Didn't want to mix the archery with the rifle hunt info so I decided to go ahead and make a new thread just for the rifle. They changed it up this year to three 8 day hunts I believe which should be interesting since hopefully we can get some extra scouting time. I will be hunting the first and last hunts and have already told myself I will not be hunting my same spots I do every year. I have been hunting the refuge for probably about 7 or 8 years and am guilty of setting my tripods up in basically the same area every year, so I need to branch out a little more.Fortunately I will be able to hunt all 8 days of the last hunt but only a few of the first unless I get some unexpected time off during my rotation (I am in grad school for occupational therapy). I saw that the first hunt is sold out and was wondering how many plan on setting up Monday Nov, 2? I can't wait!!!
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I will be setting up on Nov 2. Saw a lot of deer in my archery spot but they stayed out of range. Not this time. -
Was wanting to take the wife out there for her first hunt. Not sure if it'll happen this year now. Maybe next year.Comment
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We got 5 hogs this weekend. No deer.Comment
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Good job!!!!!
How many deer have been brought in?Comment
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Not quite sure but the bucks in the cooler were nice probably 3 yr old 8 points.
3 or 4 different 8 pts. Looks as though the more mature bucks were being seen/killed.
I would estimate probably 10-12 deer through Monday.
The walk in cooler broke on Monday night and everyone had to come get their animals but they got it fixed the next day.Comment
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FollowingComment
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25 bucks, 6 does, 20 hogs.
There was a report of 7 more hogs shot on the last day but they had not made it in by the time i left.
No deer for me, only 1 hog.Comment
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Is there an accurate known total on the gun harvest numbers for all three gun hunts. Heard an estimate that 150 deer and 50 hogs were killed?Comment
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News Release
Southwest Region (Arizona ● New Mexico ● Oklahoma ●Texas) www.fws.gov/southwest/ For Immediate Release: March 4, 2016
Contact: Laura Bonneau, 361/286-3559
Wildlife Refuge Seeks Public Input on Hunt Fee Changes
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is proposing a fee increase for the 2016-2017 big game hunt season. Through this scoping process, Aransas NWR is seeking public input to facilitate identification of issues and concerns regarding fee changes to the hunting program at the refuge.
The purpose of this fee increase is to allow Aransas NWR to utilize Texas Parks and Wildlife’s (TPWD) on-line only public hunt draw system. This partnership with TPWD will provide technical expertise and special capabilities to improve customer service, streamline operations, and reduce government costs for public hunting lands services program administration while reducing Aransas NWR staff workload. TPWD provides drawn public hunts through an online only drawing system that offers loyalty points, secondary draws, secure online ordering, multiple purchases, online payment and online order confirmation. Through this system, TPWD brings manual paper processes online, including public hunt applications and public hunt permits. TPWD is focused on rapidly delivering effective solutions to reduce paperwork, increase efficiency, expand service availability, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Under this new process, the application fee will be $3.00 for each adult hunter. After a lottery drawing, selected hunters will be notified by e-mail and will then purchase their permit for $130.00 for either rifle (5 day) or archery (9+ day) hunts.
All TPWD managed hunt areas and U.S. Forest Service lands in Texas are currently using this system with great success and by being part of this system, Aransas NWR hunters can easily also apply for many hunts throughout Texas. Hunters should be able to browse the drawn hunt catalog by refuge, hunt category, and location using interactive maps. This could eventually become a one- stop shop for Federal and State public hunting opportunities in the Texas.
The public is encouraged to provide input by writing to: Laura Bonneau, Visitor Services Manager, at laura_bonneau@fws.gov or P.O. Box 100, Austwell, Texas 77950.
Comments will be accepted until 5:00 pm on March 18th.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service.
For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
1 Wildlife Circle Austwell, Texas 77950 361/286-3559Comment
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