The Mad Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is 7,281 acres of fresh water to brackish water marsh. This property is managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and offers good hog hunting, duck hunting, and alligator hunting. The Mad Island WMA is located about 6 miles east of Collegeport, Texas, in Matagorda County. This WMA is right off the Gulf of Mexico, and the Gulf Intracoastal Water Way forms the southern boundary of the area.
Hunts held at Mad Island WMA include waterfowl hunting for Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit holders (no daily fee) and computer drawn Special Permits hunts for alligator hunting ($3 application, $130 if selected) and hog hunting ($3 application, $80 if selected). Typically, the WMA is open Saturday and Sunday during teal season and the regular season for South Zone Duck. Alligator hunts always take place during Texas’ alligator hunting season, which is September 10-30 each year.
Regular permits are issued on the morning of scheduled waterfowl hunts at the check station beginning 2 hours before sunrise until 30 minutes before legal shooting time. Hunting areas are selected by hunters on a first-come, first-served basis. On most days that the area is open for duck and goose hunting, vehicles will begin lining up outside the gate the evening prior to the hunt. The gate on C.R. 374 is unlocked during times of scheduled public use.
For those not familiar with Texas’s WMAs, each of these areas has their rules and regulations for hunting. Of course, hunters must possess a valid hunting license, the appropriate tags and stamps, as well as the proper public hunting permit. Hunters 16 years of age and younger are not required to have a hunting permit while at Mad Island WMA, but must have a hunting license and be supervised by a licensed, permitted adult, 18 years of age or older.
Hunters should be prepared to walk up to 1/2 mile in wetland habitat to reach their waterfowl or alligator hunting areas. Small boats, suitable for hand launch and operated by electric motors, can be used in compartments 9 and 10 during the waterfowl hunts. No trailers or outboard motors are allowed on Mad Island WMA. In addition, no permanent blinds may be constructed on the area.
No camping or open fires are allowed on the wildlife management area. The closest commercial facilities are available in Bay City. Hunting along the coast is much different than most other places in Texas. Expect mosquitos, and lots of them. This area offers great hunting, and it’s well known for it’s high hog hunting success rate. For further information on public hunting at Mad Island WMA, contact the field office at 979-244-6804 or 979-244-6805.