Hunt unit · Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

3 Hunt Unit Map & Access

Special regsPermit required

The 3 unit is one of 12 mapped hunt units on Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in Cameron County, TX. It covers approximately 7,188 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.

Navigate to unit Refuge overview Official hunt info ↗
7,188acres
Special regsstatus 2026–27
Yesrefuge permit
Cameron Countycounty

3 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: Signed Brochure or Similar. Obtain via: Online FWS, Other, Visitor Center.

Hunting on the refuge.

Game at Laguna Atascosa 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

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Decimal
26.31254, -97.40161
DMS
26°18′45.1″N 97°24′05.8″W

Nearest towns

  • Harlingen, TX20 mi NE of town
  • Brownsville, TX29 mi N of town
  • McAllen, TX52 mi E 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

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, 20266:39 AM7:09 AM7:50 PM12h 42m
Tue, Sep 15, 20266:44 AM7:14 AM7:35 PM12h 21m
Thu, Oct 1, 20266:51 AM7:21 AM7:17 PM11h 56m
Thu, Oct 15, 20266:57 AM7:27 AM7:02 PM11h 35m
Sun, Nov 1, 20266:08 AM6:38 AM5:48 PM11h 10m
Sun, Nov 15, 20266:18 AM6:48 AM5:40 PM10h 53m
Tue, Dec 1, 20266:30 AM7:00 AM5:37 PM10h 37m
Tue, Dec 15, 20266:39 AM7:09 AM5:39 PM10h 30m
Fri, Jan 1, 20276:46 AM7:16 AM5:48 PM10h 31m
Fri, Jan 15, 20276:48 AM7:18 AM5:57 PM10h 39m
Mon, Feb 1, 20276:44 AM7:14 AM6:11 PM10h 57m

Computed for 26.313, -97.402 (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 Laguna Atascosa NWR

UnitStatusAcresPermit
1Special regs1,811Required
2Special regs5,112Required
4Special regs9,844Required
5Special regs3,549Required
6Special regs4,393Required
7Special regs9,409Required
8Special regs5,602Required
9Special regs3,363Required
10Special regs4,563Required
Bahia GrandeSpecial regs25,482Required
ClosedClosed34,494Required

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