Hunting and Trapping

 

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a hunter wearing camouflage and orange aims with a crossbow in the forest
Hunting with a crossbow

NPS Photo

Hunting

Big Thicket National Preserve issues free hunting permits for several units of the preserve, enabling hunters to harvest white-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits, waterfowl, and feral hogs. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis at the preserve visitor center beginning September 1. Hunters must have their current Texas hunting license in order to get a hunting permit.

The preserve generally follows the hunting regulations set forth by the State of Texas. Hunting regulations specific to the preserve are listed in the Big Thicket National Preserve Hunting Guide and Regulations.

Hunters may get a permit for only one unit. Starting January 1, hunters may hunt feral hogs in any hunting unit of the preserve except Lake Bayou through the end of the winter squirrel season. This applies to feral hogs only. Other game may be hunted only within the unit specified on the permit.

The Lake Bayou Hunting Area is located in the Beaumont Unit. Comprised primarily of marshlands, it is open only for waterfowl hunting and requires a boat to access.

Hunters with documented disabilities may qualify for a special use permit that allows the use of an ATV, UTV, or RTV in certain areas. Please contact us for more information.

Return your hunter report card by April 1 in order to receive a permit for the next hunting season.

2020-21 Hunting Seasons and Legal Means

Refer to State of Texas regulations for species-specific seasons and limits.

Deer

Seasons Dates Legal Means
Archery-only Oct 3 - Nov 6 archery
General Nov 7 - Jan 3 archery, shotgun, muzzleloader
Muzzleloader Jan 4 - Jan 17 muzzleloader
Early Youth-only Oct 31 - Nov 1 archery, shotgun, muzzleloader
Late Youth-only Jan 4 - Jan 17 archery, shotgun, muzzleloader

Hog

Seasons Dates Legal Means
General Oct 3 - Dec 31 archery, airbow, .17 and .22 cal. rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader
Special* Jan 1 - Feb 28 archery, airbow, .17 and .22 cal. rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader

*During the special/extended hog season, hunters may hunt feral hogs in any of the hunting units (except Lake Bayou).

Squirrel and Rabbit

Season Dates Legal Means
General Oct 3 - Feb 28 .17 and .22 cal. rifle, birdshot shotgun

Waterfowl

Season Dates Legal Means
General Oct 3 - Feb 28 non-lead birdshot shotgun

Hunting Unit Maps

Download a map of each hunting unit in PDF format:

 
large round metal pen with herd of dark-colored hogs inside
Feral hogs in a pen

NPS Photo

Feral Hog Trapping

Big Thicket National Preserve issues free permits for the public to trap feral hogs in the preserve. Permits for 2021 will be issued first-come, first-served beginning February 1 and will allow trappers to set 1 hog trap per year within designated areas in the preserve.

Hog trapping permits are issued at the visitor center. For any questions, please call us at (409) 951-6700.

Hog Trapping Units

Download a map of each unit in either JPG or PDF format:

  • Beaumont Unit – JPG | PDF

  • Beech Creek Unit – JPG | PDF
  • Big Sandy Creek Unit – JPG | PDF
  • Canyonlands Unit – JPG | PDF
  • Hickory Creek Savannah Unit – JPG | PDF
  • Lance Rosier Unit – West JPG | PDF / East JPG | PDF
  • Neches Bottom & Jack Gore Baygall Unit – JPG | PDF

Feral Hog Trapping Guide and Regulations

Find information on seasons, legal methods, requirements, and prohibited activities.

Feral Hog Management

Learn about the preserve's strategies for combating feral hogs.

 

Furbearer Trapping

Big Thicket National Preserve issues free trapping permits for furbearing animals for several units of the preserve. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis through the preserve's Resource Management office. Hunters must have their current Texas trapping license in order to get a permit.

The preserve generally follows the trapping regulations set forth by the State of Texas. Trapping regulations specific to the preserve are listed in the Big Thicket National Preserve Furbearing Trapping Guide and Regulations.

For more information, contact the wildlife biologist at (409) 951-6823.

Furbearer Trapping Unit Maps

Download a map of each furbearer trapping unit in PDF format:

Last updated: April 4, 2021

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

6044 FM 420
Kountze, TX 77625

Phone:

409-951-6700

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