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.
For more information, please contact the refuge at 903-786-2826 or visit the website at www.fws.gov/refuge/hagerman.