The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s new online-only public hunt drawing system is now live, the agency reported.
The new online-only system is currently accepting applications for drawn hunts for the 2014-15 calendar. This includes special permit hunts, E-Postcard hunts and United States Forest Service Antlerless Deer Permits.
The entire process – from applications to fee payments and permit issuance – is being handled electronically.
“Applications for Drawings on Public Hunting Lands,” booklets, application forms and permits will no longer be mailed out.
Hunting options can be browsed online by category, and there is an interactive map. A downloadable PDF of the catalog is also available.
Hunters can apply for multiple hunt areas within the same category, and the online system allows individuals more time to fill out applications. Applicants will have until midnight Central Time on the day of a given deadline to apply.
Applicants will also retain and accrue Preference Points, now called Loyalty Points. People will be able to check their application status and Loyalty Points online.
Only complete and accurate applications will be accepted, the TPWD reported. Once an application submission and billing process are completed, orders cannot be canceled and fees will not be returned.
All applicants must have a customer account. Those who do not have an account must create one with the new system, with a unique ID number. An ID number can be a Texas driver’s license number, social security number or passport number.
The drawn hunts program offers hunting experiences at more than 80 locations in the state in more than two dozen hunting categories.
Adult application fees for special permits are either $3 or $10 depending on category. Adult hunters that are selected will also need to pay an additional permit fee of $80 for regular hunts and $130 for extended hunts. There are no application fees for hunters ages 8-16, and non-hunting supervising adults.
To participate, applicants need Internet access, an email address, and a credit or debit card. Application deadlines start in August and wrap up in January.
For more information, call the TPWD at 1-512-389-4505 during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or email: hunt@tpwd.texas.gov. There also a link to the new system on the TPWD website.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department