2025 Hunting Information

Attention Hunters: Requirements for hunting at Waco Lake have changed. Please read below for new rules and regulations.

Changes to Hunting program:

Permits are now required for all persons hunting at Waco Lake regardless of game or season. Each hunter aged 17 and over will be required to obtain permit, hunters 13-16 may hunt while accompanied by a current permit holder, and hunters 12 and under are not permitted to hunt at Waco Lake. The Waco Lake hunting permit is valid for the current hunting season, that is from the date you purchase the permit through August 31, 2026. Hunting without a permit at Waco Lake goes against U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Texas Parks and Wildlife policies.

Waco Lake has also changed the means and methods for harvesting wildlife. White-tail Deer and Feral Hogs are now only able to be hunted via ARCHERY ONLY (to include crossbows). Waterfowl may only be hunted using non-toxic #2 shot and smaller. Similarly, Small Game (rabbit and squirrel), and Dove may be hunted using #2 shot and smaller. Use of Slugs, Sabots, #1 's, B's, BB's, BBBs, and buckshot (any size) is PROHIBITED.

How To Obtain A Hunting Permit:

Permits are now available through Recreation.gov and incur a cost of $15. The Waco Lake hunting permit is valid for the current hunting season, that is from the date you purchase the permit through August 31, 2026.

Hunters will be required to provide First Name, Last Name, Address, Phone Number, Email Address (Recreation.gov account), Vehicle Information (limit 2 vehicles per permit), and Hunting License Number.

Upon paying for the permit, hunters will be given a confirmation email that will contain the permit. Please print a copy for both your vehicle and your person. Park Rangers and Game Wardens reserve the right to request your permit at any time.  

Link to Recreation.gov

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Hunting at Waco Lake

All TPWD rules and regulations must be followed. For information regarding hunting on Army Corps property, view the Fort Worth District Hunting Guide or call (254) 756-5359.

For the Waco Lake Mobile Hunting Map, scan the QR code below with your smart phone.

Waco Lake Hunting Web App

Texas 2025-2026 Hunting Seasons

Legal Game

Dove, squirrel, rabbits, feral hogs, waterfowl, and deer.

Waterfowl Hunting

Hunting waterfowl now requires a hunting permit.

See section above on how to obtain a permit.

Waterfowl hunting is restricted to areas within the northern and southern zones of Waco Lake. For detailed information on where the waterfowl line begins reference the USACE hunting maps or use the USACE hunting app

Waterfowl may be hunted using non-toxic #2 shot and smaller. Use of Slugs, Sabots, #1 's, B's, BB's, BBBs, and buckshot (any size) is PROHIBITED. Waterfowl must be hunted in accordance with its season as noted in the Outdoor Annual.  

Season

As published in the Texas Outdoor Annual for McLennan county. Small game and feral hogs may be hunted anytime EXCEPT during any open deer season. .

Archery: To Include Crossbows

Yes

Muzzleloaders, Rifles, and Pistols

No

Shotguns:

Small game, Dove, and Waterfowl are limited to the use of non-toxic #2 shot and smaller. Use of Slugs, Sabots, #1 's, B's, BB's, BBBs, and buckshot (any size) is PROHIBITED.  

Special Conditions

• Hunting is restricted to shotgun and archery only at Waco Lake.
• White-tail Hunting is limited to archery only, regardless of season. 
• Feral Hog Hunting is limited to Archery Only.
• The only only trapping permitted at Waco Lake is for feral hogs.
• A limited number of feral hog trapping permits may be available based on management needs. Contact the Waco Lake Office for more information.
• No hunting is permitted or permissible around Waco Wetlands; please see Waco Lake Map for details on location.
• Sport-chasing is prohibited.
• Tree stands and portable hunting blinds are permitted, each item must be marked with hunter's name, number, beginning date, and end date set one week from beginning date.
• Night hunting is prohibited. Night is defined as 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. 
• Target practice or the "sighting in/zeroing" of any weapon is strictly prohibited.
• Baiting is limited to hand spreading. 

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