Recreational Opportunities

Waterfowl Hunting
Waterfowl hunting opportunities are available seasonally on both McFaddin and Texas Point NWR. Blue and green-winged teal, mottled ducks, gadwall, scaup and shoveler are a few of the species hunted on these two refuges.

Large portions of the Refuge are open to hunters free of charge. Elsewhere, for $10 a day reserved 'spaced hunt areas' are available and can be accessed by hunters on foot or by boat. There is also an accessible hunt blind which can be reserved for hunters with a disability.

Texas Point NWR, the Mud Bayou Hunt Unit, the Central Hunt Unit, and Star Lake/Clam Lake Unit on McFaddin NWR will be open for the early teal season September 12^th – 27^th.

Texas Point NWR, Central Hunt Unit, Spaced Hunt Unit, Star Lake/Clam Lake Hunt Unit, and Mud Bayou Hunt Unit are open for Regular Waterfowl Season.

2009-2010 Waterfowl Hunting Season Dates

Please consult refuge hunt permits for special regulations and hunt areas.

Scouting for Regular Waterfowl Season:
October 17 - 23, 2009; 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
October 24 - 25, 2009; 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
October 26 - 29, 2009; 7:30 am to 4:00 pm

Regular Waterfowl Season:
Youth-Only Season: October 24 - 25, 2009
Regular Season: October 31 - November 29, 2009 and December 12, 2009 – January 24, 2010

Goose Season:
White-fronted Geese: October 31, 2009 – January 10, 2010
Canada Geese & “Light” Geese: October 31, 2009 – January 24, 2010

Special Light Goose Conservation Order: January 25 – March 28, 2010

All hunters are cautioned that marsh conditions have changed due to Hurricane Ike and lower precipitation levels. Hunters are encouraged to scout units before hunting and use extreme caution when boating to hunt units.

For more information, detailed maps and the Refuge’s required (free) general permit, hunters should contact the Complex Headquarters at (409) 736-2371, or download free permits and maps below.

2009-2010 McFaddin NWR Waterfowl Hunting Regulations and Permit.pdf (600 KB)
2009-2010 McFaddin NWR Mud Bayou Hunt Unit Map.pdf (217 KB)

2009-2010 McFaddin NWR Spaced Hunt Unit Map.pdf (223 KB)

2009-2010 Texas Point NWR Waterfowl Hunting Regulations and Permit.pdf (482 KB)

(These pdf files require Adobe Reader.)

If you have trouble downloading these pdf files, please contact
Tami Schutter at tamara_schutter@fws.gov.

* All hunters are required to carry a signed general permit while hunting on the Refuge.*

Fishing and Crabbing

Red drum, flounder, alligator gar, blue catfish and blue crab are but a few of the species that draw many fishing and crabbing enthusiasts to the McFaddin and Texas Point NWRs. Whether you are fishing on Clam Lake or the intra-coastal or crabbing on Star Lake, McFaddin and Texas Point NWRs offer excellent opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors. * On Texas Point, fishing is primarily by boat access.*

Wildlife Watching
A two-mile cattle walk and primitive trail on Texas Point NWR provides foot access to the marsh. Adjacent to the parking area on Texas Point NWR, a ¼ mile accessible trail meanders through restored wooded areas crucial to many neotropical migratory birds that stop to refuel after having crossed the Gulf. Eight miles of interior roads on McFaddin NWR provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and access to various boat ramps, fishing piers and observation platforms.

Boating
Five boat ramps provide access to inland lakes and waterways. Much of the waters are very shallow and may only be navigable by canoe or shallow draft boats. Boat ramps are located at Clam Lake (2), Ten-Mile Cut, Five-Mile Cut, and Star Lake.

Outboard motor boats, airboats, and non-motorized boats may be used to access Mud Bayou, Mud Lake, Ten-Mile Cut, and Clam Lake year-round, and seasonally between March 15^th and August 31^st in Star Lake. Airboats may not exceed 10 HP with direct drive with a propeller length of 48 inches or less, and engines may not exceed 2 cylinders and 484 cc. Non-motorized boats may be used to access Five-Mile Cut between March 15^th and August 31^st. Personal watercraft is prohibited on the Refuge.

On inland waters of the refuge open to motorized boats, the operation of motorized boats is restricted to lakes, ponds, ditches, and other waterways. Motorized boats may not operate on or through emergent wetland vegetation. In addition, the use of boats powered by air-cooled or radiator-cooled engines is restricted to those powered by a single engine of 25 hp or less and utilizing a propeller 9 inches in diameter or less.

Marsh Madness!
Spend the day on the Refuge learning about the habitats, wildlife, and recreational opportunities found on McFaddin NWR at this free event for the entire family.Hands-on activities and demonstrations are designed to highlight the wonderful natural resources the Refuge offers. Activities typically include kayaking, fishing, crabbing, water safety, bird identification, live animals and more!