More InformationHunting & Trapping at Big ThicketHunting season at Big Thicket National Preserve runs from October 1 to February 29. With a free permit, hunters can harvest white-tailed deer, feral hogs, squirrels, rabbits, and waterfowl from designated hunting areas of the preserve. ![]() NPS Photo / Ian Kessler Get Your PermitHunters can pick up a free permit at the visitor center beginning September 1 of each year. Permits are issued first-come, first-served. Limit 1 permit per person.
Hunters with DisabilitiesHunters 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. Hunting AreasBig Thicket offers 7 areas of the preserve for hunting. Each area has a limited number of permits available. See the park map for the location of each area.
Everything You Need To KnowHunting RegulationsRegulationsBig Thicket National Preserve observes all hunting regulations set forth by the state of Texas. Regulations specific to Big Thicket National Preserve are listed on our hunting regulations page. Special Hog SeasonFrom January 1 to February 29, hunters may hunt feral hogs in any hunting unit of the preserve (except Lake Bayou). This applies to feral hogs only. Other game may be hunted only within the unit specified on the permit. Lake BayouThe 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. Axis DeerAxis deer have not recently been detected in Big Thicket hunting areas, but if encountered, may be hunted following the same rules and regulations for feral hogs and reported in the "Notes" section of your hunter harvest report card. Hunter Report CardReturn your "Hunter's Report" card by April 1 following the end of hunting season. You can drop off your card at the visitor center or mail it to us. Hunters who do not submit their report card by the deadline will not be eligible for a permit the following season. 2023–24 Hunting Seasons and Legal MeansRefer to state of Texas regulations for species-specific seasons and bag limits. White-Tailed Deer
Hog
*During the special hog season, hunters may hunt feral hogs in any of the hunting areas (except Lake Bayou). Rabbit
Squirrel
Waterfowl (Duck, Merganser, and Coot)
Trap Feral HogsTrappingTrappingHunters can get a free trapping permit to trap feral hogs and furbearing animals. Trapping Information » |
Last updated: September 2, 2023