Department of Agriculture National Forests and Grasslands in

Hunting Guide

2020-2021 Hunting Season

Texas is home to fourfour national forests that stretch from the urban landscape of Houston to the Louisiana border, and to two national Keep safety in mind when hunting grasslands located north of the Dallas-Fort Worth As gun deer hunting season vehicles of any type is prohibited. area at least three feet in diameter metroplex. begins, U.S. Forest Service offi cials  All hunters and those are reminding hunters of guidelines accompanying them must wear daylight cleared of all fl ammable material, and White-tailed deer is the designed to make their hunting trips fl uorescent orange when hunting, are properly extinguished. game of choice in Texas to national forests safe and enjoyable, except when hunting at night or when  Hunters using Wildlife and there’s no better while sustaining the health of the hunting turkey or migratory birds. Management Areas (WMAs) must place to bag that trophy forests. A minimum of 400 square inches of purchase the $48 annual hunting buck than in the national Rains and fl ooding have damaged fl uorescent orange must be visible (144 permit from Texas Parks and Wildlife forests and grasslands. many roads in the forests and square inches on both the chest and Department to hunt deer, turkey, grasslands. While most roads have been back, and a daylight fl uorescent orange small game, waterfowl and feral hogs. From mid-September repaired, some remain impassable and cap or hat.) Wildlife Management Areas in the to the end of January is are closed. Check with the Ranger’s  Anyone camping or hunting in National Forests and Grasslands in prime hunting season Offi ce to make sure your favorite hunter the Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine Texas include the entire Sam Houston camp is open. or Sam Houston National Forest or the National Forest, Alabama Creek WMA and all hunters and Hunting season is one of the busiest Caddo National Grasslands must camp in the Davy Crockett National Forest, those accompanying times in the forest, and safety should in designated campsites or developed Bannister WMA in the Angelina them must wear daylight always be a primary concern. recreation areas from Sept. 1 to Feb. 1. National Forest, Caddo WMA in the fl uorescent orange at Visitors should check their  When the danger of wildfi res is Caddo and the any time when hunting, surroundings and be aware of the high, make sure all camp fi res are in an Moore Plantation WMA in the Sabine except when hunting possibility of falling limbs or trees. National Forest. turkey or migratory Remember, being in the woods is great,  Regulations vary by county so birds. but you are responsible for your own hunters should refer to the Texas Parks safety. and Wildlife Offi cial Hunting Guide A minimum of 400 When strong winds kick up, head to and the Public Hunting Lands booklet square inches of a clearing away from potentially falling for details. fl uorescent orange must trees.  Portable deer stands are allowed Place tents and park vehicles in areas in national forests and grasslands but be visible (144 square that will not be hit by falling trees and are limited to 72 hours in one location. inches on both the chest limbs. To prevent damage to trees, the stands and back, and a daylight Some other safety precautions must not be nailed to trees. When fl uorescent orange cap include: hunters do not remove their deer stands, or hat.)  Much of the National Forests and it causes damage to forest land and Grasslands in Texas are remote, and Be Aware, creates an expensive, time-consuming medical assistance may not be readily cleanup. available. Cell phones do not work Be Safe  Do not park near gates or in areas Contents in many areas of the National Forests that would block roads. and Grasslands in Texas. Visitors  Trees can fall without warning.  Visit the National Forests and Angelina Map...... 3  Be aware of your surroundings. should take adequate food, water,  Wear blaze orange in the Grasslands in Texas website at www. Davy Crockett Map ...... 4 fi rst aid supplies and other equipment woods. fs.usda.gov/texas and click on the Sabine Map ...... 5 appropriate for the conditions and  Make sure campfires are Hunter Camp Maps link for more expected weather. extinguished properly information. Sam Houston Map ...... 6  Off -Highway Vehicle (OHV) use  Remember, your safety is your Caddo/LBJ Map ...... 7 on the National Forests and Grasslands responsibility. Forest R8-RG 411 Safety Notice ...... 8 in Texas is limited to the multiple-use Service July 2020 Contacts ...... 8 trail on the Sam Houston National Forest. Off -road use of motorized 2 National Forests & Grasslands in Texas Fox squirrels also prefer older age timber stands; however, they are generally found in the transition zone between the bottomlands and uplands where there is a mix of hardwood and pine, similar to turkey habitat. They can also be found in older pine stands that contain scattered nut-producing trees. Large Game Deer hunting is a challenging sport and white-tailed deer can be found throughout the national forests. The season will sometimes determine where you can fi nd small concentrations of deer, such as in hardwood stands during acorn fall. It is very importance to get to your shooting spot undetected, and don’t think going in under the cover of darkness will help. Make sure to use a creek or curtain of forest to cover your entry. Scattered populations of wild or feral hogs live in the national forests. Although they are not classifi ed as game animals, they provide some limited hunting opportunities, usually incidental to other types of hunting. Hogs are usually found in bottomlands. Deer Stands Deer stands may be used in the national forests and grasslands, but they must be portable and cannot be of a type that will deface or harm trees. Deer stands must be removed within 72 hours of placing one in the general forest or in a Wildlife Management Area. Since the forests and grasslands are open to public hunting, hunters Antlerless Deer Permits from TPWD Fishing cannot maintain exclusive rights to a hunting area. Each year, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department , Toledo Bend Reservoir and (TPWD) inventories deer populations in the national Lake Conroe are known for excellent fi shing but there forests in Texas. As needed, the department includes are other lakes to challenge anglers. Game on the Grasslands antlerless deer in the annual harvest to seek a balanced Some of the larger lakes in the national forests The national grasslands provide favorable habitat for population. include Red Hill, Ratcliff , Boykin Springs and Double some of the small game animals found in the national Designated areas and the number of permits issued Lake. In the national grasslands, Coff ee Mill, Crockett, forests. There is no commercial timber harvesting on vary from year to year and the number of requests Fannin, Cottonwood and Black Creek Lake are favorites. the grasslands, and management is directed toward usually exceeds the number of permits available. Windmill Lake on the LBJ Grasslands is designated maintaining a stable or relatively non-changing Hunting antlerless deer in the national forests in Texas a fl y fi shing only lake. Most of these lakes also have vegetation type. is conducted only within Wildlife Management Areas and developed recreation areas. About 70 percent of the national grasslands is open only by permit. Texas fi shing regulations and license requirements prairie; the rest is wooded. Most of the wooded areas are For more information on antlerless deer permits, apply to all these water in small clumps on the prairie and along the numerous contact your local TPWD offi ce or visit www.tpwd.texas. small streams and drainages. gov/drawnhunts for application information and process Cottontail rabbits, doves, wild turkeys and bobwhite instructions. quail are found throughout the grasslands and are usually hunted in the prairies or along the edge of the woods. Fox squirrels can be found in the woods adjacent to Game in the Forest creeks and drainages. Gray squirrels live in some of the Many game species fi nd favorable habitat in the bottomland hardwoods of the Caddo National Grasslands. national forests where timber stands range from recently harvested areas to stands more than 100 years old. The breaks or “edges” created where diff erent Baiting aged stands meet are preferred by many species; so, Baiting and hunting over baited areas to attract the observant sportsman learns to recognize stand wildlife is not allowed in the National Forests and characteristics and the types of game animals to be found Grasslands in Texas. in them. How to Recognize National Forest Land Maps commonly show proclaimed national forest boundaries. However, all land within this boundary is not national forest land; some is privately owned. The land Turkey Hunting shown in green on the maps indicate national forest land. The U.S. Forest Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Red paint and signs mark the boundaries between Department and the National Federation national forest land and private property. Recognition of are partners in restocking wild turkeys on national forest these markings and boundary signs helps the visitor to be lands. certain to stay on national forest land. The Caddo National Grasslands allow shotgun-only Visitors should comply with state law and the owner’s hunting in the spring.The LBJ National Grasslands has a rules when entering private land. fall and spring season for the Rio Grande turkey. Check Entrance (portal) signs. These signs can be seen the Texas Parks and Wildlife hunting guide for counties along major roads entering the national forests, usually in the national forests that allow spring hunting. on the fi rst tract of government land encountered. Turkey season is closed in Angelina and Jasper Generally, portal signs are not used on low traffi c roads. counties. Welcome signs. These signs are located on or just inside the boundaries or individual tracts of national Where to Find Birds forest land where the road enters. The sign will be Mourning doves prefer to feed in areas of open, bare oriented so that the land behind the sign is public land. ground with scattered stands of seed-producing weeds. Generally, they are not used on dead-end or woods roads Such conditions are found in recently logged stands or on small blocks of public land. where disturbed soil encourages weed growth. Bobwhite Upon entering woods on public land, welcome quail feed in these same stands and in stands up to fi ve signs will not be present and the visitor should rely on years after cutting, where grassy-weedy vegetation property line markings and boundary signs. has grown and provides cover. Quail also use adjacent Property line marking and older timber stands for escape cover from predators and boundary signs. The boundaries hunters. of individual national forest tracts Woodcock are a fairly common but lightly-hunted adjacent to other ownerships are winter visitor to the national forests. They prefer dense marked with brown and yellow thickets for protection, but can be found in early morning property boundary signs. and late evening feeding in the same young stands as The small metal boundary quail. signs are fastened either to trees Most waterfowl hunting associated with the national Small Game or posts located on the boundary forests is on the larger reservoirs that lie within or Cottontail rabbits can be found in the same habitat line and at road crossings, and adjacent to them. Sam Rayburn Reservoir is managed as quail. Gray squirrels and fox squirrels are the most the signs are placed so that public by the Corps of Engineers, Toledo Bend Reservoir is popular small game animals in the national forests. Gray land is behind the sign. Red paint managed by Sabine River Authority, and Lake Conroe is squirrels prefer stands of bottomland hardwoods 40 years spots on trees defi ne the boundary under management of the San Jacinto River Authority. of age or older. The trees in gray squirrel habitat must line through woods. Contact those agencies concerning use of their waters, be old enough to produce consistent crops of acorns and While the majority of boundaries are identifi ed and including the construction of hunting blinds. similar food. Most major rivers and creeks that fl ow posted, occasionally visitors may encounter an area Some waterfowl hunting is available in river bottoms through the national forest have these hardwood stands where signs have been vandalized or lines are not during high water periods. within their fl oodplains. marked. In these cases, visitors should be alert to avoid accidently trespassing on private land. www.fs.usda.gov/texas 3 www.fs.usda.gov/texas 4 5 National Forests & Grasslands in Texas Davy Crockett National Forest www.fs.usda.gov/texas 6 7 National Forests & Grasslands in Texas Sam Houston National Forest www.fs.usda.gov/texas 8 Caddo National Grasslands www.fs.usda.gov/texas 9

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CR 1110 CR Developed Recreation Area 380 This map is a general guide and does not show exact boundaries or District Office all roads. It is the user’s responsibility to know his or her location in the forest. Users should be aware that private property exists within Administrative Boundary the Forest Service boundary. Please respect our neighbors’ rights. Check with the district ranger office where you hunt regarding special 0 12Miles USDA Forest Service regulations or boundary locations. Call District Office for facility/trail/road closures. 10 National Forests & Grasslands in Texas

Contact Us www.fs.usda.gov/texas

  Angelina National Forest 111 Walnut Ridge Road Zavalla, TX 75980 936-897-1068 Be Aware,  Be Safe Davy Crockett  Trees can fall without warning. National Forest  Be aware of your surroundings. 18551 Hwy 7 East  Wear blaze orange in the Kennard, TX 75847 woods. 936-655-2299  Make sure campfires are extinguished properly   Remember, your safety is your responsibility. Sabine National Forest 5050 Hwy 21 East Safety Notice Off-Highway Vehicles Camping Hemphill, TX 75948 All hunters and those accompanying them Off -highway vehicles are only allowed on Developed recreation areas off er conve- 409-625-1940 must wear daylight fl uorescent orange at any designated trails. niences such as showers, restrooms and pic- Toll Free 866-235-1750 time when hunting, except when hunting The Sam Houston National Forest has the nic facilities. Primitive camping is allowed turkey or migratory birds. only designated OHV trail. except in designated scenic areas or where  A minimum of 400 square inches of otherwise prohibited. During hunting season, fl uorescent orange must be visible (144 camping is permitted only in designated Sam Houston square inches on both the chest and back, hunter camps or in developed recreation ar- National Forest and a daylight fl uorescent orange cap or hat.) eas. Contact ranger offi ces for more informa- 394 FM 1375 West All camping in the Angelina, Davy tion on camp locations. New Waverly, TX 77358 Crockett, Sabine or Sam Houston National Forest or the Caddo National Grasslands 936-344-6205 must be in designated campsites or Maps Toll Free 888-361-6908 developed recreation areas from Sept. 15 Maps and general information about the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas can  through Feb. 1. Hunters using the wildlife management be obtained from ranger offi ces or the forest areas (WMAs) are required to have the $48 supervisor’s offi ce. Order forms are available Caddo/LBJ on the Web at: www.fs.usda.gov/texas and National Grasslands annual hunting permit to hunt deer, turkey, small game, waterfowl and feral hogs. click on the maps link. Or call 936-639-8501 1400 North Hwy. 287 “It’s the hunter’s responsibility to know for information. Decatur, TX 76234 the regulations and game limits while 940-627-5475 hunting in national forests and grasslands,” Snakes and Insects said Chris Crain, U.S. Forest Service patrol Wilderness Areas  Copperhead, Canebreak rattlesnake, captain. “Hunters should check bag limits Wilderness areas are managed to Cottonmouth, Coral and Pigmy rattlesnake for the county where they are hunting and protect their character and provide great are poisonous snakes native to this area. Forest Supervisor’s refer to this year’s hunting booklets for opportunities for hunting, camping, fi shing, Insect repellant is recommended to protect Offi ce information to avoid citations. No baiting hiking and other recreational activities. against mosquitoes, ticks and chiggers. National Forests & for wildlife or hunting over baited areas Roads in wilderness areas are closed and is allowed on the National Forests and motorized vehicles and equipment are Grasslands in Texas prohibited. Leave No Trace 2221 North Raguet St. Grasslands in Texas.” Portable deer stands are allowed in The fi ve wilderness areas in the National When you leave your camp, please be Lufkin, TX 75904 national forests and grasslands and are Forests in Texas are: courteous and take your trash with you. 936-639-8501 limited to 72 hours in one location. To Angelina National Forest The Leave No Trace principles are: For TTY: call 711 to be prevent damage to trees, the stands must Turkey Hill 5,473 acres 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare connected to a Forest not be nailed to trees. When hunters fail to Upland Island 13,331 acres 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Service number remove their deer stands, it causes damage Davy Crockett National Forest 3. Dispose of Waste Properly to forest land and creates an expensive, time- Big Slough 3,639 acres 4. Leave What You Find  consuming cleanup. Sabine National Forest 5. Minimize Campfi re Impacts Vehicles should not be parked near gates Indian Mounds 12,369 acres 6. Respect Wildlife Sam Rayburn Reservoir or in areas that would impede traffi c and Sam Houston National Forest 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors U.S. Army Corps block roads. Little Lake Creek 3,855 acres of Engineers For additional information on this year’s Specifi c information, regulations, In accordance with Federal civil rights law Route 3, Box 486 hunting season, please contact the Forest permit applications and maps of Wildlife and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Jasper, TX 75951 Service District Ranger offi ces. Management Areas are available from the U.S. Forest Service or the Texas Parks and Agencies, offi ces, and employees, and institutions 409-384-5716 Hunters may also visit the National participating in or administering USDA programs Forests and Grasslands in Texas website Wildlife Department. are prohibited from discriminating based on  at www.fs.fed.usda.gov/texas and review race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender information under the “Hunting 2012-2013” identity (including gender expression), sexual Know the Rules orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/ Toledo Bend Reservoir link. Hunting rules and regulations are issued parental status, income derived from a public Sabine River Authority by the State of Texas on a county-by-county assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal Route 1, Box 270 Wildlife Management Areas basis. Regulation booklets are available or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any where hunting licenses are sold and at Texas program or activity conducted or funded by USDA Burkeville, TX 75932 Five Wildlife Management Areas (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies 409-565-2273 (WMAs) are designated in the National Parks and Wildlife Department offi ces. The and complaint fi ling deadlines vary by program Forests and Grasslands in Texas in rules in this guide are general in scope. or incident. Persons with disabilities who require  cooperation with the Texas Parks and Contact district ranger offi ces for more alternative means of communication for program detailed, local rules and regulations. information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, Wildlife Department. American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the Texas Parks & Wildlife Hunting is allowed in WMAs but the rules responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at Department and regulations are slightly diff erent and Target Practice (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA Antlerless Deer hunters must have the appropriate hunting through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877- It is legal to target shoot in the general 8339. Additionally, program information may be Permit Questions permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife forest, with the exception of the Caddo-LBJ made available in languages other than English. 936-569-8547 Department or any location that sells state National Grasslands, as long as you do not To fi le a program discrimination complaint, hunting license. Be aware of boundaries. shoot from, down, or across a road; you have complete the USDA Program Discrimination The WMAs are: a suffi cient backstop (not a live tree); and Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at www. District Offi ce ascr.usda.gov/complaint_fi ling_cust.html and Angelina National Forest pick up your trash (targets, empty shells, Rt. 2 Box 535 at any USDA offi ce or write a letter addressed Bannister 25,658 acres etc.) when you leave. Target shooting is to USDA and provide in the letter all of the Jasper, TX 75951 Davy Crockett National Forest prohibited in the Wildlife Management Areas information requested in the form. To request a 409-384-9572 Alabama Creek 14,561 acres on all units of the NFGT: Angelina NF, Davy copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Sabine National Forest Crockett NF, Sabine NF, Sam Houston NF, Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: Moore Plantation 26,455 acres (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Offi ce District Offi ce Caddo-LBJ NG. of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 2122 Old Henderson Hwy. Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. Caddo 16,150 acres 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: Tyler, TX 75702 Sam Houston National Forest Frequently Asked Questions [email protected]. USDA is an equal 903-593-5077 Sam Houston 162,984 acres For more information on hunting in opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Texas, visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/texas/hunting-faq R8-RG 411 July 2020