The US Department of the Interior has announced the largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in US Fish and Wildlife Service history. More than 92 million acres of National Wildlife Refuge System lands—over 95% of the system—are now available for hunting.

North Texas Opportunities

North Texas hunters can access nearby National Wildlife Refuge System lands, including Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge in Grayson County near Lake Texoma and Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge in East Texas. The refuges offer limited-permit archery white-tailed deer hunts and other opportunities coordinated through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department drawn hunts.

Hunters must continue to follow both federal refuge-specific regulations and Texas state hunting laws. A valid Texas hunting license is required. Many refuge hunts operate through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department public drawn-hunt system and may require additional refuge permits or signed brochures.

Expansion Details

The final rule provides 1,488 new hunting and sport-fishing opportunities at 111 field stations in 32 states, including Texas. It covers 107 national wildlife refuges and four national fish hatcheries, with first-ever hunting or sport fishing opportunities at 14 refuges and three hatcheries.

The rule includes more than 1,000 modifications to existing regulatory provisions to simplify rules, reduce complexity, and align federal requirements more closely with state fish and wildlife laws.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.