Last Shot Draw Hunt

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Archery and General Firearm 
Last Shot Draw Hunt

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (LANWR) manages approximately 120,000 acres, of which 50,735 acres are open to hunting. The Last Shot Draw Hunt event is designed to fulfill our management objectives for the harvest of huntable species located within LANWR. Historically, approximately 15% of selected hunters do not participate in the hunt, either due to non-payment or failure to attend. The LANWR draw hunt offers a quality, safe, affordable, and fair experience for all participants. Our goal is to provide equal opportunity via a drawing process while encouraging conservation practices among hunters. Since the inception of the LANWR hunt program in 1970, numerous changes have been implemented to enhance the participant’s experience. With new land acquisitions, facility upgrades, land management improvements, and increased hunter involvement, the hunt program has evolved significantly. The following procedures outline the LANWR archery and general firearm Last Shot Draw Hunt program for the 2026/2027 hunting season:

1) All draw-hunt applications will be accepted in-person only and the applicant must be present to win. 
•    Applicants can apply for both archery and general firearm hunts.
•    All selected hunters must attend a mandatory hunter orientation on Thursday prior to the commencement of the hunt.
•    Archery hunts are held Friday–Tuesday (5 days/$130).
•    General firearm hunts run Friday–Sunday (3 days/$80).

•    Hunt dates for General Firearm January 29-31, 2027

•    Hunt dates for Archery February 5-9, 2027

2) LANWR provides a limited number of draw-hunt permits.
•    A total of 100 permits for Archery 
•    A total of 20 permits for General Firearm 

LANWR drawn hunt details
•    Youth hunters ages 9 to 17 may apply and must be under the direct supervision of an adult age 18 or older.
•    All refuge hunters are selected via lottery, and must complete hunting packages with permits, refuge hunt permits (brochure), and instructions that are sent to drawn hunters via email.
•    Up to four hunters can apply together on one application.
•    An individual’s name can only appear in one group. If your name is in more than one group, you will immediately forfeit the opportunity to be selected for all hunts
•    There will be NO combining of groups or hunting party changes after the process begins.
•    Hunting units are open to scouting sunrise to sunset the day prior to the hunt period
•    Hunters have access to refuge 1.5 hours prior to official sunrise and 1 hour after legal shooting hours.
•    Participation in a mandatory hunters' orientation is required for all hunters in order to hunt, due to biological monitoring; the hunters' orientation will take place on scout day, which falls      on Thursday before the hunt commences.
•    Hunts are self-guided and in remote areas with limited vehicle access
•    Hunters must visibly wear 400 square inches of hunter orange, including 144 square inches visible on both chest and back, and a hunter orange cap or hat
•    Open trails in hunt units may be accessed by foot, bicycle, or e-bike. The only authorized method of travel off-trail is by foot.
•    Hunting is allowed from portable stands or blinds, or by stalking and still hunting.
•    Limit one blind/stand per hunter
•    All game, including hogs, must be reported by telephone via text to the Hunt Coordinator at 956-244-2019
•    This can be a physically challenging hunt, and hunters are expected to harvest and retrieve their own game. Laguna Atascosa NWR is not an outfitter.
•    Hunters who possess a 2026/2027 TPWD permit cannot apply.
•    The bag limit consists of unlimited exotic mammals, including Nilgai antelope, feral hogs, and all exotic ungulates as defined by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
•    Hunts may be canceled/postponed/adjusted without notice due to unforeseen, extenuating circumstances.
•    If found in violation of rules under this draw program your application will be withdrawn 

     This event is held in partnership with South Texas Ecotourism Center (STEC). Free admission, food tasting, exhibits, vendors, family fun and more!