Texas -

Texas hunters should enjoy ample opportunities to pursue their favorite quarry this fall without breaking the bank — even if they don’t own a huge ranch or pay for an expensive lease.

By paying $48 for an Annual Public Hunting Permit, hunters can hunt on more than 1.1 million acres of state lands. Permit holders may also take youth hunters on these lands free of charge, though a youth hunting license is required.

"TPWD administers a fairly comprehensive public hunting program," said Kelly Edmiston of the Wildlife Division. "It offers the opportunity to participate in numerous low-cost, family-oriented hunts for a multitude of species. Sportsmen may also hunt on almost half a million acres of federal lands in the state through this program."

The TPWD Annual Public Hunting Permit does not grant access to all federal lands, but it does entitle hunters to hunt on many national forests and grasslands in Texas, as well as state-leased private dove fields. Each year, TPWD uses proceeds from the sale of the permits to lease private lands around the state.

"During the 2008-09 season, the department leased 141 dove fields that comprised more than 50,000 acres," Edmiston said. "About 74 percent of those units and 69 percent of the acreage were within 100 miles of Austin, Houston, San Antonio or the Dallas-Fort Worth area."

In addition, hunters can apply for about 5,000 lottery hunt permits for mule deer, whitetail, pronghorn, feral hog, javelina, turkey, alligator and exotic animals.

For more information on public hunting, call (512) 389-4505 or visit: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild

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