The purpose of the changes is to benefit both wildlife and visitors. 

The changes include:

·        From October 1 through March 14 annually, non-motorized boats are now allowed in Big Mineral Creek to the point where it joins Lake Texoma. Boats must be put into the creek at either the L Pad Road boat ramp, or by hand at Big Mineral Day Use Area.

·        At the point where Big Mineral Creek joins Lake Texoma, Big Mineral Creek is now a year-round no-wake zone to the end of navigable upstream waters. The purpose is to protect persons fishing from non-motorized vessels and tubes.

·        Either a State of Texas or Lake Texoma fishing license is now valid for all refuge waters including ponds.

·        Fishing bait may be taken for personal use only. Persons may not collect bait to sell.

·        Physical entry into refuge impoundments by any means is prohibited year-round, but standing on the bank or road to fish in the impoundments is allowed.

·        Taking of frogs, turtles or mussels is prohibited on all refuge waters and lands

·        Jet skies and airboats are prohibited on all refuge waters year-round.

·        Glass containers are prohibited refuge-wide.  ATV’s and horses continue to be prohibited.

·        Two 3-day feral hog hunts will be held each March with 170 permits available; must apply on-line at www.hagermanpermits.com during the open application period.

·        Two 3-day wild turkey hunts will be held each April with 24 permits available; must apply on-line at www.hagermanpermits.com during the open application period.

·        Shot for all refuge hunts must be lead-free and non-toxic (steel, bismuth, copper, tungsten).

·        Due to the drastic decline in the quail population, quail hunting is no longer allowed.