Hunting season continues in the Brazos River basin and throughout Texas for a variety of game, and as the weather turns cooler many people are interested in what opportunities might be available.

Each year, the BRA makes up to 60 hunting blind locations available at its three reservoirs for water fowl hunting. Drawings are held in late August each year for the right to these sites. All of the locations at both Lake Granbury and Lake Limestone have been allotted, however, there may still be a limited number of locations available at Possum Kingdom Lake.  If you are interested in a hunting blind location at Possum Kingdom, contact Lake Ranger, Sergeant Robert Box at 940-779-2321.

One of the questions we are asked is whether or not any other hunting is allowed at BRA reservoirs or along the river. All other hunting is prohibited at BRA locations; however, hunting is allowed on the Brazos River.  

The Brazos River and its tributaries are considered public property so they open to hunting; however, you must be aware of state laws and potential local regulations as well.  It is the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department that regulates hunting along the river itself and at other locations.

Be careful where you wade once in the riverbed and don’t stray onto private property. Under state law, the river bed is public property up to the “gradient boundary.”  To avoid violating Texas trespassing laws, stay below the point where woody plants begin to grow (below the vegetation line). 

Another thing to keep in mind is that state law permits hunting to begin one-half hour before sunrise and until sunset. More hunting regulations and other information is posted by the TPWD at http://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting

For questions on a specific area on the river, contact the local Texas Parks and Wildlife game warden. For contact information for game wardens in each Texas county, visit http://tpwd.texas.gov/warden

TPWD offers many additional hunting opportunities in Texas. These areas include public property owned by TPWD, as well as property leased from other state and federal agencies and a number of private landowners. For more information about these hunting opportunities, visit http://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public

Safety

In addition to knowing where to hunt, there are several things to keep in mind to help make sure you stay safe. Ducks Unlimited recommends that hunters carry a waterproof fire-starting kit. Being able to start a fire for warmth can help prevent hypothermia when you are cold and wet. It’s also important to have safety gear on hand, including survival rations, a rope, flare gun, blanket, axe and whistle. Be sure to keep your cell phone in a waterproof plastic bag so it is available for use during an emergency.

It’s also important to make sure your boat and equipment are in good working order before heading out, and if you do use a boat, to have a personal flotation device available for everyone on board.

Being prepared for whatever may arise will help keep your hunting experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone.