Hunting Regulations 2024 - 2025
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.
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. For more information please visit https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/public-civil-rights.
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
ARCHERY SEASON Sept. 28 - Nov. 1, 2024
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
GENERAL SEASON Nov. 2, 2024 – Dec 01, 2024
White-tailed Deer: Two White-tailed Deer; Limit One Legal Buck and One Antlerless. Firearms
Feral Hog: No bag limit. Firearms
Coyote: No bag limit. Firearms
Beaver: No bag limit. Firearms
GENERAL SEASON Dec. 2, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025
White-tailed Deer: Two White-tailed Deer; Limit Two Legal Bucks. Firearms
Feral Hog: No bag limit. Firearms
Coyote: No bag limit. Firearms
Beaver: No bag limit. Firearms
MUZZLELOADER SEASON Jan. 6 - 19, 2025
White-tailed Deer: Two White-tailed Deer; Limit One Legal Buck and One Antlerless. Firearms
Feral Hog: No bag limit. Firearms
Coyote: No bag limit. Firearms
Beaver: No bag limit. Firearms
