Hunt unit · Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge
Matthes Field Hunt Unit Map & Access
The Matthes Field unit is one of 3 mapped hunt units on Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge in Matagorda County, TX. It covers approximately 253 acres and is listed as “open to hunting” for 2026–2027. Hunting generally follows state seasons and bag limits, along with general refuge rules.
Matthes Field map
Rules & permits for this unit
Status: Open to hunting
Hunting follows Texas seasons, bag limits and licensing, plus general National Wildlife Refuge rules.
Game at Big Boggy 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 Matthes Field unit
Navigate
Destination: center of the Matthes Field unit
- Decimal
28.77797, -95.82642- DMS
28°46′40.7″N 95°49′35.1″W
Nearest towns
- Bay City, TX16 mi SE of town
- Victoria, TX71 mi E of town
- Galveston, TX72 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 Matthes Field
*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 | 6:30 AM | 7:00 AM | 7:46 PM | 12h 46m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:37 AM | 7:07 AM | 7:29 PM | 12h 22m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:45 AM | 7:15 AM | 7:10 PM | 11h 55m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 6:53 AM | 7:23 AM | 6:54 PM | 11h 31m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 6:04 AM | 6:34 AM | 5:38 PM | 11h 04m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:15 AM | 6:45 AM | 5:30 PM | 10h 44m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 6:28 AM | 6:58 AM | 5:26 PM | 10h 27m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 6:38 AM | 7:08 AM | 5:28 PM | 10h 19m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 6:46 AM | 7:16 AM | 5:36 PM | 10h 20m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 6:47 AM | 7:17 AM | 5:46 PM | 10h 30m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 6:41 AM | 7:11 AM | 6:01 PM | 10h 49m |
Computed for 28.778, -95.826 (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 Big Boggy NWR
| Unit | Status | Acres | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelton Lake | ✓Open | 1,013 | — |
| Closed | ✕Closed | 2,935 | — |