AUSTIN, Texas (KWTX) — Hunters can now apply for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s 2026-27 drawn hunt permits program.
TPWD says nearly 9,800 permits are available in more than 60 hunt categories across public and private lands throughout Texas.
The drawn hunts program gives hunters a chance to apply for access to hunts on state parks, wildlife management areas, national wildlife refuges and private property.
“It is an affordable way to get to hunt, but more importantly, the offerings in the public hunt draw system allow you to potentially hunt one end of Texas to the other for potentially every species Texas has to offer!” said Kelly Edmiston, TPWD public hunting coordinator. “From the Panhandle to South Texas, to the Trans-Pecos and the Pineywoods, you could be selected for a hunting spot at a state park, wildlife management area, national wildlife refuge or private property. Variety is the key and the opportunity is there.”
Available hunts include opportunities for white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn, turkey, alligator and dove, along with guided packages for exotic species and bighorn sheep. TPWD says more than 500,000 applications were submitted last year.
This season also includes 154 hunts across 55 state parks. TPWD says public hunting opportunities at state parks have increased compared to last year and are up 20% over the past five years.
New opportunities for the 2026-27 season include a mentored dove hunt at Lake Corpus Christi State Park, as well as deer and exotic game hunts at newly acquired Bear Creek and Silver Lake State Parks. Other recently acquired state park properties offering public hunts include Post Oak Ridge, Caprock Canyons State Park, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Honey Creek State Natural Area.
Application deadlines fall on the 1st and 15th of each month from Aug. 1 through Nov. 1. Applications for alligator hunt categories and private land dove hunts are due Aug. 1. Applications for archery deer, archery mule deer, pronghorn, private land pronghorn and javelina are due Aug. 15.
Application fees range from free to $3 to $10, depending on the hunt category. If selected, adult hunters may need to pay a special permit fee of $80 for regular hunts or $130 for extended hunts. TPWD says youth-only hunts and some other categories do not require application or permit fees.
Permits are open to both Texas residents and non-resident hunters.
Hunters applying for e-Postcard hunts or U.S. Forest Service antlerless deer permits must have a current Annual Public Hunt Permit. Those permits go on sale Aug. 15. TPWD says more than 60,000 Annual Public Hunt Permits were sold last year, generating about $2.8 million for wildlife conservation and public hunting opportunities.
All applications, payments and permit issuance are handled electronically. Applicants need internet access, an email address and a credit or debit card. TPWD says the easiest way to access the system is through the customer ID number from a hunting or fishing license.
Hunters can apply until 11:59 p.m. CST on the application deadline and can check their drawing status online.
For more information or to apply, visit the TPWD Drawn Hunts website. Questions can be sent to hunt@tpwd.texas.gov or directed to 512-389-4505 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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