Hunting & Shooting
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.
License Requirements
Hunters must follow Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) regulations:
Things to Keep in Mind
- Always check Texas Parks and Wildlife website for hunting regulations, license requirements and bag limits before heading out on your hunting adventure.
- Texas Parks and Wildlife
Some areas on or near the boundary of the grasslands or forest units may be managed jointly with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or TPWD, so rules may vary.
Hunting
Hunting in the national forests and grasslands can be a rewarding experience. The National Forests and Grasslands Officials would like to remind hunters of guidelines designed to make their hunting trips safe and enjoyable.
Archery
Hunting in the national forests and grasslands can be a rewarding experience. The National Forests and Grasslands Officials would like to remind hunters of guidelines designed to make their hunting trips safe and enjoyable.
Recreational and Target Shooting
Recreational Target Shooting on Public Lands in Texas
Recreational target shooting is allowed on most national forest and grassland lands in Texas unless otherwise posted or restricted for safety reasons. But there are important rules and responsibilities to follow.
What’s Allowed
You may shoot on public lands in the national forests and grasslands as long as you:
- Are not within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area, or occupied area
- Are not across or on a Forest Service road or body of water
- Use legal firearms and ammunition (no tracer or incendiary rounds)
- Set up a safe backstop (natural dirt berms are best)
- Pick up all targets, casings, and trash when done
What’s Not Allowed
- No shooting at trees, signs, or other natural or manmade objects
- No fully automatic weapons
- No exploding targets (like Tannerite) or fireworks
- No shooting from or across a road
- No target shooting in developed recreation areas like campgrounds or boat ramps
Fire Season Caution
During drought or high fire danger, shooting may be temporarily prohibited due to fire risk. Metal targets and sparks from ammo can start wildfires.
Check for fire restrictions before heading out.
Legal Reminders
- Texas firearm laws apply on Public Land.
- Shooters are responsible for any damage or fire caused
- Forest Service Law Enforcement actively patrols public lands
Leave It Better Than You Found It
Pack out all shell casings, targets, and trash. Leaving a mess leads to area closures for everyone.
Always double-check with the local ranger district office before shooting in a new area.