Lake Georgetown Archery Deer Hunt Permits
Lake Georgetown is a multipurpose water resources project constructed and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District. The lake and associated federal lands are located in Williamson County, Texas (TX). Lake Georgetown Dam is situated on the San Gabriel River in the Brazos River Basin about 3.5 miles west of the City of Georgetown, TX. The dam and associated infrastructure, as well as all lands acquired for the Lake Georgetown project, are federally owned and administered by the USACE.
With over 1200 surface acres of water and 2500 acres of wildlife management areas, the lake and surrounding land provides several recreational opportunities including mountain biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, swimming, and camping. The area offers a mixture of geologic features such as rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, riparian forests, grasslands, springs, and river habitats. These habitats support an abundance of wildlife species, including game and non-game species, migratory waterfowl, resident and migratory songbirds, wading birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
Public hunting opportunities are available for small game and archery-only hunting. Hunting is allowed by permit only. Permits must be obtained through the Lake Georgetown office. Deer hunting is managed by USACE through the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s (TPWD) Managed Lands Deer Program. Hunters must abide USACE hunting policies and regulations in addition to state hunting regulations set by TPWD. Seasons and bag limits are set per TPWD regulations. All persons eligible to hunt within the State of Texas can apply for permits except where prohibited by local policy.
If successful in the draw customers must contact the lake office if extenuating circumstances prevent the hunter from picking up permits or attending orientation. Arrangements need to be made with the lake office before orientation or permit pick-up deadlines.
Deer harvest limits depend on spotlight survey data collected during the late summer each year. In previous years, hunters were required to harvest two mature doe (age 2.5 or older) before harvesting a buck. Deer bag limits and restrictions will be discussed during hunter orientation.
Designated hunting areas may be accessed using public parks and access points. Hunters will not be allowed to drive to hunting locations. Legal blinds and feeders may be used as determined by USACE and TPWD. One hunting location is authorized per hunter. Stalking and still hunting of game is not allowed. Refer to the Lake Georgetown Hunting Policy and Lake Georgetown Hunting Rules for more information on hunting restrictions.
Refer to the Lake Georgetown Archery Deer Hunt Permit Page or the USACE Lake Georgetown Hunting Page for additional information.
Permit & Season Information
Permit holders will be eligible to archery hunt white-tailed deer at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed lands at Lake Georgetown during specified season. This permit alone does not guarantee the applicant the right to hunt. Applicants must attend hunter orientation and complete additional requirements to received official hunting permit from the lake office. Refer to the Need-to-Know section of this page for more information on requirements.
Deer hunting is managed by USACE using the Managed Lands Deer Program tags issued by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Feral hogs may also be harvested under this permit. Seasons and bag limits are set by TPWD but may be further restricted by USACE. Hunters must use legal archery equipment and hunt during legal hours. Hunting at night is not allowed. Hunters must abide by all USACE hunting rules and policies in addition to TPWD regulations.
Need to Know
Selection & Acceptance:
Applicants will be selected through the Recreation.gov lottery. Selected applicants will receive an email to notify them of their status after the application period has closed.
Selected applicants must confirm their reservation and complete the payment to receive their permit letter.
The Recreation.gov issued permit alone does not guarantee the applicant the right to hunt.
Permit fees and application fees are non-refundable.
Permit Pick-up:
Official hunting permits are issued by the Lake Georgetown Office.
Applicants must attend hunter orientation. Permits will be issued at the orientation.
Hunters must bring printed permit and required documents to the orientation.
Hunters must complete additional requirements to receive permit.
Additional Requirements:
Hunters will be required to successfully complete a proficiency test, dated May 1, 2026, or later, with a score of 80% or more. The test must be taken on a standard IBO course (10-8-5-0 scoring, see www.IBO.net) with no target more than 30 yards and a minimum of 14 targets. A scorecard, signed by a range officer, will suffice as proof of proficiency.
Lake Georgetown will not conduct proficiency tests on site.
Hunters must meet all Texas Parks and Wildlife licensing, stamp and education requirements.
Hunters must sign waiver of liability and hunting rules provided by the lake office.
Hunters must attend orientation at the Lake Georgetown Office.
Required Documents:
Photo I.D.
TPWD Hunting License.
Proof of Hunter’s Education or Current Exemption.
Proficiency Test with a score of 80% or higher (dated May 1, 2026 or later).
Signed Lake Georgetown Hunting Policies.
Signed Lake Georgetown Waiver of Liability.
Recreation.gov issued permit letter (proof of recreation fee payment).
Rules and Regulations:
Hunting is allowed in designated areas only.
Hunters must possess lake issued permit while hunting.
Hunters must abide by all TPWD and USACE regulations.
Hunting locations are available on a first-come-first serve basis, only after the hunter has attended the orientation and recieved their permit.
Hunting areas are used for other recreational and wildlife management purposes. Hunters do not have exclusive use of these areas.
Hunters may not place stands and feeders before the mandatory orientation. Feeders and blinds must be properly marked as determined by lake office.
Hunters must use public access points to enter areas. Park access may be restricted to certain times and closed without notice. Vehicle access to wildlife management areas will not be granted.
Camping is allowed in designated areas only. Camping reservations must be made through Recreation.gov.
Hunters may only use MLDP tags issued by a USACE representative. Deer must be brought to a designated check-in station within 24 hours of harvest to receive tags.
Fee Policy
Reservation Fee:
A $10.00 application fee (permit reservation fee) applies at time of entry into lottery.
This fee is non-refundable and must be processed through Recreation.gov.
Recreation Fee:
Selected applicants will be notified of their selection through email.
Successful applicants must confirm their reservation and pay a $100.00 recreation fee to collect their permit. A permit letter with further instruction will be emailed to them after the confirmation is complete.
This fee is non-refundable and must be processed through Recreation.gov.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy:
- Customers, the call center, and the facility can cancel a reservation at any time. No refunds are provided for cancellations.
Change Policy:
- No modifications are allowed for this permit. This permit is non-transferable. Permit fees are non-refundable.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
500 Lake Overlook Dr. Georgetown TX 78633
Phone Number
(512) 930-5253
