Lake Georgetown Waterfowl 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 Other Small Game (dove, rabbits, and squirrels), Waterfowl, and archery- deer hunting only. Hunting is allowed by permit only. Permits must be obtained through the Lake Georgetown office. 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.
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.
Notifications and Alerts
The Lake Georgetown Waterfowl Hunt Permits lottery for the 2026-2027 season will open for applications on July 1, 2026 at 9am CT.
Due to higher-than-normal lake elevation, the Swim Beach Area is closed.
Permit & Season Information
Permit holders will be eligible to hunt Waterfowl at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) managed lands at Lake Georgetown during specified seasons. This permit alone does not guarantee the applicant the right to hunt. Applicants must obtain USACE permits and sign a hunting waiver prior to receiving an official hunting permit from the lake office. Refer to the Need-to-Know section of this page for more information on requirements. Waterfowl is managed by USACE and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Feral hogs are NOT allowed be harvested under this permit. Seasons and bag limits are set by TPWD but may be further restricted by USACE. Hunters must use legal 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. All federal, state, and local laws apply on government property.
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 from the lake office.
The Recreation.gov process alone does not guarantee the applicant the right to hunt.
Permit fees and application fees are non-refundable.
Permit Pick-up:
Official hunting permits (vehicle and individual) are issued by the Lake Georgetown Office, available for pick-up starting August 25, 2026.
Hunters must complete additional requirements to receive permit.
Additional Requirements:
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.
Required Documents:
Photo I.D.
TPWD Hunting License.
Proof of Hunter’s Education or Current Exemption.
Signed Lake Georgetown Waiver of Liability.
Recreation.gov issued confirmation email and receipt (proof of recreation fee payment).
Rules and Regulations:
Hunting is allowed in designated areas only.
Other Small Game hunting is by shotgun only.
Shotguns are limited to #2 shot or smaller. Use of #1, B’s, BB’s, BBB’s, Buckshot (any size) and slugs, sabots is PROHIBITED.
Hunters must possess lake issued permit while hunting.
Hunting locations are available on a first-come-first serve basis, only after the hunter has received their permits.
Hunting areas are used for other recreational and wildlife management purposes. Hunters do not have exclusive use of these areas.
The use of motorized vehicles to include or not limited to, E-bikes, motorcycles, golf carts, UTVs, ATVs, automobiles, uni-cycles, mini-bikes, snowmobiles, dune buggies, etc. are not allowed for use on designated hiking trail.
The Recreation.gov process alone does not guarantee the applicant the right to hunt. Applicants must complete additional requirements to receive official hunting permits from the lake office.
Only one hunter will be allowed to hunt under each permit. Applicants may only submit one application per season. Minimum age limits and restrictions apply.
No modifications are allowed for this permit. This permit is non-transferable. Permit fees are non-refundable.
Hunters must abide by all USACE and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Regulations and report violations.
Refer to the Need-to-Know Section of this webpage or the USACE Lake Georgetown Webpage for more information on requirements.
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.
Hunters must abide by harvest requirements, per species, set by TPWD.
Camping is allowed in designated areas only. Camping reservations must be made through Recreation.gov.
To access hunting areas through private properties, hunters must receive permission from the landowner. USACE is not responsible for violations involving trespass on private property.
Harassment of other hunters, recreating visitors, or property owners will not be tolerated.
Penalties:
Hunters must abide by all TPWD and USACE regulations. Hunters are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations. Failure to abide by rules and regulations may result in revocation of hunting permits and loss of hunting privileges.
All hunters must abide by regulations found in Part 327, Chapter III, Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and report violators, particularly those involving digging, riding ATV's, camping or burning fires in non-designated areas or during fire bans. Any person who violates the provisions of the regulations in this part may be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. To report violations to a Park Ranger, contact the Lake Georgetown Office at 512-930-5253.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has the authority to enforce state fish and game laws on public property. For more detailed information on game and fish regulations, contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement offices, or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at 800-792-1112 or 512-389-4800 (Mon–Fri 8AM – 5PM).
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 $15.00 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 Drive Georgetown TX 78633
Phone Number
(512) 930-5253
