WALLISVILLE, Texas -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District’s Wallisville Lake Project Office is now digitally issuing small game hunting permits for the 2021 season. According to Park Ranger Mark Tyson, “the new digital process was created in response to the current COVID-19 situation facing the nation.” Permits will no longer be issued in person at the Visitors Center. This program is in its third year and intends to increase public hunting availability at the Wallisville Lake Project.
Permitting
A total of 100 Small Game Hunting Permits will be issued on a first come-first serve basis. Permits may be obtained starting February 1, 2021 of and expire on May 31, 2021.
Small Game hunting permits are free of charge and can be obtained by submitting a digital application. Applications and instructions are available on the Wallisville Lake Project’s website at https://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Locations/Wallisville-Lake-Project-Office/ . Applicants must carry proof of hunter education unless exempted by state law, a valid photo identification, and a current hunting license while hunting on project lands. With local, state and federal laws enforced on all Corps-managed lands, it is every hunter's responsibility to know and understand the rules and regulations before hunting.
Game Restrictions
Hunters are only allowed to take squirrel, nutria, and rabbit species under the Small Game Hunting Permit from Wallisville Project Lands. Hunting hours shall begin at ½ hour before sunrise and shall conclude at 12:00 noon.
Weapons
Shotguns are the only firearms allowed on the property under a Small Game Hunting Permit. The weapon must be unloaded while in transit to the hunting location. All shotguns must be removed from the project by 1p.m. Lead shot is not allowed on federal properties. Shot, larger than #2, is not permitted.
Check State Regulations
The Wallisville Lake staff advises hunters to check with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department concerning state regulations, hunting seasons and bag limits; contact the Wallisville Lake Project Office at (409) 389-2285 or view the USACE regulations at:
http://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Locations/WallisvilleLakeProjectOffice.aspx.
About Wallisville Lake Project
Located 40 miles east of downtown Houston at the Trinity River and Interstate 10, the Wallisville Lake Project is designed to primarily prevent the intrusion of saltwater up the Trinity River in order to conserve fresh water and to protect fresh water intakes for local municipalities, including the City of Houston. In addition to protecting the fresh water supply, the project supports navigation of commercial and recreational boats, serves as a water supply, is a favorite recreational destination among Houstonians and supports an array of fish and wildlife habitats.
For more information about the Wallisville Lake Project Office, call (409) 389-2285 or visit the office’s site online at http://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Locations/WallisvilleLakeProjectOffice.aspx.