For Texas hunters, the chase just got wider. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) recently announced the addition of five major properties to its public hunting program for the 2025–26 season. That’s not just a win for access—it’s a clear sign that Texas is backing its hunters with real ground to work.
The new additions bring the total number of parks offering public hunting from 45 to 52 over the past five years. In total, hunters now have access to over 521,000 acres of public land across 140 hunt opportunities. That’s room to roam, stalk, and glass without tripping over boot prints from the day before.
New Ground to Hunt
Let’s break down the new spots hitting the list this fall:
- Dinosaur Valley State Park (1,650 acres)
- Ray Roberts Lake State Park – Isle du Bois Unit (1,400 acres)
- Post Oak Ridge State Park (3,100 acres)
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (3,100 acres)
- Government Canyon State Natural Area (1,000 acres)
Each of these properties brings something different to the table—thick brush, rocky ridges, open oak flats. Whether you’re after whitetails, hogs, or just a quiet morning in the blind, there’s something here for everyone.
And yes, Hunterizer will be updating our tools to include these locations. If you’re already using Hunterizer to plan your hunts, you’ll be able to scope out these new properties alongside your usual go-to spots. No extra steps. Just more land in the toolbox.
Why This Expansion Matters
If you’ve been hunting Texas public land for any amount of time, you know the real challenge isn’t finding game—it’s finding space. Parking lots fill up fast. Draw hunts are competitive. And many folks just don’t have access to private leases.
Adding these five properties doesn’t solve everything, but it moves the needle. For example:
- Dinosaur Valley puts hunting ground within reach for folks near Glen Rose.
- Enchanted Rock, known more for its granite dome than deer stands, adds variety with terrain you don’t typically see in public hunt areas.
- Ray Roberts Lake helps cover the gap between DFW and the Red River.
These aren’t just filler acres. They’re quality tracts that open the door for better distribution, more hunting opportunities, and less pressure in the old familiar spots.
What You Need to Hunt These Places
To access these public hunting lands, hunters have a couple of key options:
1. Annual Public Hunting Permit
- Costs $48
- Goes on sale August 15
- Covers walk-in hunting, fishing, camping, and other recreation on designated public lands
This permit is ideal for folks who like to move. One weekend you’re after pigs in East Texas, the next you’re calling gobblers in the Hill Country.
2. Public Hunt Drawing System
- Opens July 1
- Offers high-quality drawn hunts for deer, exotics, waterfowl, and more
- Includes both public and selected private lands
Drawn hunts give you a shot at lower-pressure setups, often with better odds of success. It’s worth setting a reminder—some of these draws fill up fast.
Planning Your Season
If you’re like most hunters, planning starts now. Here’s what to do next:
- Mark July 1 on your calendar for draw applications
- Set an alarm for August 15 if you’re picking up the APH permit
- Check Hunterizer regularly for updated property data, hunt zones, and access tools
Whether you’re a new hunter or been at it for decades, having real options matters. It keeps the fire lit. It gives us a reason to scout that next ridge.
Texas keeps growing. And not just in population. The fact that TPWD keeps adding land, especially with pressure on outdoor space rising, shows they’re doing more than just managing—they’re investing in the hunt.
