Hunt unit · Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

1 Hunt Unit Map & Access

Special regsPermit requiredYouth opportunity

The 1 unit is one of 4 mapped hunt units on Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge in Travis County, TX. It covers approximately 17,804 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.

17,804acres
Special regsstatus 2026–27
Yesrefuge permit
Travis Countycounty

1 map

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OpenSpecial regulationsClosedFWS-owned landWPA (public)Refuge boundaryEasement (private) Tip: switch to Satellite or USGS Topo in the layer menu · click the map for GPS coordinates
Downloads (whole refuge):KMLGPX

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: Other. Obtain via: Online Other, Other.

All species: Dove (Eurasian-collared, White-winged, mourning), Pigeon/Rock dove, White-tailed deer, Feral Hog and Turkey

🧒 A free hunt is offered for hunters ages 12-16.

Game at Balcones Canyonlands 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 1 unit

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Destination: center of the 1 unit

Decimal
30.55277, -98.01266
DMS
30°33′10.0″N 98°00′45.6″W

Nearest towns

  • Austin, TX25 mi NW of town
  • San Antonio, TX83 mi N of town
  • Waco, TX86 mi SW 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 1

Legal light*–
Sunrise–
Sunset–

*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

DateShooting lightSunriseSunsetDaylight
Tue, Sep 1, 20266:38 AM7:08 AM7:56 PM12h 49m
Tue, Sep 15, 20266:45 AM7:15 AM7:39 PM12h 24m
Thu, Oct 1, 20266:54 AM7:24 AM7:18 PM11h 54m
Thu, Oct 15, 20267:03 AM7:33 AM7:02 PM11h 29m
Sun, Nov 1, 20266:15 AM6:45 AM5:45 PM10h 59m
Sun, Nov 15, 20266:27 AM6:57 AM5:36 PM10h 38m
Tue, Dec 1, 20266:41 AM7:11 AM5:31 PM10h 20m
Tue, Dec 15, 20266:51 AM7:21 AM5:32 PM10h 11m
Fri, Jan 1, 20276:58 AM7:28 AM5:41 PM10h 12m
Fri, Jan 15, 20276:59 AM7:29 AM5:51 PM10h 22m
Mon, Feb 1, 20276:53 AM7:23 AM6:06 PM10h 43m

Computed for 30.553, -98.013 (CDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.

Weather forecast

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Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.

Other units at Balcones Canyonlands NWR

UnitStatusAcresPermit
2Special regs4,367Required
3Special regs97Required
4Special regs279Required

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