Hunting Regulations 2025 - 2026
Welcome
Neches River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 2011 along the Neches River to protect the bottomland hardwood forests for their diverse biological values and wetland functions of water quality improvement and flood control assistance; and provide the public with wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities.
Hunter Permit Requirements
Hunters are required to have the appropriate state license, as well as a signed hunt permit. If duck hunting, a state license, a valid Federal Duck Stamp and a signed hunt permit are required. All hunts on the refuge are part of the recreational fee program. Hunters must apply and be selected through the TPWD Online Application System. TPWD is responsible for handling all applications and conducting the drawings. TPWD will notify hunters selected and hunters will receive a complete package with permits and instructions.
All hunters participating in hunting activities on the refuge are required to obtain and carry a current signed hunt permit, which will be sent to the hunter once they are selected and pay for the hunt. The hunt brochure is required to ensure that all hunters have read and understand all public use regulations and provides the current hunting map before they begin hunting. This also facilitates compliance with refuge regulations and promotes communication between refuge law enforcement and hunters.
Pre-Hunt Meeting
There will be a meeting on the first day of every deer hunt at 8:00AM at the refuge office. Refuge office is located off HWY 79, just inside front gate.
Safety
At any time, hunters may encounter venomous snakes or feral hogs. Snakes and hogs can behave in an unpredictable manner, and hunters should use caution when in close proximity to these animals.
Firearms
Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32.)
Vehicles
Licensed motor vehicles are permitted only on Texas highways, County Roads and the Entrance Road on the refuge. All-Terrain Vehicles and Utility Terrain Vehicles are prohibited.
Boats
The refuge allows boats, canoes, and kayaks on the Neches River. Boats must be removed at the end of the hunt season. Boats must comply with Texas state regulations.
Accessibility Information
Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available to all individuals regardless of physical or mental ability.
Hunting Regulations
Hunting regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources. Hunting is permitted in accordance with Federal regulations governing public use on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Hunting will be in accordance with applicable State of Texas regulations in addition to the conditions stated below. Brochures may be obtained by mail, at the refuge headquarters, or from the refuge website.
Access
Hunters may access the refuge two hours before legal sunrise until two hours after legal sunset. Raccoon hunting can be employed after dark, with dogs and spotlights. We allow dogs for rabbit hunting. Hunters must park in designated parking areas, as identified on the hunt map, to access the refuge for hunting. Access to the refuge from private property is prohibited.
Horses
Horses are prohibited on the refuge.
Tree Stands
Tree stands, elevated platforms, and ground blinds may be put up no earlier than the first day of permitted hunt and must be removed by the last day of permitted hunt.
Harvest Reporting
In addition to meeting statewide harvest reporting and to be eligible for next year’s refuge hunting season, permitted hunters must complete a Big Game Harvest Report (FWS form 3-2359) and return it to the refuge by February 15, regardless of whether you were successful.
Antler Restrictions
Tag must be from your Texas hunting license. A legal buck deer is defined as a buck deer with at least one unbranched antler; OR an inside spread of 13 inches or greater (does not apply to a buck that has an unbranched antler).
Seasons
SQUIRREL SEASON
Squirrel: Bag Limit: 10
Oct 1 – 11, 2025
ARCHERY SEASON
White-tailed Deer: Two White-tailed Deer; Limit One Legal Buck and One Antlerless. Archery
Feral Hog: No bag limit. Archery
Coyote: No bag limit. Archery
Beaver: No bag limit. Archery
Oct 12 - 18, 2025
Oct 19 - 25, 2025
Oct 26- November 01, 2025
FIREARM SEASON
White-tailed Deer: See state limits
Feral Hog: No bag limit. Firearms
Coyote: No bag limit. Firearms
Beaver: No bag limit. Firearms
Nov 7-09, 2025
Nov 14-16, 2025
Nov 21-23, 2025
Nov 28- 30, 2025
Dec 05-07, 2025
Dec 12-14, 2025
Dec 19-21, 2025
Dec 26-28, 2025
Jan 02-04, 2026
