Public Hunting Opportunities at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Updated: July 14, 2017

NILGAI ANTELOPE. Nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus Pallas) were apparently brought to the United States from India as zoo animals before the mid-1920s and were released in South Texas about 1930. More info on nilgai at http://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/tcn01. Courtesy photo

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge offers public hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, exotic nilgai antelope and feral hogs. For the 2017-18 hunting season, the refuge will offer three archery hunts and seven firearm hunts. Up to 250 permits will be issued for each archery hunt, and up to 35 permits will be issued for each firearm hunt.

Applications and permits are issued through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Public Drawn Hunts website at www.tpwd.texas.gov/drawnhunts. All hunters are selected through a lottery. Application fees are $3 per application. Permit fees are $130 for the 5 day archery hunts and $80 for the 3 day firearm hunts.

The refuge has offered public hunts since the 1970’s, and has approximately 20,000 acres of land available during the hunts.

Beginning with this season, both archery and firearm hunters will have a mandatory orientation prior to their hunt. The cattle fever tick quarantine is still in effect on refuge lands and the refuge has established certain guidelines to adhere to US Department of Agriculture and Texas Animal Health Commission regulations.

Detailed hunting information including dates, how to apply, and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the refuge’s website.

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