It is unlawful to discharge a firearm or shoot an arrow in or on the bed or bank of a navigable river or stream, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations for Sept. 1, 2024 through Aug. 31, 2025. This law does not apply to persons fishing by means of archery equipment, lawful alligator hunting activity, or shotguns loaded with shot, including buckshot. A shotgun slug is prohibited. Exemptions allow the take of venomous snakes and non-indigenous rodents by landowners or their agent(s). Other exemptions may be in effect.
This is a new regulation.
“Senate Bill 1236 by Sen. Pete Flores (R-Pleasanton) prohibits the discharge of a firearm or bow in or on the beds or banks of navigable rivers or streams. At first glance, it may seem the new law addresses hunting from a boat, but it applies equally to sizable areas of dry land found within or along publicly accessible waterways. Flores said the purpose of the legislation is to “prevent the use of riverbeds as corridors for poaching” and compared his bill to laws that prohibit hunting from public roadways.” – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Dec. 2023 article
Be aware that there could be increased local restrictions, depending on the city and county, so always check with a local game warden.
Also worth noting, motor vehicles, including wheeled and tracked vehicles, are prohibited in navigable Texas riverbeds, including the Brazos River.
Hunting is allowed at Brazos River Authority lakes during duck season only, and is limited to designated hunting blind locations by permit only. The BRA makes blind locations available on an annual basis through a drawing process normally held at each lake during the month of August. For more information on waterfowl hunting on BRA property, email information@brazos.org.
For further information about hunting in Texas and state regulations, go to the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife website.