Somerville Lake Waterfowl Blind Permits
Somerville Lake USACE offers two different opportunities for waterfowl hunting. The first waterfowl hunting opportunity is hunting from a semi-permanent stand, constructed in designated blind locations, for the entire waterfowl hunting season. The stands are assigned through this random duck blind lottery, held annually. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to select their blind location based on draw order, with the first hunter drawn having first choice. Many of these blind locations are accessible by foot, while others are more easily accessible by boat.
The second is an area designated for daytime waterfowl hunting only. Temporary blinds are allowed, but each hunter must remove their blind before they leave. Public waterfowl hunting is allowed within the yellow markers, while no hunting can occur outside of the red markers (See the Somerville Lake website for a map of public waterfowl hunting). Hunter's must hunt from the shoreline.
If successful in the lottery, hunters must attend a Hunter Orientation meeting at Somerville Lake Office for permits to be valid. You may 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.
Somerville Lake is a flood control water resource project also used for multipurpose activities constructed and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Somerville Lake offers many opportunities for water sports, fishing, hunting, boating, or just relaxed living. During your visit to Somerville Lake, be sure to take advantage of all the recreational opportunities and natural beauty that the lake has to offer. Help us to preserve the natural beauty of these resources by being a thoughtful visitor. With your cooperation, future generations can appreciate the beauty of Somerville Lake.
Somerville Lake is located in the south central part of Burleson County and the north central part of Washington County, with the upper reaches of the lake extending into Lee County. The dam site is located on Yegua Creek, 20.0 river miles upstream from its confluence with the Brazos River. The normal lake pool elevation is 238.0 feet (above mean sea level) which encompasses 11,460 acres. There is approximately 85 miles of shoreline. Total land and water cover approximately 30,000 acres.
Notifications and Alerts
The Somerville Lake Waterfowl Blinds Permit 2025-2026 Lottery will be open on June 2, 2025 at 9am CDT. The lottery will close on July 31, 2025 at 11:59pm CDT.
Permit & Season Information
Permit holder and up to 6 other listed hunters will be eligible to hunt their assigned waterfowl blind location on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed land. This permit alone does not guarantee the applicant the right to hunt. Applicants must attend the hunter orientation and complete additional requirements to receive an approved hunting permit from the lake office. Hunters are responsible for construction of their own semi-permanent blind.
Seasons and bag limits are set by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and must be obeyed. All hunters must possess a valid hunting license with the state and federal waterfowl stamp. All hunters must use legal equipment and hunt during legal hours. Please refer to the Need-to-Know section of this page for more information on rules and requirements.
Need to Know
Due to crowding and safety issues, the following blind markers will close when the lake elevation goes below 234’ msl (2ft below normal pool): 2, 4, 9, 11, 13, 21, 23, 26, 28, 31, 35, and 39. All blinds will be closed if the lake elevation goes above 246’ msl (8ft above normal pool) or below 232’ msl (6 foot below conservation pool). No refunds will be issued in the event that blinds are closed.
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 before attending the Hunter Orientation.
The issued permit alone does not guarantee the applicant the right to hunt.
Permit fees and lottery application fees are non-refundable.
Permit Pick-up:
Official hunting permits are issued by the Somerville Lake Office. Permits are not valid until signed by Lake Manager.
Applicants must attend hunter orientation. Permits will be issued at the orientation.
Hunters must bring all required documents to the orientation.
Hunters must complete all additional requirements to receive permit.
Please come to hunter orientation meeting with several blind locations in mind as selection will be held during the meeting.
Additional Requirements:
Hunters must meet all Texas Parks and Wildlife licensing, stamp, and education requirements.
Hunters must sign blind permit and hunting rules provided by the lake office.
Hunters must attend orientation at the Somerville Lake Office.
Required Documents:
Photo I.D. displayed at time of blind selection.
TPWD Hunting License with federal waterfowl stamp.
Proof of Hunter’s Education or Current Exemption.
Recreation.gov issued permit letter (proof of recreation fee payment).
Rules and Regulations:
All rules and regulations listed in Title 36 must be obeyed at all times while on USACE managed lands.
Hunting is allowed in designated blind locations only and only at your assigned blind.
A listed hunter on the permit must be present any time a blind location is being hunted.
Hunters must possess a signed lake issued permit while hunting.
Hunters must abide by all TPWD and USACE regulations.
Hunting areas are used for other recreational purposes. Hunters do not have exclusive use of these areas and must be vigilant for other recreators at all times.
Hunters must use public access points or boat ramps to access their blind location.
Fee Policy
Application Fee: In order to submit a lottery application, individuals will be required to pay a $10 application fee. This fee is non-refundable and must be processed through Recreation.gov.
Recreation Fee: If an individual wins the lottery, they will be required to pay a $40 Somerville Lake recreation fee to reserve the permit. This fee is non-refundable and must be processed through Recreation.gov.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy: Permits can be canceled at any time by the permit holder, however refunds will not be issued.
Change Policy: Changes to the members listed on your permit can be made at any time by contacting the Hunt Coordinator at the Somerville Lake Office.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1560 Thornberry Dr Somerville TX 77879
Hours: M-F 8:00am - 4:30pm, Fax: (979) 596-1493
Phone Number
(979) 596-1622
