U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

2017-2018 General Hunting Information Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

The Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (refuge) offers public hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, nilgai antelope, and feral hogs. These hunts are self-guided and in a remote area with limited vehicle access allowed. Archery and firearm hunt applications and permits are processed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Public Drawn Hunt System. All refuge hunters are selected by lottery. Up to 4 people can apply together on one application. All applications are completed online at: tpwd.texas.gov/drawnhunts.

The following information applies to all public hunts at the refuge.

Fees and Permits- Firearm permits are $80.00 each. Archery permits are $130.00 each. The application fee is $3.00 for each hunt.

*All hunt fees are non-refundable.*All hunts may be canceled withoutnotice.*Hunt permits are not transferable.

Regulations- Permitted hunters are subject to inspection of permits, vehicles, equipment, and bag limits by state and federal law enforcement officers. TPWD hunting regulations apply to hunting on the refuge. We encourage you to contact the TPWD at 1-800-792-1112, or tpwd.texas.gov forcomplete information.

All hunters must use their TPWD issued license tags, in compliance with the TPWD bag limit for Cameron County (5 white-tailed deer total, no more than 3 bucks). During all refuge hunts, unlimited feral hogs and nilgai antelope may be harvested.

Hunter Assistance- Hunters with mobility impairments who need special accommodations must contact the refuge Wildlife Biologist by October 31 to obtain the application forms.- A walk-in cooler is available at theHunt check Station for temporarystorage of game.- A limited number of game carts areavailable for loan to hunters.- The Hunt Check Station can bereached at 956-443-9227 during hunts.

Important Refuge Regulations- In addition to the firearm and archery hunt regulations, these apply:• The maximum speed limit on Refuge

roads is 25 mph unless otherwiseposted.

• Taking or collecting any plant or non-game animal (including venomoussnakes) is prohibited.

• The use of artificial lights (includingcar headlights and game cameras) tolocate, observe, or take animals isprohibited.

• Fires, littering, target practice, andcommercial guiding are prohibited.

• The disturbing, molesting, orinterfering with any person engagedin the pursuit of an authorized activityon the Refuge is prohibited.

Camping- We allow camping only at Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park. To contact the park, call 956-748-2044. The hunt units are not accessible from the park.

Special Caution- Africanized honey bees, alligators, cougars and rattlesnakes are in the area. Stay alert and watch for bee activity and be cautious of venomous snakes and stinging/biting insects. Wearing snake guards or boots is recommended.

General Scouting- Hunters with permits have access to scout on November 4, 2017, from sunrise to sunset. This date is designated for scouting only (not stand set-up).

Cattle Fever Tick Rules- Hunters must place a tarp on their vehicle to eliminate contact with a deer or nilgai carcass. Hunters may skin deer and nilgai at the designated skinning station. Any hides or heads removed from the refuge will be frozen on-site for a minimum of 24 hours to kill fever ticks. You may take the skinned carcass after inspection. A wildlife resource document will be issued as proof of sex for white-tailed deer transport.

an upper limb disability but a special use permit is required–contact Refuge Manager by October 31.

Archery Hunt- Mandatory orientation (at the Los Fresnos Community Center), scouting, and stand set-up is scheduled for the day prior to each hunt, except Archery #2, which will occur on November 22, 2017.

Archery #1 - Nov.17 - 21, 2017 Archery #2 - Nov. 24 - 28, 2017Archery #3 (Exotic Only) - Dec. 1 - 5, 2017

Permits: There will be 250 hunt permits available for each archery hunt.

Firearm Hunts- Mandatory orientation, scouting, and stand set-up are scheduled for the day prior to each hunt.

Firearm #1 - Dec. 8 - 10, 2017Firearm #2 - Dec. 15 - 17, 2017 Firearm #3 - Dec. 22 - 24, 2017Firearm #4 - Dec, 29 - 31, 2017Firearm #5 - Jan. 5 - 7, 2018Firearm #6 (Exotic Only) - Jan.12 - 14, 2018 Firearm #7 (Exotic Only) - Jan.19 - 21, 2018

Permits: There will be 35 hunt permits available for each firearm hunt.

New for 2017-2018Archery Hunts- A mandatory orientation is now required for all archery hunters; no one will be allowed to hunt until their orientation is completed. It is scheduled for 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Los Fresnos Community Center, 204 N Brazil Street, Los Fresnos, TX 78566. The dates for these orientations are:Archery #1- Nov. 16, 2017 Archery #2- Nov. 22, 2017 Archery #3- Nov. 30, 2017

Firearm Hunts- This year, mandatory orientation is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on the day prior to your selected hunt. No one will be allowed to hunt until their orientation is completed. This orientation will be conducted at the Hunt Check Station.

For Additional InformationLaguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge 22817 Ocelot RoadLos Fresnos, Texas 78566956-748-3607, Press "0"www.fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosaJune 2017

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

2017-2018 Firearm Hunt RegulationsLaguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

The Laguna Atascosa NWR (refuge) Firearm Hunt Regulations follow Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) rules in regard to licenses, bag limits, tagging game, and legal weapons. Please be aware of the TPWD regulations found at: tpwd.texas.govRefuge specific regulations are described below:Hunter Orange- Hunters must visibly wear 400 square inches of hunter orange including 144 square inches visible on both the chest and back, and a hunter orange cap or hat visible on the head. Firearm Hunt Units- Hunt units 2, 3, 5 and 8 will be open for scouting and firearm hunting. Hunt units or areas within a unit may not be reserved. For closed areas, refer to the Firearm Hunt Map and be aware of all “No Hunting Zone” posted areas.Prohibited Activities include:-Camping, except at AdolphThomae Jr. County Park-Use or possession of alcoholicbeverages and/or drugs-Possession and/or use of dogswhile scouting or hunting-Target practice-Use of motorized carts/wagons-Taking of any plant or animalspecies not designated on yourpermit-Possession and/or distribution ofbait or hunting over bait-Use of flagging and/or markers-Use of, or hunting from, any typeof watercraft or floating device-Use of drones/aircraft

Scouting Access- Scouting access hours are from official sunrise to official sunset. A permitted hunter, and two non-permitted individuals accompanying the hunter, may enter the hunt units during the scouting period. A vehicle tag must be conspicuously displayed on vehicle dashboard.

Youth Hunters- Each youth hunter, ages 9 through 16, must be accompanied by a permitted adult, age 18 or older, at all times during the hunt.

Vehicle Access and Parking - Hunters are not allowed to enter or exit the refuge hunt units via Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park. Vehicle parking is allowed at designated parking areas and along the roadsides labeled as " Vehicle Access Roads" on the Firearm Hunt Map. All roads in the hunt units may be accessed by foot or bicycle. Do not block gates.

Hunting Access- Hunters may enter the refuge one hour before legal shooting hours (i.e., 1½ hours before official sunrise) and must depart the refuge by 8:30 pm. Only permitted hunters will be allowed in the hunt units during the archery hunts. Hunters who need to track game after sunset, must contact the Hunt Check Station (956-443-9227).

Hunting Stands and Blinds- We allow hunting from portable stands or blinds, or by stalking and still hunting. There is a limit of one blind or stand per permitted hunter. You must attach hunter identification (name and phone number) to the blind or stand. We prohibit attaching blinds and stands to trees or making blinds and stands from natural vegetation. You must remove blinds and stands at the end of your hunt period.

Field Dressing- Harvested game must be field dressed before removal from the hunt unit. You may quarter your game. You may use a non-motorized cart/wagon to transport harvested game. All harvested game, except hogs, must be checked at the Hunt Check Station.

Legal Species and Bag LimitArchery Hunt: Five-deer bag limitno more than threemales (antlered or button buck). There is no bag limit on feral hogs and nilgai antelope.

Archery Exotic: Feral hogs and nilgai only. There is no bag limit on hogs and nilgai.

You may not kill or wound an animal covered in this section and intentionally or

a reasonable effort to knowingly fail to make retrieve and include it

in your bag limit. Feral hogs are not required to be retrieved nor checked, but must be reported. Hunters are required to check all game at the Refuge check station.

TaggingTag white-tailed deer with your state purchased license tag immediately upon harvest. Mark the kill location as Laguna Atascosa Refuge in Cameron County.

Personal Firearms- Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuges must comply with all provisions of state and local law.

Legal Weapons- We only allow the use of shoulder-fired muzzleloaders and rifles during the firearm hunt. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32). Muzzleloader firearms must be .40 caliber or larger, and modern rifles must be center fired and .22 caliber or larger. All hunting firearms must be unloaded and cased while in a vehicle. Loaded is defined has having rounds in the chamber or a firing cap on a muzzle-loading firearm.

Permitted Hunters are subject to inspection of permits, vehicles, equipment, and bag limits by State and Federal Law Enforcement Officers. We reserve the right to revoke or deny any permit for up to five years due to unsafe conduct or violation of one or more refuge regulations.

I have read and understood the rules and regulations of hunting on Laguna Atascosa Refuge.

____________________________ Hunter’s Signature Date

____________________________ Hunter's Printed Name

I certify that this hunter has completed the archery hunt orientation.

____________________________ USFWS Staff Signature Date

____________________________ USFWS Printed Name

For Additional Information Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge 22817 Ocelot RoadLos Fresnos, Texas 78566956-748-3607, Press "0"www.fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosaJune 2017

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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

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2017-2018 HUNT

Vehicle Validation Tag & Scouting Permit

Name: ______________________________ Permit No. _________________

Please record full names below of up to two non-permitted people that may accompany you only during the

scouting period. This tag must be displayed face-up on the vehicle dashboard for each permitted hunter

during both the scouting period and Refuge hunting season.

1.__________________________________________________________________________________

2.__________________________________________________________________________________

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