miles north of the intersection of FM 2611 and County Road 316 and 3 miles south of the intersection of FM 521 and County Road 316. The WMA is approximately 3,642 acres of primarily bottomland hardwood forest which lies within the San Bernard River floodplain and is subject to frequent flooding.

All hunters will be assigned specific hunt areas. The following equipment is considered a necessity for hunters: knee boots, insect repellent, flashlight, and raingear. Hunters will be allowed limited use of their ATV or ORV to access the WMA. Baiting is allowed for feral hog and deer hunts. No camping or open fires are allowed on the area. Commercial facilities are available in Lake Jackson. Call for further information (979/244-6804 or 979/798-8746).

TAYLOR LAKES UNIT, PLAYA LAKES WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

The Taylor Lakes Unit is located in Donley County on the south side of US Hwy 287 approximately 7 miles southeast of Clarendon, TX.

The 525-acre unit lies in the Rolling Plains Ecological Area and contains several habitat types including four playa lakes, which serve to attract a variety of wildlife. Resident species include white-tailed deer, Rio Grande turkey, northern bobwhite, muskrat, fox squirrel, mourning dove, various reptiles and amphibians, and several species of raptors and songbirds. When water is present, the lakes attract numerous species of ducks, geese, herons, egrets, and shorebirds. Major plant species found on the unit include honey mesquite, redberry juniper, plains cottonwood, hackberry, black willow, wild plum, yucca, sand sagebrush, cattail, and a wide variety of wildflowers and grasses.

Users may not camp, fish, trap or bait wildlife, consume alcoholic beverages, ride ATVs, disturb or remove plants, rocks, animals, artifacts, and/or other objects on the unit. Vehicle access is allowed by permission only; however, users may access the area through the turnstile on the southern edge of the parking lot, and at the viewing blind west of the check station.

All users should bring their own drinking water as there are no facilities on the unit. Call Area headquarters for further information (806/492-3405).

WHITE OAK CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

The White Oak Creek WMA is located 18 miles east of Mt. Pleasant. It covers approximately 25,500 acres of mostly bottomland hardwood forest at the confluence of the Sulphur River and White Oak Creek.

The hunter check station is located on the north side of SH 77 approximately one mile east of its intersection with US Hwy 259.

Primitive camping is permitted in the vicinity of the check station. Improved camping facilities are available at Daingerfield State Park (903/645-2921) 20 miles to the south. Commercial lodging is available nearby in Mt. Pleasant. Call the Area headquarters for further information (903/884-3800).