Hunters who have not been fortunate enough to get on a lease may want to try one of the permit systems sponsored by the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife (TPWD). The $48 Annual Public Hunting Permit provides nearly year-round hunting on approximately 1.2 million acres of land (mainly property in east Texas that has been leased from timber and paper companies). The regional office will supply the hunter with maps and other necessary information. There is no check in or check out. The increasingly popular dove hunting areas are offered through this system. The Public Hunt Drawing System provides opportunities to apply for a wide variety of supervised, drawn hunts including special drawings for both adults and youth hunters. In addition, TPWD offers special hunt package drawings for exotic wildlife and quality native animals on TPWD managed lands as well as specially leased private properties. Application fees (required for adults only) are $3 per person for most drawn hunts and $10 per person on certain packaged hunts. Those adults fortunate enough to win in the drawing must pay a hunt permit fee (between $75.00 - $125.00). Youth do not pay a hunt permit fee.
Hunters should also check out the Acres of the Asking brochure published by the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife. The brochure lists a myriad of paper and timber companies, national forests, national wildlife refuges and national park service recreation areas that have more than one million acres available to hunters free of charge. Many of these places also have facilities for fishing and camping. Most of these free areas are in east Texas. Hunters must have written permission from the landowner on whose land they are hunting. To obtain a copy of this brochure go by the TPWD headquarters at 4200 Smith School Road in south Austin. For more information see the TPWD Public Hunting page.