Hunt unit · Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
3 Hunt Unit Map & Access
The 3 unit is one of 4 mapped hunt units on Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge in Travis County, TX. It covers approximately 97 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.
3 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: 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 3 unit
Navigate
Destination: center of the 3 unit
- Decimal
30.53584, -98.04590- DMS
30°32′09.0″N 98°02′45.2″W
Nearest towns
- Austin, TX26 mi NW of town
- San Antonio, TX82 mi N of town
- Waco, TX88 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 3
*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 | 6:38 AM | 7:08 AM | 7:56 PM | 12h 49m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:45 AM | 7:15 AM | 7:39 PM | 12h 24m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:54 AM | 7:24 AM | 7:18 PM | 11h 54m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 7:03 AM | 7:33 AM | 7:02 PM | 11h 29m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 6:16 AM | 6:46 AM | 5:45 PM | 10h 59m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:27 AM | 6:57 AM | 5:36 PM | 10h 38m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 6:41 AM | 7:11 AM | 5:31 PM | 10h 20m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 6:51 AM | 7:21 AM | 5:32 PM | 10h 11m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 6:58 AM | 7:28 AM | 5:41 PM | 10h 12m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 6:59 AM | 7:29 AM | 5:51 PM | 10h 22m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 6:53 AM | 7:23 AM | 6:07 PM | 10h 43m |
Computed for 30.536, -98.046 (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.