Whitney & Aquilla Lakes Hunting Policy 2024-2025
AREAS
Permitted public hunting is available on approximately 18,000 acres in parts of Bosque County and Hill County. Hunting is not the exclusive use of these areas. Exercise caution when accessing these areas as some parts may be used by hikers, equestrian riders, bird watchers, etc. It is the hunter’s responsibility to become familiar with the area and the limits of public lands. Hunting on permitted U.S. Army Corps of Engineers public land does not give one the right to cross or access private property. The hunting areas of Whitney/Aquilla Lakes are broken into individually numbered Wildlife Management Area (WMA) zones. These WMA zones are separated for tracking harvest numbers and hunter density ratios.
PERMITS
Hunting is by permit only. Children under 12 years old are not permitted to hunt, but may accompany a permitted adult. All hunters must obtain a new permit each year. Permit periods will be concurrent with the Texas Parks and Wildlife hunting license renewal dates. This requirement applies to all hunters regardless of season or game hunted. A single permit is good for all zones and all legal game identified on the website during the permit period. Permit requires an application, signed liability waiver, of valid state hunting license, hunter safety card or proof of hunter safety course and a valid driver’s license. Returning hunters must also complete a hunter survey by June 1 from the previous season prior to acquiring their new permit. Any hunter that has obtained a permit in the past MUST register for a hunting permit on the website. If a hunter needs their hunting permit number to apply they may call the Whitney Lake Office at (254) 622-3332. First time hunters may register for a permit by sending a copy of the required documentation to: Whitney Lake Office, 285 CR 3602, Clifton, TX 76634, Permits will be processed and the applicant will receive a call or message with their permit number so that they can login to the website and print their permit. No applications will be accepted via FAX or email. All permitted hunters will have to print their permit card and a vehicle tag. Hunters must have their permit card on their person and vehicle tag visible in the windshield of the vehicle while hunting at Whitney & Aquilla Lakes. By accepting this card hunters acknowledge receipt and understanding of hunting regulations and applicable state laws. Hunting without a valid hunting permit will constitute trespassing, and harvesting game without a valid hunting permit will constitute poaching.
HUNTER SAFETY/HUNTER EDUCATION REQUIRMENT
The State of Texas requires every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born after September 2, 1971, to successfully complete a Hunter Education training course. The basic hunter education information is available on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
- NO PERMITS WILL BE ISSUED TO ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 12.
- Persons aged 12-16 must be accompanied by a “permitted” adult 17 years of age or older. All minors must successfully complete a hunter education course and be accompanied while hunting.
- Accompanied means: By a person who is at least 17, who is licensed to hunt in Texas, who has passed hunter education or is exempt (born before Sept. 2, 1971), and you must be within normal voice control. Proof of certification or deferral is required to be on your person while hunting. Note: Proof of certification is not required to purchase a hunting license.
- Persons 17 years of age and older must sign the Corps of Engineers Waiver of Liability statement and meet one of the following:
- Successfully complete a hunter education course.
- Purchase a “Hunter Education Deferral” and you must be accompanied while hunting.
- Or be exempt by Texas State Law if you were born before September 2, 1971
BLAZE ORANGE
All hunters are required to wear a minimum of 400 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange above the waist (at least 144 square inches must be visible on both the chest and back) and some type of orange head wear when walking in a designated hunting area. Persons hunting deer, turkey, or feral hog during state archery only season and persons hunting turkey, waterfowl, or migratory birds may remove the orange outerwear when they reach their blind or immediate hunting area. No other exceptions will be made.
AUTHORIZED WEAPONS
Deer and feral hog hunting is restricted to legal archery equipment only. Crossbows are allowed. Shotguns are authorized for hunting other game during legal seasons in areas open for hunting. Anyone hunting with a shotgun may not use, or possess any ammunition larger than #2 shot. The use of non-toxic US Fish and Wildlife Service approved shot is required for waterfowl hunting. All weapons MUST be unloaded when transported to, from and between hunting sites. Target practice or the "sighting in/zeroing" of any weapon is strictly prohibited. Rifles (of any caliber, including air rifles, BB guns or arrowguns), handguns, and muzzleloaders are prohibited.
FEEDING/BAITING
The installation of feeders is prohibited. Hand scattering of corn or feed and use of feed or mineral blocks is allowed. It is illegal to hunt migratory game birds in a baited area. The construction of feeder pens is prohibited.
USE OF CALLS
The use of distress calls, whether electronic, manual, or windblown, to attract any species of wildlife for any purpose is PROHIBITED. Non-electronic duck or goose calls are permitted during waterfowl hunting. Rattling horns and grunt tubes are permitted. Manual or electronic turkey calls are permitted during turkey season.
600 FOOT BUFFER
Hunting is prohibited anywhere signs are posted stating "No Hunting” as well as within 600 feet of any occupied dwellings or within 600 feet of the boundaries of developed parks.
HUNTING BLINDS & GAME CAMERAS
Natural hunting blinds made of loose materials or portable blinds are authorized for hunting deer or waterfowl. No standing vegetation, live or dead, may be cut for any purpose. Hunting blinds may not be built in, nailed or screwed to trees. Tree stands are restricted to portable, non-bark penetrating types only. Stands must be removed when not in actual use. Hunting blinds must be removed and transported off of public lands after each hunt. The abandonment of property is prohibited and any personal property left unattended will be assumed abandoned and subject to imediate impoundment. Screw in or nail in tree steps and spikes are prohibited. Any personal property left on public lands unattended will be confiscated, and a citation will be issued for the return of any personal property.
SPORT CHASING/TRAPPING
Dogs may be used to hunt rabbits, squirrels, game birds and migratory game birds in compliance with Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations. Any hunter using dogs in legal hunting activities must exercise control over their dog(s). SPORT CHASING IS PROHIBITED. Sport chasing is defined as using or allowing dogs to pursue, harass, chase, catch, injure, or kill wildlife. THE TRAPPING OR SNARING OF GAME OR FURBEARERS IS PROHIBITED.
LEGAL GAME/SEASONS
The legal species that are allowed to be pursued on permitted U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands include dove, squirrel, rabbit, waterfowl, turkey, white-tailed deer and feral hogs. Hunting seasons and bag limits are determined by the State of Texas. All state hunting laws apply on Corps of Engineers managed lands. Furbearers as well as game and nongame animals which are not listed above, may not be hunted or taken. NIGHT HUNTING IS PROHIBITED ON BOTH WHITNEY AND AQUILLA LAKES.
CAMPING
Camping is not allowed within the hunting areas or at access points. Camping is available only at designated campsites in public parks at Whitney Lake. No camping is permitted at Aquilla Lake.
VEHICLES/PARKING
All vehicles must be parked at the designated access points identified on the map or at a boat launch if accessing a WMA by boat. Vehicles should not be parked blocking gates. All vehicles must visibly display the vehicle parking tags of all permitted hunters transported by the vehicle while parked at a designated WMA access point. It is a violation of federal regulations to drive a vehicle through, around or beyond a restrictive sign, recognizable barricade, fence, or traffic control barrier. Use of off-road vehicles is prohibited in hunting areas. Unauthorized use of off-road vehicles, E-Bikes, UTV's or ATV’s may constitute trespassing and/or revocation of the hunting permit.
VIOLATIONS
Violators of any of these provisions are subject to a fine and/or loss of hunting privileges. By accepting a hunting permit, hunters agree that they have been furnished a copy of the rules, understand its entirety and agree to comply with all applicable state and federal laws.
INFORMATION
Additional information may be obtained by calling the Whitney Lake Office at 254-622-3332. This condensed hunting policy statement may not be all-inclusive. If a specific question or situation is not addressed here, contact the Whitney Lake Office for more information or clarification. Hunting information may also be obtained by visiting the Whitney Lake Website.
Whitney Lake WMA descriptions:
H1: Chisholm Trail Area. From the southwest boundary of Chisholm Trail Park to the Hwy 174 bridge. Is clearly fenced and signed.
H2: Hwy 174 Area. From the SE side of the Hwy 174 bridge along the east lake shore to the railroad bridge. Is clearly fenced and signed.
H3: Nolan River area. From the railroad bridge to the old Nolan River Park boat ramp. Is clearly fenced and signed.
H4: Blum Area. From the old Nolan River Park boat ramp, along the N/ NW shore of the Nolan River to Hwy 933 just outside Blum. Is completely fenced.
H5: Adair Springs Area. From Hwy 933 in Blum along the S/SE side of the Nolan River to the confluence of the Nolan River and the Brazos. Is partially fenced.
H6: Steiner Valley Area. From the end of H5 at the confluence of the Nolan River and Brazos, along the east shore of the lake, to the marked access point on HCR 1145 LP. Is clearly fenced and signed.
H7: Bear Creek Area. From White Bluff Marina to Corps property adjacent to Fairview Ct. Is partially fenced and signed.
H8: Cedar Creek Area. On the N side of FM 2604 at the Cedar Creek Bridge. Is completely fenced and signed.
H9: McCown Valley Area. From south end of McCown Valley Park to the north side of Lake Whitney State Park on FM 1244 just outside the city of Whitney. Is completely fenced and signed.
H10: From FM1244 near the Whitney State Park to the Towash Creek Bridge on Hwy 22. Area is completely fenced and marked.
H11: Lofer’s Bend Area. From the east boundary of Lofers Bend Park to the lakeshore at the end of HCR 2105. Area is completely fenced and signed.
H12: Towash Creek East of Highway 22. Area is completely fenced and signed. Only one access point on the south side of the HWY 22 bridge.
H13: Along HCR 2109. Area is completely fenced and signed.
B1: Kimball Bend Area. From the access area across Hwy 174 from Kimball Bend Park along the west shore of the lake towards Indian Lodge.
B2: Mesa Grande Area. From the S/SE side of the Railroad bridge on BCR 1990 to the marked access points across the railroad tracks at the end of BRC 1991. Is completely fenced and signed.
B3: Plowman Creek Area. From the marked access points along the road at the end of BCR 1991, south to the northern end of Plowman Creek Park and the intersection of the railroad track and FM56 outside Kopperl. Completely fenced.
B4: Mesquite Creek Area. From the South end of Plowman Creek Park, along both side of FM 56 at the marked access points. Then along the lakeshore to the Morgan Lakeside Park boat ramp. Completely fenced and signed.
B5: Steele Creek Area. Along Steele Creek, east and west of FM 56. Is partially fenced. Minimal access by vehicle. The area west of FM 56 is not clearly fenced or marked.
B6: Panther Scout Area. Along the west shore of the lake, just across FM 1713 from Cedron Creek Park. Is completely fenced and marked.
B7: Cedron Creek Area. From the south end of Cedron Creek Park, back to FM 56, along Cedron Creek to the boat ramp near the Canyons subdivision. This area is fenced and marked. The area also contains a section on the west side of FM 56 which is not completely fenced or signed.
B8: King Creek Area. Is a fairly narrow, steep strip along both sides of King Creek. Is partially fenced and is only accessible by boat.
B9: Rocky Creek Area. On BCR 1606, along both sides of Rocky Creek. Is only partially fenced.
Aquilla Lake WMA descriptions:
A1: From HWY 22 on Aquilla and Little Aquilla Creeks south to CR 2415 S.
A2: From CR 2415 S, on Aquilla Creek, south to FM 1534.
A3: From FM 1534 south to the Old School Boat Ramp. NOTE: the small piece of Corps property north of FM1534 and west of CR 2128 is not a designated hunting area.
A4: From the Old School Boat Ramp south to the fence line just north of the Aquilla Dam &/or the water line. NOTE: 1) Hunting is not permitted from the Dam side of the channel. 2) The only approved pedestrian access to this area is from the Old School Boat Ramp.
A5: From the FM 1534 Access Area east along the shore to FM 1947, with access points at the ends of CR 2437 and FM 3440.
A6: From FM 1947 east to the fence line east of Jacks Branch, with access point at the end of CR 3428 and along CR 2431.
A7: From CR 2446 west to FM 1947.
A8: Corps property along Hackberry Creek from the Southwest side of Hillsboro south to CR 2446 and west to the boarder of A6. Accessible at four locations along CR 2452 N.
Whitney Lake Hunting Web Site.
https://whitneylakehunting.tamu.edu/