While "national parks" don't allow hunting within their borders, "national preserves" do, and beginning Septembrer 1 hunting permits will be distributed at Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas.

Available permits will be issued until February 28, 2016. Permits will be issued at the preserve visitor center located 8 miles north of Kountze at the intersection of US 69 and FM 420 at 6102 FM 420 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Big Thicket hunting permits allow hunters to take white-tailed deer, squirrel, rabbit, feral hog, and waterfowl in season. Hogs may also be taken during the extended hog-only season.

* Everyone who hunts in the Big Thicket must have a Big Thicket hunting permit, including children 12 and under. 

* Hunters must apply in person and may hunt in only one hunting unit.

* All hunters must bring their valid Texas Hunting License.

* When hunting in the preserve, any child under 9 years old must be accompanied by a licensed permitted hunter at least 17 years old.

Hunters who failed to return their harvest cards for the 2014/2015 season will not be eligible to hunt in Big Thicket National Preserve during the 2015/16 hunting season. The deadline for returning hunter harvest cards after the 2015/2016 season will be April 1, 2016. There will be no grace period.

Available Permits per Unit: Beaumont Unit–200; Beech Creek Unit–150; Big Sandy Creek Unit–400; Jack Gore Baygall Unit–400; Lance Rosier Unit–900; and Neches Bottom Unit–150.

For more information, contact Big Thicket National Preserve at (409) 951-6700 or (409) 951-6821.

As a reminder, Big Thicket National Preserve and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Hardin County will be conducting a one-day workshop on feral hogs. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, August 5, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Big Thicket National Preserve Visitor Center. Due to limited seating capacity, pre-registration is required.

To register by phone, call Big Thicket National Preserve Visitor Center at 409-951-6700. To register by e-mail, contact [email protected] with a subject line of: Registration –Hog Meeting, include your name, number in your group attending, and the total number of individuals interested in ordering lunch for $7 per person. The deadline to register for the free event is Friday, July 31st by 5 p.m., though later registrations will be considered.