Hunt unit · Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Blackjack South Hunt Unit Map & Access
The Blackjack South unit is one of 6 mapped hunt units on Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Aransas County, TX. It covers approximately 15,946 acres and is listed as “open – special regulations apply” for 2026–2027. That means hunting is permitted, but refuge-specific rules — such as limited species, dates, weapon types, access methods or quota permits — apply on top of state regulations. A refuge permit is required.
Blackjack South map
Rules & permits for this unit
Status: Open – special regulations apply
Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Texas regulations. Typical special regulations include limited species or seasons, quota/lottery permits, weapon restrictions (e.g. archery or shotgun only), shooting-hour limits, blind or stand rules and restricted access.
Refuge permit required. Type: Signed Brochure or Similar. Obtain via: Kiosk, Online FWS, Visitor Center.
A signed refuge tearsheet is required to be carried at all times by individuals hunting on the refuge.
🧒 Two rifle hunts, for white-tailed deer and feral hogs, are held each year. Permits are issued by lottery.
Game at Aransas NWR
Species listed for the refuge as a whole — a special-regulation unit may be limited to certain species. Confirm in the hunt brochure.
Getting to the Blackjack South unit
Navigate
Destination: center of the Blackjack South unit
- Decimal
28.18649, -96.89306- DMS
28°11′11.4″N 96°53′35.0″W
Nearest towns
- Rockport, TX15 mi NE of town
- Corpus Christi, TX41 mi NE of town
- Victoria, TX44 mi S of town
Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.
The navigation point is a point inside the unit polygon, not necessarily a parking area or legal access point. Use satellite view to find roads, gates and designated parking, and respect closed areas and private inholdings.
Shooting hours at this unit
Today at Blackjack South
*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in Chicago local time.
Full season calculator →2026–2027 season sun table
| Date | Shooting light | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | 6:35 AM | 7:05 AM | 7:50 PM | 12h 45m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:41 AM | 7:11 AM | 7:33 PM | 12h 22m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:49 AM | 7:19 AM | 7:14 PM | 11h 55m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 6:57 AM | 7:27 AM | 6:59 PM | 11h 32m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 6:08 AM | 6:38 AM | 5:43 PM | 11h 06m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:19 AM | 6:49 AM | 5:35 PM | 10h 46m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 6:31 AM | 7:01 AM | 5:31 PM | 10h 30m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 6:41 AM | 7:11 AM | 5:33 PM | 10h 22m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 6:49 AM | 7:19 AM | 5:41 PM | 10h 23m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 6:50 AM | 7:20 AM | 5:52 PM | 10h 32m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 6:45 AM | 7:15 AM | 6:06 PM | 10h 51m |
Computed for 28.186, -96.893 (CDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.
Weather forecast
Loading National Weather Service forecast…
Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.
Other units at Aransas NWR
| Unit | Status | Acres | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matagorda North | ✓Open | 18,962 | Required |
| Blackjack North | !Special regs | 19,738 | Required |
| Closed Area | ✕Closed | 17,177 | Required |
| Matagorda South | ✕Closed | 11,563 | Required |
| Tatton | ✕Closed | 7,383 | Required |