Keith Lusher 07.02.25
Texas hunters are celebrating a landmark expansion of public hunting opportunities as the state adds five new properties totaling more than 10,000 acres to its already impressive Public Hunting Program. The additions mark a significant milestone in the Lone Star State’s commitment to providing accessible outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike.
Record-Breaking Expansion
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has authorized hunting seasons across 52 State Parks and State Natural Areas, offering 140 different public hunts on more than 521,000 acres of publicly accessible land. This represents a remarkable growth trajectory, with the number of hunted parks increasing from 45 to 52 over the past five years alone.
The newest additions showcase some of Texas’s most iconic landscapes. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area contributes 3,100 acres of Hill Country terrain, while Post Oak Ridge State Park adds another 3,100 acres of diverse habitat. Dinosaur Valley State Park brings 1,650 acres to the program, Ray Roberts Lake State Park’s Isle du Bois Unit contributes 1,400 acres, and Government Canyon State Natural Area rounds out the expansion with 1,000 acres.
More Than Just Hunting
What sets Texas’s approach apart is the comprehensive value proposition offered to outdoor enthusiasts. The $48 Annual Public Hunting Permit, available starting August 15, doesn’t just grant hunting access but opens doors to fishing, camping, hiking, and other recreational activities across the entire state park system.
“We are so excited to be able to continue to grow the public hunting opportunities within state parks and natural areas every year, including on some of the newest park properties,” said Greg Creacy, Texas State Parks Natural Resources program director. This expansion represents more than recreational access; it’s a partnership between hunters and land managers for effective habitat management.
Conservation Through Participation
The program operates on a dual-permit system designed to maximize both access and conservation impact. Beyond the Annual Public Hunting Permit, the Texas Public Hunt Drawing program issues permits for premium hunts on both public and private lands throughout the state. Beginning July 1, hunters can apply for more than 60 high-quality hunt categories, ensuring opportunities for various skill levels and interests.
This expansion comes at a crucial time when public land access is increasingly valuable. With more than one million acres now available through TPWD’s Public Hunting Program, Texas demonstrates how hunting license revenues can effectively fund conservation efforts while providing recreational opportunities.
Looking Forward
The addition of properties like Enchanted Rock and Post Oak Ridge gives hunters unique opportunities to participate in land management on newly acquired sites. These partnerships between hunters and wildlife managers exemplify modern conservation’s collaborative approach, where outdoor enthusiasts become active stewards of the landscapes they cherish.
For hunters planning their 2025-26 seasons, Texas offers unparalleled variety from Hill Country granite domes to East Texas forests, lake country to canyon lands. The state’s commitment to expanding public access while maintaining rigorous conservation standards ensures these opportunities will continue growing for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
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