Big Thicket will issue hunting permits

Big Thicket National Preserve Superintendent Todd Brindle has announced improvements to the hunting permit system for the 2007-08 fall hunting season for the Preserve. The improvements will make it easier for the public to receive a free permit.

Under the new system, qualified applicants can receive a permit in person any time between June 20, 2007, and the end of the Big Thicket hunting season on Feb. 28, 2008. Permits will be available daily from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day) at the Preserve Visitor Center located at the intersection of Highway 69 and FM 420, approximately eight miles north of Kountze, Texas. In addition, the Preserve has temporarily removed the limits on the number of permits, which will eliminate the need to stand in line to receive a permit.

Brindle stated: "In the past, hunters had only three days to obtain a permit. We want to make it easier for the public to get a free hunting permit and at the same time reduce our operating costs."

Permits will continue to be issued free of charge and will allow hunters to take white-tailed deer, squirrel, rabbit, feral hog, and waterfowl from specific units of the Preserve. Everyone who meets the minimum requirements will receive a permit.

Brindle further stated: "The extended hog hunting season was very successful last year, and we will continue the season again this year." The season will start on Jan. 13, 2008, and end on Feb. 28, 2008. The extended hoghunting permit will be available upon request.

As in the past, each hunter must be present to receive a permit and may receive a permit for only one unit. Adults are required to have a driver's license or some other form of official identification. Minors are required to have some type of official identification, such as a birth certificate, school identification card, etc. Children who are not 13 years of age by Oct. 1 of the fall hunting season do not need a permit to hunt in the Big Thicket. However, they must hunt with a licensed permitted hunter 17 years of age or older. The Preserve still requires that hunters meet the deadline for the return of our harvest cards. For the 2007/2008 season harvest cards are due by April 7, 2008.

Brindle also stated: "We are looking for volunteers who have computer skills, data entry skills, and the ability to work with the public to assist in the permitting of hunters."

Hunter volunteer applications can be obtained in person at Big Thicket National Preserve Visitor Center, 6102 FM 420, Kountze, Texas 77625, or by telephone request at (409) 951-6725.

For more information contact Big Thicket National Preserve at (409) 951-6831 or 6725.