Waco Lake Public Hunting Permit
Waco Lake is a flood control water resource project that is also used for multipurpose activities constructed and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Our project is located in the southeastern portion of the Bosque River Watershed, Brazos River Basin, entirely within McLennan County, Texas and to the north and west of the City of Waco, Texas. The normal lake pool elevation is 462 feet (above mean sea level) which encompasses approximately 8,000 surface acres. There is roughly 81 miles of shoreline with a total land and water cover of approximately 13,000 acres.
Waco Lake offers many opportunities for water sports, fishing, hunting, boating, or just relaxed living. During your visit to Waco Lake, be sure to take advantage of all the recreational opportunities and natural beauty that the lake has to offer.
Hunting can take place in any of our eight wildlife management areas, except for waterfowl which is restricted to certain areas. For a detailed illustration of where these WMAs are located, please reference our USACE hunting maps or the USACE hunting app.
Game is limited to waterfowl, dove, feral hog, squirrel, rabbit, coyote, and white-tailed deer. Permitted hunters must follow the seasons set forth by Texas Parks and Wildlife and all USACE regulations. Detailed information regarding seasons can be found in the TPWD Outdoor Annual.
White-tailed deer and feral hogs may be hunted using Archery ONLY and can be hunted in any of our eight wildlife management areas (WMAs)
Waterfowl hunting is restricted to areas within the northern and southern zones of the lake. Waterfowl may only 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.
NEW WORLD SCREWWORM (NWS)
New World Screwworm has been detected in Texas. NWS are parasitic flies that lay eggs in open wounds or nostrils, eyes, and mouths of live warm-blooded animals.
If you see any LIVE animals with maggots' report to TPWD immediately. For more information visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/diseases/screwworm/
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 Waco Lake.
Permit & Season Information
A Waco Lake hunting permit allows the individual permit holder to hunt permitted game within any of the eight Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). A permit is required for all participants aged 17 and over. Participants under 17 years of age do not need to obtain a permit but must be accompanied by a permitted adult at all times. All hunters must have a State issued hunting license as well as Hunters Education.
Visitors will be able to reserve a permit starting on September 1, 2026; however, a permit can be purchased at any time for the defined hunting season of September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027. Visitors receiving a permit will be authorized to hunt for the entire season. The permit holder will be required to print their permit and must have it available upon request as well as displayed on the dash of their vehicle.
Seasons and bag limits are set by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and must be obeyed.
Need to Know
Waco Lake is a flood control water resource project. This means that prolonged periods of intense rain within our watershed could lead to lake levels rising. It is critical that all visitors be aware of weather conditions and current lake levels. Lake levels and other important information can be found on our website.
Waco Lake reserves the right to close any Wildlife Management Area (WMA) based on need. We currently have ongoing mitigation projects in multiple WMA locations. NO REFUNDS will be issued in the event that a WMA is closed.
Selection & Acceptance:
Permit purchases will be submitted through Recreation.gov. Permit holders will receive an email that contains confirmation of their purchase as well as a copy of the permit for their records.
Visitors will be required to provide the following information in order to submit their reservation: First Name, Last Name, Address, Phone Number, Email Address linked to their Recreation.gov account, Vehicle Information of up to 2 vehicles, and Hunting License Number.
A separate permit is required for all participants aged 17 and over. Participants under 17 years of age do not need to obtain a permit but must be accompanied by a permitted adult at all times. All participants must have a State issued hunting license and Hunter’s Education certificate (Hunter’s Education is exempt for persons born before September 2, 1971).. Visitors will not be able to purchase more than one permit per season, per Recreation.gov account.
Permit fees are non-refundable.
Additional Requirements:
Permits must be made available at request from Lake Staff or Game Wardens as well as displayed on the dash of your vehicle while hunting.
Hunters must meet all Texas Parks and Wildlife licensing, stamp, and education requirements.
Required Documents:
TPWD Hunting License with appropriate endorsements.
Proof of Hunter’s Education or Current Exemption.
Recreation.gov issued permit (proof of recreation fee payment).
Permit and Regulation Compliance:
Hunters must possess a Waco Lake USACE permit and abide by all Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and USACE regulations.
All rules listed in Title 36 Part 327 must be obeyed at all times on USACE managed lands.
For further clarification, please reference the Fort Worth District Hunting Guide
Permitted Areas and Land Use:
Hunting is allowed in designated Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) only.
This permit does not grant permission to camp, and fires are strictly prohibited anywhere within the WMAs.
Game and Weapon Restrictions
White-tailed Deer and Feral Hogs: May be hunted using archery equipment only. Hunting is permitted across all eight Waco Lake WMAs.
Waterfowl: Hunting is restricted to the northern and southern zones of the lake. Hunters must use non-toxic #2 shot or smaller.
Prohibited Gear and Methods: The use of slugs, sabots, #1's, B's, BB's, BBB's, and buckshot of any size is PROHIBITED.
Trapping or sport chasing of game or furbearers is also prohibited.
Safety and Public Access
Hunter Orange Requirements: All hunters, and anyone accompanying them, must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange while in a WMA. This must include a minimum of 144 square inches on both the chest and back, along with hunter orange headwear. Orange may be removed or covered once settled in a blind, but must be worn while moving.
Public Safety and Access: WMAs are multi-use recreational areas. Hunters do not have exclusive use of these lands and must remain vigilant for other visitors. Hunters must use public access points or boat ramps to access their blind locations.
Blinds and Tree Stands
Tagging and Time Limits: Portable, non-bark penetrating tree stands, and ground blinds may be left in the field but must be tagged with the hunter's name, phone number, and placement date.
Tags are valid for seven consecutive days, after which the equipment must be removed or re-tagged with For further clarification of hunting regulations set forth by USACE, please reference the Fort Worth District Hunting Guide.
Fee Policy
Reservation Fee:
In order to purchase a permit, individuals will be required to pay a $15 recreation fee.
This fee is non-refundable and must be processed through Recreation.gov.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy:
No refunds will be offered for the Waco Lake Public Hunting Permit.
Change Policy:
No changes may be made to the hunting permit once it has been generated.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
3801 Zoo Park Road Waco TX 76708
Office Hours: Mon – Fri 8:00am – 4:30pm. Closed Sat – Sun, Federal Holidays.
Phone Number
(254) 756-5359
