National Wildlife Refuge · Texas · FWS Region 2

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Hunting & Fishing Guide 2026–27

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge lies in Cameron County, Texas, with about 100,794 acres of land owned in fee by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For the 2026–2027 season the refuge has 12 mapped hunt units: 11 open with special regulations and 1 closed, covering about 80,315 huntable acres.

11 with special regs1 closedPermit required
View hunt map Directions Official hunting page ↗
12hunt units
80.3Khuntable acres
101KFWS-owned acres
4game categories

Laguna Atascosa NWR hunt unit map

Hunt units are colored by 2026–2027 status. Toggle layers for FWS-owned land, the approved refuge boundary and private easements. Use satellite imagery to scout marshes, timber edges and access points.

Loading interactive map…
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
Take it into the field: KML (Google Earth / onX) GPX waypoints GeoJSON

Hunting at Laguna Atascosa NWR

Hunting opportunities include big game, waterfowl, migratory birds, and feral & exotic, subject to state seasons and refuge-specific rules. Fishing is available — freshwater fishing, tidal / saltwater fishing, and shellfishing & crabbing. A refuge permit is required for at least some activities, in addition to your state license.

Located near the southern extent of Texas, in one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge offers quality public hunting opportunities for a variety of species.

Big GameWhite-tailed and mule deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bear and other large mammalsWaterfowlDucks, geese, brant, swans (where legal) and cootsMigratory BirdsMourning dove, woodcock, snipe, rails, gallinules and sandhill craneFeral & ExoticFeral hogs and other non-native species where refuge rules allow

Categories are those listed by USFWS for this station; exact species, seasons and bag limits follow Texas regulations plus refuge-specific rules.

Hunt units (12)

Acreage by status
Special regulations: 80,315 (70%)Closed: 34,494 (30%)80.3Khuntable acres
  • Special regulations80,315 ac 70%
  • Closed34,494 ac 30%
Units by size (acres)
Closed
34,494 ac
Bahia Grande
25,482 ac
4
9,844 ac
7
9,409 ac
3
7,188 ac
8
5,602 ac
2
5,112 ac
10
4,563 ac
6
4,393 ac
5
3,549 ac
9
3,363 ac
1
1,811 ac
UnitStatusAcresPermitDetails
1
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 1,811 Required
Signed Brochure or Similar		 Hunting on the refuge.
2
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 5,112 Required
Signed Brochure or Similar		 Hunting on the refuge.
3
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 7,188 Required
Signed Brochure or Similar		 Hunting on the refuge.
4
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 9,844 Required
Signed Brochure or Similar		 Hunting on the refuge.
5
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 3,549 Required
Signed Brochure or Similar		 Hunting on the refuge.
6
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 4,393 Required
Signed Brochure or Similar		 Hunting on the refuge.
7
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 9,409 Required
Signed Brochure or Similar		 Hunting on the refuge.
8
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 5,602 Required
Signed Brochure or Similar		 Hunting on the refuge.
9
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 3,363 Required
Signed Brochure or Similar		 Hunting on the refuge.
10
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 4,563 Required
Signed Brochure or Similar		 Hunting on the refuge.
Bahia Grande
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 25,482 Required
Signed Brochure or Similar		 Hunting on the refuge.
Closed
Show on map · Directions		 Closed 34,494 Required
Signed Brochure or Similar		 Hunting on the refuge.

Laguna Atascosa NWR by the numbers

With about 80,315 huntable acres, Laguna Atascosa NWR ranks #1 of 16 refuges and stations with mapped hunting land in Texas and #32 of 420 nationwide. Roughly 70% of the acreage inside its mapped hunt units is open to hunting in some form.

The largest huntable unit is Bahia Grande (25,482 acres, special regulations), while the smallest, 1, covers 1,811 acres. Every huntable unit requires a refuge permit.

1 unit totaling 34,494 acres is closed to hunting (Closed). Closed areas often serve as sanctuaries — learn their boundaries before you set up nearby.

When to hunt Laguna Atascosa NWR

Typical U.S. season windows for the game categories offered here. Texas sets the exact dates, and refuges often open fewer days than the statewide season — use this to plan scouting, then confirm the 2026–2027 dates in the state regulations and the refuge hunt brochure.

Typical season windows — Big Game, Waterfowl, Migratory Birds, Feral & Exotic
AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJun
🦌 Big Game
Archery deerFirearm deer
🦆 Waterfowl
Early teal & gooseRegular duck & goose
🕊️ Migratory Birds
Dove (Sept. 1 opener)Woodcock & snipeLate dove split
🐗 Feral & Exotic
Feral hog (often year-round)

Permits & licenses

Refuge permit

Required

Hunting on the refuge.

Type: Signed Brochure or Similar

How to get it:

  • 💻 Online (FWS)
  • 📋 Other (see refuge)
  • 🏛️ Refuge visitor center / office

You'll also need

  • A valid Texas hunting license and any required tags or stamps — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
  • Federal Duck Stamp (waterfowl hunters 16+) and HIP certification for migratory birds
  • Non-toxic shot for waterfowl (federal requirement)
  • Hunter education certification where your state requires it
  • The current refuge hunt brochure / regulations (often must be signed and carried)

Fishing at Laguna Atascosa NWR

  • 🐟 Freshwater fishing
  • 🌊 Tidal / saltwater fishing
  • 🦀 Shellfishing & crabbing

Although the refuge does not have ownership of surface waters, the Arroyo Colorado and Laguna Madre are accessible at Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park. Bank and pier fishing, public boat ramps and camping are available within the park.

State fishing licenses and regulations apply. Some waters close seasonally to protect wildlife.

How to get to Laguna Atascosa NWR

Navigate

Destination: Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (FWS reference point)

Google Maps Apple Maps Waze
Decimal
26.19314, -97.32671
DMS
26°11′35.3″N 97°19′36.2″W

Download for GPS / onX / Google Earth:KMLGPX

Nearest towns

  • Brownsville, TX23 mi NE of town
  • Harlingen, TX23 mi E of town
  • McAllen, TX56 mi E of town
  • Corpus Christi, TX111 mi S of town

Closest airports

  • HRL Valley Intl (Harlingen)20 mi
  • BRO Brownsville/South Padre21 mi

Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.

The navigation point is the station reference location published by USFWS — often the headquarters or main entrance. For a specific hunt unit, open its page or click it on the map for coordinates and parking planning.

Sunrise, sunset & shooting hours

Today at Laguna Atascosa NWR

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 AM7:50 PM12h 42m
Tue, Sep 15, 20266:44 AM7:14 AM7:34 PM12h 21m
Thu, Oct 1, 20266:50 AM7:20 AM7:16 PM11h 56m
Thu, Oct 15, 20266:57 AM7:27 AM7:02 PM11h 35m
Sun, Nov 1, 20266:07 AM6:37 AM5:48 PM11h 11m
Sun, Nov 15, 20266:17 AM6:47 AM5:40 PM10h 53m
Tue, Dec 1, 20266:29 AM6:59 AM5:37 PM10h 38m
Tue, Dec 15, 20266:38 AM7:08 AM5:39 PM10h 31m
Fri, Jan 1, 20276:46 AM7:16 AM5:47 PM10h 32m
Fri, Jan 15, 20276:48 AM7:18 AM5:57 PM10h 40m
Mon, Feb 1, 20276:43 AM7:13 AM6:11 PM10h 57m

Computed for 26.193, -97.327 (CDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.

7-day hunting weather

Loading National Weather Service forecast…

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

Guides for hunting Laguna Atascosa NWR

Deer Hunting on National Wildlife Refuges: Quota Hunts, Archery Units and Stand Rules

How refuge deer hunts work — lotteries and quota permits, archery-only and muzzleloader units, tree-stand rules…

Public-Land Duck Hunting on National Wildlife Refuges: Tactics That Work

How to find ducks, beat the crowds and set up on refuge marshes and WPAs — scouting, timing, small decoy spreads for…

Federal Duck Stamp Explained: Who Needs One, Where to Buy It and Where the Money Goes

Everything waterfowl hunters need to know about the Federal Duck Stamp — who must carry it, signing rules, the…

Nontoxic Shot Guide for Refuge and WPA Hunters

Why lead shot is banned for waterfowl, which nontoxic loads are approved, how steel, bismuth and tungsten compare, and…

Dove Hunting on Wildlife Refuges: Managed Fields, Openers and Rules

How dove hunting works on National Wildlife Refuges — managed fields and draw days, HIP and plugged-gun rules…

HIP Certification Explained: The Harvest Information Program for Migratory Bird Hunters

What HIP is, who needs it, how to get certified in each state you hunt, and why your answers help set duck, goose and…

Laguna Atascosa NWR FAQ

Is hunting allowed at Laguna Atascosa NWR?

Yes. Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge offers hunting in 11 units (80,315 acres) during 2026–2027 for big game, waterfowl, migratory birds, and feral & exotic. Seasons follow state regulations plus refuge-specific rules in 50 CFR Part 32.

Do I need a permit to hunt Laguna Atascosa NWR?

Yes — Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge requires a refuge permit for some or all hunting. Permit type: Signed Brochure or Similar. Permits can be obtained online through fws, other, or visitor center. You also need the appropriate state hunting license and, for waterfowl, a Federal Duck Stamp.

Can you fish at Laguna Atascosa NWR?

Yes. Fishing is permitted (freshwater fishing, tidal / saltwater fishing, and shellfishing & crabbing). State fishing licenses and regulations apply along with refuge rules.

Where is Laguna Atascosa NWR located?

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is in Cameron County, Texas, about 23 miles NE of Brownsville, TX (straight-line). GPS: 26.19314, -97.32671.

What are legal shooting hours at Laguna Atascosa NWR?

Migratory game bird shooting hours are generally one-half hour before sunrise to sunset; big game and other seasons follow state rules. See the sunrise/sunset table on this page and confirm in the refuge hunt brochure.

Nearby refuges & public land

Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR

Cameron County, TX · 16 mi S

1 open9 special1 closed
🦌🦃🕊️🐇🐗

23.5K huntable acres

Santa Ana NWR

Hidalgo County, TX · 52 mi W

1 closed
No hunting listed

Aransas NWR

Calhoun County, TX · 148 mi N

1 open2 special3 closed
🦌🦆🐗🎣

54.6K huntable acres

Big Boggy NWR

Matagorda County, TX · 200 mi NE

2 open1 closed
🦆

1.3K huntable acres

San Bernard NWR

Brazoria County, TX · 215 mi NE

4 open1 closed
🦆🎣

7K huntable acres

Brazoria NWR

Brazoria County, TX · 243 mi NE

5 open1 special1 closed
🦆🕊️🎣

10.9K huntable acres

All refuges in Texas →

Data: USFWS National Hunt Units 2026–2027, Hunting & Fishing Opportunities, Realty Boundaries & Tracts. Page updated October 28, 2026.