Whitney And Aquilla Lakes Public Hunting Permit

Whitney Lake

The Whitney and Aquilla Lakes hunting permit allows access to approximately 18,000 acres of public hunting land in Bosque and Hill Counties. The hunting areas are broken into individually numbered zones, known as Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). A single permit is good for all zones and all legal game identified on the website during the permit period. Hunters must carry proof of permit while hunting in a WMA.

About the Project

Whitney Lake and associated federal lands are located in Bosque, Hill, and Johnson Counties, Texas. Whitney Lake consists of 23,560  surface acres of water and 225 miles of shoreline. The total project area encompasses 45,486 acres of federal land and water. The project provides several recreational opportunities, including boating, hiking, hunting, fishing, swimming, and camping.

Aquilla Lake and associated federal lands are located within Hill County, Texas, on the confluence of Aquilla and Hackberry Creeks, which are a part of the Brazos River Basin. Aquilla Lake covers 3,084 surface acres and has 44 miles of shoreline. The total project area includes 10,213 acres of federal land and water. The area offers ample fishing and hunting opportunities.

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.

Notifications and Alerts

• Whitney and Aquilla Lakes Public Hunting Permits for the 2025-2026 season will be available for purchase beginning August 29, 2025 at 9am CT.

Permit & Season Information

The Whitney and Aquilla Lakes hunting permit allows access to approximately 18,000 acres of public hunting land in Bosque and Hill Counties. The hunting areas are broken into individually numbered zones, known as Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). A single permit is good for all zones and all legal game identified on the website during the permit period.

This permit covers one adult hunter per season. Children under 9 years old are not permitted to hunt but may accompany a permitted adult. Minors 9-16 years old do not need a permit to hunt as long as they are licensed to hunt in the state of Texas and are accompanied by a permitted adult. “Accompanied” means you must be within normal voice control of the permitted adult hunter.

Permits expire on August 31st annually, regardless of the date of purchase. All applicable State and Federal game laws apply.

Need to Know

• Hunters will not be able to purchase more than one permit per season, per Recreation.gov account. Children under 9 years old are not permitted to hunt but may accompany a permitted adult. Minors 9-16 years old do not need a permit to hunt as long as they are licensed to hunt in the state of Texas and are accompanied by a permitted adult. “Accompanied” means you must be within normal voice control of the permitted adult hunter.

• Permit holders must print 2 copies of their permit. One copy should be displayed in your windshield when parked at a WMA; the second copy should be carried at all times while hunting in the WMA.

• Deer and feral hog hunting is restricted to legal archery equipment only.

• 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 arrow-guns), handguns, and muzzleloaders are prohibited.

• The installation of feeders is prohibited. Hand scattering corn or feed and the use of feed or mineral blocks are allowed. The construction of feeder pens is prohibited.

• It is illegal to hunt migratory game birds in a baited area. There are active cattle grazing leases at both projects; hunters should expect bait sites to be used by cattle.

• 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. All stands and blinds 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 immediate impoundment. Screw-in or nail-in tree steps and spikes are prohibited. Any personal property left on public lands unattended will be impounded. Impounded property may be claimed at the Whitney Lake Office, and owners will be issued a citation. Unclaimed property will be destroyed after 120 days of impoundment.

• The use of distress calls, whether electronic, manual, or windblown, to attract any species of wildlife for any purpose is PROHIBITED.

• 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, livestock, 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.

• Hunting is prohibited anywhere signs are posted stating "No Hunting,” as well as within 100 feet of the WMA boundary.

• All applicable State and Federal Laws are in full force.

• Failure to follow rules may result in revocation of your permit.

Fee Policy

Recreation Fee: $25.00

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be offered for the Whitney and Aquilla Lakes Hunting permit.

Change Policy: Modifications may not be made to a permit once issued. Permits are not transferable

Contact Information

Mailing Address

285 CR 3602 Clifton TX 76634

Phone Number

(254) 622-3332

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