Commission authorizes Sept. 1, 2026–Aug. 31, 2027 open season on public hunting lands; approves park hunting activities

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission voted May 28 to authorize an open season on public hunting lands from Sept. 1, 2026, through Aug. 31, 2027, and to approve specific public-hunting activities on state park units listed in Exhibit A.

Kevin Mote, the department’s private lands and public-hunting program director, explained that the commission must provide for an open season to allow hunting activities on public hunting lands and that staff recommends the two motions: authorization of the open season and approval of specified hunting activities on state park units covered by Exhibit A. He said the department had received 60 comments as of 5 p.m. the prior day, with 53 in agreement and four expressing complete disagreement.

Vice-Chairman Bell raised safety concerns from some commenters. Mote clarified that most state parks are closed to the general public during supervised hunts, that hunts are by drawn permit (not an open-gates model), and that participants must check in, receive orientation and check out. "They are drawing hunters... those parks are closed during the period that the hunt is taking place," Mote said, describing supervision and orientation procedures intended to reduce risk.

Public commenters included Jake Walker of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, who thanked the commission for maintaining hunting and fishing opportunities on public lands, and Brant Buchanan, who expressed support for the public-hunting program and urged future action on harvest reporting for certain species.

The commission approved both motions by voice vote.