Hunters looking for a new opportunity or a change of scenery this fall should check out the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department drawn hunt permits program. Applications are being accepted now for a shot at almost 10,000 permits in 61 hunt categories.

The permits are for drawn hunts on both public and private lands throughout Texas. Among the offerings available through the online system are hunts for white-tailed and mule deer, pronghorn, turkey, alligator, and dove, and guided packages for exotic species and bighorn sheep.

Said Kelly Edmiston, TPWD Public Hunting Program Coordinator, “These drawings include selections for U.S. Forest Service Antlerless Deer Permits, both adult and youth hunts, 18 e-Postcard Selections for hunters using the $48 Annual Public Hunting Permit, and hunts conducted on nine National Wildlife Refuges in Texas.”

Applicants for e-Postcard hunts and Forest Service Antlerless Deer Permits must have a current APH permit to apply.

New areas in this year’s drawn hunt catalog include Caddo Lake NWR and Neches River NWR. TPWD also created three new private lands hunt categories for feral hog, quail, and spring turkey.

Drawn hunt opportunities can be viewed online by category or by area via an interactive map. All applications, fee payments, and permit issuance is handled electronically. To participate, applicants will need internet access, an email address and a credit or debit card. The customer ID number from the applicant’s hunting or fishing license is the most effective way to access the system.

Permits are open to resident and non-resident hunters alike.

The first application deadlines are Aug. 1 for the alligator hunt categories, pronghorn, and private lands dove hunts; and Aug. 15 for archery deer, general exotic, and javelina. Application deadlines are the first and 15th of the month from Aug. 1 to Nov. 1. A full list of category deadlines can be found online. Hunters can apply up to 11:59 p.m. Central Time on the application deadline, and after the application is submitted, they can check their drawing status online at any time.

For more information or to get started in the application process visit hunt@tpwd.texas.gov. For questions, call 512-389-4505 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.