Big Thicket National Preserve announces changes in the hunting permit system for the 2011-2012 season.

Date: September 16, 2011
Contact: Leta Parker, [phone]

Big Thicket National Preserve has made several changs to the hunting program for the 2011-2012 hutning season. Most notably, new limits have been established for the number of permits available for each unit. Additionally, hunters will not be able to change units once they receive a permit, and children 12 years of age and under are required to get a harvest card in order to hunt in the preserve.

Permits are free and will be issued at the Big Thicket National Preserve Visitor Center daily until February 29, 2012. The Visitor Center is located 8 miles north of Kountze on FM 420. It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, including weekends and holidays. Hunters must get permits in person and may hunt in only one unit. Adults must present a drivers license or other form of official identification.

Hunters may take white-tailed deer, squirrel, rabbit, feral hog, and waterfowl. They may continue to hunt hogs during the extended hog-only season from January 1 to February 29, 2012.

The limits established for the number of permits available for each hunting area are as follows: Beaumont Unit: 200; Beech Creek: 150; Big Sandy Creek Unit: 400; Jack Gore Baygall area: 400; Lance Rosier Unit: 900; and Neches Bottom area: 150.

In 2012, hunters must return their harvest cards by April 8 in order to receive a permit to hunt for the next year.

For more information, contact Big Thicket National Preserve at [phone].