Author: Tex Hunter

The Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is 5,301 acres in size and is found about 4 miles north of Mason, Texas, in Mason County. The management area was donated to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the area is used for wildlife research, habitat management demonstrations, and for public hunting. The entire area was high fenced by the previous owner and several high fenced pastures are also found within the Mason Mountain WMA, as well.

The Mason Mountain WMA is located on the Edwards Plateau and has a variety of different plant communities, although much of the area consists of rolling terrain dominated by post oak, live oak, mesquite and native brush species. There are also some steep “mountains” with limestone soils that are covered with cedar and other hardwoods and brush. So in general, the topography of the area could be classified as rough with steep canyons, caliche hills, and the granite outcroppings that are unique to this region of Texas.

Biologist that work on the area try to maintain the deer density on the Mason Mountain WMA at about 1 deer for every 12 to 15 acres. This density is much lower than much of the Hill Country, but the management area produces big whitetail bucks  every year. Maintaining proper deer numbers is not only great for the habitat, but great for Texas public hunting! Each year, the WMA offers Special Permit (draw) hunts for deer and some exotic species, as well as Regular Permit hunts for doves. APH Permit holders can access the area for dove hunting without paying the regular permit fee.

Special Permit public hunts are held each fall and hunting is by assigned compartment. Some of the hunting compartments have established ground blinds that can be used, but not all of them. Hunters drawn for these hunts must use their own vehicles to access their assigned compartments. And although the semi-rough topography, sand, and/or mud requires vehicles with high ground clearance, much of the area is accessible by 2-wheeled drive. They recommend 4-wheeled drive if you want to access the hard to get to areas, but all of this WMA is great hunting country.

All public hunters must sign in at the Mason Mountain WMA check station when entering or leaving the area. No camping or fires are permitted on the management area, but commercial lodging and campgrounds are available in Mason. Call the Mason Mountain WMA headquarters for more information about the management area or public hunting at 325-347-5037.

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The Chaparral Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is 15,200 acres of South Texas landscape that provides great habitat for white-tailed deer, javelina, wild turkey, dove and quail. The Chaparral WMA is managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is used as a research and management facility. The area provides public hunting to APH Permit holders for game birds and special draw hunts for deer and other species. The Chaparral WMA is located about 8 miles west of Artesia Wells.

The habitat found on the management area is dominated by thorny brush species such that provide excellent deer forage. This is why South Texas grows monster bucks year in and year out — you just can not beat the quality of deer foods found in this part of the state. If you are planning a public hunt at the Chaparral WMA then get ready for mesquite and some prickly pear cactus. The area has plenty of it, but makes for a different hunting experience.

A primitive campground for hunters is located on the area and is available for use. The area has restrooms and drinking water at the campground, although electrical hookups are not available. The camping area typically opens at 8:00 am on the morning prior to the first scheduled day of each hunt period. Successful hunters can use the cold storage facilities located at the Chaparral WMA check station for storing game. Baiting is not allowed on the WMA.

All public hunters must sign in at the check station. For bird hunters that do not possess an APH Permit, a daily use fee is required for regular permit hunts. For special permit draw hunts for deer hunting and javelina hunting, standby hunters must be at the check station by 11:00 am on the scheduled hunt start date (10:00 am for youth hunts).

Most public hunts at the Chaparral WMA are scheduled during the fall and spring each year. The area is open for non-consumptive use access during the period of April 1 through August 31 through an access point located at the hunters campground. Call the Chaparral WMA headquarters for further information at 830-676-3413 or email the area at cwma@granderiver.net.

The Walter Buck Wildlife Management Area (WMA) consists of 2,133 acres of Hill Country habitat located on the south fork of the Llano River in Kimble County. The Buck WMA is about 5 miles southwest of Junction, Texas, and is just off of Highway 377. The topography of the WMA is hilly and is dominated by oak and cedar woodlands and contains lots of draws and rugged country. The landscape on this public hunting area makes being here both challenging and fun.

The area is operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and their mission is to maintain healthy native wildlife habitats and populations. This goal is accomplished through the use of wildlife and habitat management programs implemented on various habitat types located throughout the WMA. Visibility on the area varies, but there are some areas where habitat management is evident and some areas that are left native for old-growth cedar.

The Walter Buck WMA shares a common boundary with the South Llano River State Park, both of which are Texas public hunting lands that offer special draw hunts. In fact, you must cross the river and drive through the park to access the WMA. These areas offer public hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, Rio Grande turkey, feral hogs, and exotic deer such as axis, fallow, and sika. The Buck WMA is home to two Federally Endangered bird species, the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo.

On the WMA, no camping or fires are permitted. Camping, of course, is available at the park next door. In addition, other commercial camping facilities are available nearby. Vehicles with high ground clearance are preferred and a 2 wheel drive truck can get you to 95% of the area. Contact the park at 325-446-3994 for information on camping and for reservations call 512-389-8900. For more information on public hunting at Walter Buck WMA, call the headquarters at 325-446-3617.

The Gene Howe Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located in Hemphill County and encompasses 5,394 acres of rolling plains country along the Canadian River. The Gene Howe WMA is one of Texas’ pubic hunting lands that offers special draw hunts for white-tailed deer and spring turkey season. The Murphy Unit of the WMA is open to Annual Public Hunting Permit (APH Permit) holders for dove hunting, quail hunting, and rabbit hunting. Hunters 16 years of age and younger are not required to have an APH permit, but must have a hunting license and be supervised by a licensed, permitted adult. Check the “Public Hunting Lands” booklet for season dates.

The northern portions of the WMA contain rolling sand hills dominated by tall grasses and sand sagebrush. Other habitat types found on the Gene Howe are open, tallgrass meadows and stands of eastern cottonwood and Russian olive, which dominate the bottomlands along the river in the southern portion of the WMA. The habitat found on the Gene Howe WMA is much different than most Texas hunters are familiar with, but the property offers good hunting.

The Gene Howe WMA has a primitive campground site that is available for public hunters. The site is located about 1/2 mile east of the WMA headquarters and check station on the north side of FM 2266. Hunters and non-hunters must wear hunter orange during daylight hours at any time when firearm hunting for any species is authorized on the unit (except turkeys, waterfowl, and dove). For more information on public hunting the Gene Howe Wildlife Management Area contact their office at 806-323-8642.

The Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located in Freestone County about 25 miles southeast of Corsicana. The WMA border the Trinity River and has healthy populations of white-tailed deer and feral hogs. The check station is located off of FM 488 between the Richland-Chambers Reservoir and the Trinity River. Richland Creek WMA is 13,884 acres of bottomland habitat. The majority of the area is heavily forested hardwoods with a moderately-heavy understory.

Portable deer hunting blinds and stands work great on the WMA. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department suggest that hunters use stands that do not damage trees. Pickups and/or four wheel drive vehicles are recommended for travel on the area. ATVs and ORVs can be used during special (draw) permit hunts, but they must be used in accordance with state laws regulating the use of these vehicles on Texas public hunting lands.

Richland Creek WMA also has a large amount of marsh acreage on the north side of the area that offers great duck hunting. This area is accessible to duck hunters that possess an APH Permit. Check the “Public Hunting Lands” map booklet for more information on the season dates and days that the WMA can be accessed. Hunters must typically enter these hunt through a postcard draw system.

There is a single primitive campground available to draw hunters and APH Permit holders. This campground is located just north of the Richland Creek WMA checkstation on FM 488. Hunters should take caution during rainy weather as this management area is subject to flooding caused by the river. High water may result in the cancellation of scheduled hunts on short notice. Also, it is recommended that deer and hog hunters bring rubber boots and a compass or GPS.

Standby hunters must report to the Richland Creek WMA office no later than 10:00 am on the first day of each scheduled hunt. Call the WMA headquarters for more information on standby positions or public hunting opportunities at 903-389-7080.

The Daughtrey Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located between Three Rivers and Tilden and is 4,400 acres in size. The management area basically surrounds Choke Canyon Reservoir, and provides great public hunting because it holds some really good whitetail deer. The topography is generally flat with an abundance of browse species and mesquite, blackbrush, and prickly pear.

A limited number of permanent hunting blinds are provided on the Daughtrey WMA for hunting, but hunters may also bring portable stands. There are no cold storage facilities available on the WMA, so plan on bringing or going for ice if you plan on tagging a deer. The roads on the Daughtrey WMA are primitive and trucks will provide the best access for hunters into most areas. Four wheel drive is recommended during times of wet weather. The WMA is very primitive and makes for good hunting.

Deer hunting on the WMA is through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s public hunting draw system. However, standby hunting positions may be available of hunt days if computer-drawn hunters did not pay for their hunt in advance. Potential standby hunters must be at the check station no later than 11:00 am on the first day of each hunt to have an opportunity at any open hunt positions. Hunters interested in rabbit, duck, quail or dove hunting must possess an Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit. The WMA is closed to APH Permit holders during special drawn hunts.

A primitive campground is available for Special Permit hunters and will open the evening before the start of each hunt, but drinking water and electrical hookups are not available. A limited number of fire rings and picnic tables are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping by hunters is also available at the Choke Canyon State Park – Calliham Unit by calling 361-786-3538. For more information on public hunting or standby positions at the Daughtrey WMA call their office at 361-274-3573 or 830-676-3413.