Each year, the U.S. Forest Service distributes a guide to hunting in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas that has information on Wildlife Management Areas, hunter camps and regulations as well as maps and safety information. 

Gun safety is always the utmost concern during hunting season, but visitors to the woods need to also be aware of other dangers. 

“Hunting season is one of the busiest times in the forest, but safety is always a primary concern,” said Chris Schenck, fire management officer for the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.  “Visitors should check their surroundings and be aware of the possibility for falling limbs or trees. Remember, there are still plenty of dead trees in the woods from the drought a few years ago.” 

Dead trees can fall without notice, so Schenck urges visitors to be aware of their surroundings.  

“Stay out of the forest when there are strong winds and if you are in the forest when winds kick up, head to a clearing away from potentially falling trees,” he said. “Place tents and park vehicles in areas that will not be hit if trees fall.” 

Here are some other safety precautions from the Hunting Guide: 

-- Much of the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas are remote, and medical assistance may not be readily available. Cellular phones do not work in many areas of the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas. Visitors should take adequate food, water, first aid supplies and other equipment appropriate for the conditions and expected weather. 

-- Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is limited to designated routes, and the only such designation is the multiple-use trail on the Sam Houston National Forest. Cross-country and off-road use of motorized vehicles of any type is prohibited. 

-- All hunters and those accompanying them must wear daylight fluorescent orange at any time when hunting, except when hunting at night or when hunting turkey or migratory birds. A minimum of 400 square inches of fluorescent orange must be visible (144 square inches on both the chest and back, and a daylight fluorescent orange cap or hat.) 

-- All those camping or hunting in the Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine or Sam Houston National Forest or the Caddo National Grasslands must camp in designated campsites or developed recreation areas from Sept. 15 through Feb. 1. 

-- Even with recent rains, the danger of wildfires is high. Make sure all camp fires are in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of all flammable material, and that they are properly extinguished. 

-- Hunters using the wildlife management areas (WMAs) must have the $48 annual hunting permit to hunt deer, turkey, small game, waterfowl and feral hogs. Wildlife management areas in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas include the Alabama Creek WMA in the Davy Crockett National Forest, Bannister WMA in the Angelina National Forest, Caddo WMA in the Caddo National Grassland and the Moore Plantation WMA in the Sabine National Forest. The entire Sam Houston National Forest is a wildlife management area. 

-- Regulations vary in different locations. Please check your Texas Parks and Wildlife Official Hunting Guide and the Public Hunting Lands Booklet for specific hunting rules. 

-- Portable deer stands are limited to 72 hours in one location. To prevent damage to trees, the stands must not be nailed to trees. When hunters fail to remove their deer stands, it causes damage to forest land and creates an expensive, time-consuming cleanup. 

-- Vehicles should not be parked near gates or in areas that would impede traffic and block roads.  

The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas Hunting Guide is available at ranger offices in Zavalla, Milam, New Waverly, Ratcliff and Decatur and at the Supervisor’s Office at 2221 North Raguet in Lufkin.  

The guide is also available for download at: www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3809523.pdf