October 27, 2022 – As gun deer hunting season begins, U.S. Forest Service officials remind hunters of guidelines designed to make their hunting trips to the national forest safe and enjoyable while sustaining the health of the forests.
“Hunting season is one of the busiest times in the forest, and safety is always a primary concern,” said Forest Supervisor Kimpton Cooper. “Visitors should check their surroundings and be aware of the possibility of falling limbs or trees. Remember, being outside is great, but you are responsible for your safety.”
Here are some other precautions:
- During hunting season, camping in the Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine, Sam Houston, and Caddo National Grasslands are limited to designated campsites or developed recreation areas until one week after the end of Muzzleloader Season on January 22, 2023.
- Much of the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas are remote, and medical assistance may not be readily available. Cell phones do not work in many areas of the forests and grasslands. Hunters and campers should have adequate food, water, first aid supplies, and other equipment appropriate for the conditions and expected weather.
- Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is limited to the multiple-use trail on the Sam Houston National Forest. Cross-country and off-road use of motorized vehicles of any type are prohibited.
- All hunters and those accompanying them must wear daylight fluorescent orange at any time when hunting, except when hunting at night or when hunting turkey or migratory birds. A minimum of 400 square inches of fluorescent orange must be visible (144 square inches on both the chest and back and a daylight fluorescent orange cap or hat.)
- The danger of wildfires is always high. Ensure all campfires are in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable material and properly extinguished. Currently, most locations on the NFGT are under a county burn ban. Check the county you are hunting in for any restrictions.
- Hunters using the wildlife management areas (WMA) must register once they arrive and depart using the eOSR app or website and have the $48 annual hunting permit to hunt deer, turkey, small game, waterfowl, and feral hogs. 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, the Caddo WMA in the Caddo National Grassland, and the Moore Plantation WMA in the Sabine National Forest. In addition, the entire Sam Houston National Forest is a wildlife management area.
- Mandatory deer check stations will be located at each WMA area the first two Saturdays during general gun season. Any deer harvested while hunting in the WMA areas are required to be checked for it to be a legal harvest. Contact the district office for deer check station locations.
- Portable deer stands in national forests are limited to 72 hours in one location. In addition, the stands must not be nailed to trees to prevent damage to trees. When hunters fail to remove their deer stands, it damages forest land and creates an expensive, time-consuming cleanup.
- Vehicles should not be parked near gates or in areas that would impede traffic and block roads.
- We encourage other visitors to wear hunter orange for increased visibility while recreating on the NFGT during hunting season.
- Residents near hunting areas may encounter increased activity and hear gunshots during the season.
- According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Official Hunting Guide and the Public Hunting Lands Booklet, regulations vary in different locations.
Visit the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas website at www.fs.fed.usda.gov/texas.
