+ Official Site of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex
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Hunting & Fishing at Aransas NWR Complex
hunters with deer and hog

The Refuge offers public hunting opportunities through annual Archery and Rifle Hunts for white-tailed deer and feral (wild) hog. Applications are available now by mail (call us at 361-286-3559 with your mailing address) or you can come by the Visitor Center to pick one up. Permits are issued on a first come, first served basis. Fees for the 2009 hunts are $60 for the Archery Hunt, $30 for youth age 17 or under, and $125 for the Rifle Hunt, $62.50 for youth age 17 or under.

The 2009 Archery Hunt was held for nine consecutive days, October 3-11, 2009. 36,225 acres were open to bow and arrow hunting.

The 2009 Rifle Hunt offers 19,668 acres and is being held on weekends of November 7 & 8 and 21 & 22, and December 5 & 6 and 19 & 20, 2009. It consists of four 2-day (Saturday and Sunday) hunts with scouting the Friday prior.

The Refuge also hosts two youth hunts, one on the Tatton Unit and a second on Matagorda Island NWR. These rifle hunts are for white-tailed deer and feral hogs and both are held in December through early January. For both hunts, contact the Refuge at 361-286-3559 or our partner, the Texas Wildlife Association for more information on the TX Youth Hunting Program.
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Austwell, TX
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Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) administers public hunts for white-tailed deer, feral hogs and waterfowl on Matagorda Island. For more information about recreational opportunities at the north end of the island call the TPWD Bay City Office at 979-244-6804 or 979-244-7697.
wade fishing in San Antonio Bay

Fishing Season is open from April 15 - October 15. Six shoreline access points to San Antonio Bay are made available to the public during daylight hours only. Year-round fishing is permitted at the picnic area pier only. Wade fishing out from the shoreline is popular.

Bay and surf fishing are permitted year-round at Matagorda Island. For more information about recreational opportunities at the north end of the island, call the TPWD Bay City Office at 979-244-6804 or 979-244-7697. 
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