Hunting on the NFGT
Hunting in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas
Hunting in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT) offers a truly rewarding outdoor experience. The U.S. Forest Service reminds hunters to follow important guidelines designed to make their trips safe, responsible, and enjoyable.
“It is the hunter’s responsibility to know the regulations and game limits while hunting in national forests and grasslands,” said Murphy Semetko, U.S. Forest Service Patrol Captain. “Hunters should check bag limits for the county where they are hunting and refer to the current-year hunting booklets from Texas Parks and Wildlife to avoid citations. Baiting for wildlife or hunting over baited areas is not allowed on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.”
Portable Deer Stands
Only portable deer stands are allowed on national forests and grasslands land. Stands may remain in one location for up to 72 hours, after which they must be removed from the NFGT before being placed again for use. To prevent damage to trees, stands must not be nailed, screwed, or otherwise permanently affixed. Abandoned or unremoved stands cause damage to the land and create costly, time-consuming cleanup efforts.
Vehicle Access
Vehicles should never be parked in a manner that will impede, restrict traffic or block roads. Always ensure access remains open for other visitors and emergency vehicles.
Off-Highway Vehicle Use
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use is restricted on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas. The Multiple-Use Trail located in the Sam Houston National Forest is currently the only designated trail where OHV use is allowed.
Visitors are encouraged to enjoy their time exploring the forests and grasslands, but above all, to do so safely and responsibly. Everyone plays a part in keeping these public lands healthy and accessible for future generations.
Hunting FAQ's
What kind of licenses do I need to hunt on Forest Service land?
General Forest requires hunters to obtain a Texas state hunting license.What kind of licenses or permits do I need to hunt on a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on Forest Service land?
Texas Hunting License and Annual Public Hunting Permit (also referred to as ‘Type II’ permit) on WMAs, with the required endorsements; and/or stamps. Wildlife Management Areas in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas include the Alabama Creek WMA in the Davy Crockett National Forest, Bannister WMA in the Angelina National Forest, Caddo WMA in the Caddo National Grassland and the Moore Plantation WMA in the Sabine National Forest. The entire Sam Houston National Forest is a wildlife management area.Antlerless Permits for WMAs
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will conduct Antlerless Deer permit applications and selections through their online Texas Public Hunt System. If selected, deer tags will be mailed in mid-October for the selected WMA area only. Apply here for Antlerless Deer PermitWhy do we not issue antlerless permits for the General Forest areas?
TPWD determines if antlerless permits can be issued on National Forests and Grasslands in Texas. Due to challenges with collecting accurate harvest records and deer population data, TPWD does not issue antlerless permits for the General ForestCan a Youth harvest an antlerless deer without a Permit on U.S. Forest Service Lands?
Yes, during youth-only seasons.- Is a Limited use Permit required to hunt on National Forest?
No, the U.S. Forest Service is exempt from the Limited Use Permit
For Season Dates, bag limits and required license and permits on WMA refer to TPWD Public Lands Map Booklet
https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/seasons/statewide/
What kind of guns and ammo can I use to kill a deer?
No rim-fire during Deer gun season
Can you use buckshot for deer?
Yes, in the General Forest No, in the WMA
Slugs only in WMA
*Possession of buckshot in WMA is illegal*What does it mean to have a loaded gun?
According to the Public Hunting Lands book…a firearm containing a live round of ammunition within the chamber and/or magazine with magazine in the firearm or, if muzzle loading, one which has a cap on the nipple or a priming charge in the pan.
*A removable magazine can be loaded if it is not in the firearm.Can I use suppressors?
It is legal to harvest game animals with suppressors in Texas.- Can I carry a handgun while bow hunting?
Yes, but cannot be used for hunting purposes.The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas does not restrict constitutional carry. However, firearms are not permitted inside any federal building, as required under federal regulation (18 USC § 930).
- Can I carry a loaded handgun while just walking out in the woods scouting for personal protection?
Yes, if it is legal for you to be in possession of a firearmThe National Forests and Grasslands in Texas does not restrict constitutional carry. However, firearms are not permitted inside any federal building, as required under federal regulation (18 USC § 930).
Where can I sight in my gun?
It is legal to target shoot in the General Forest, if you do not shoot from, down, across a road, have a sufficient back stop (not a live tree), and pick up your trash (targets, empty shells, etc.) when you leave.- This is an example of referring to the Code of Federal Regulations, (261.10d)
- Target shooting is prohibited in the WMA on all units of the NFGT:
Angelina NF, Davy Crockett NF, Sabine NF, Sam Houston NF, Caddo NG.
Whitetail Deer Seasons
- Archery Only: October 3, 2026- November 6, 2026
Antlerless harvest allowed during these dates. - Youth Seasons:
• Early Youth: October 30, 2026- November 1, 2026
• Late Youth: January 4-17, 2027 - General Season: November 7, 2026- January 3, 2027
• No antlerless harvest allowed in general forest areas.
• Antlerless harvest is ONLY permitted in Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), using an USFS Antlerless Deer Permit specific to the designated WMA. - Muzzleloader: January 4-17, 2027
• Antlerless harvest is allowed.
Resources & Reminders
- Hunting Permits/Tags:
Hunters must carry a valid Texas hunting license, and any required WMA permits. - Wildlife Management Areas:
• These areas have specific rules that differ from general forest.
• Always confirm harvest restrictions before hunting in WMAs. - Maps & Access:
• NFGT maps can be found on the Forest Service websites.
• Pay close attention to boundary lines between general forest land and WMAs. - General Rules:
• All state bag limits, tagging, and reporting requirements apply.
• Hunters should check TPWD’s Outdoor Annual for the most up-to-date regulations.