Note: Chronic Wasting Disease has been identified in some deer previously harvested in Val Verde County. For more information, please visit Texas Parks & Wildlife's page about the disease.
Link to the current Amistad National Recreation Area Hunting Regulations booklet PDF.
Public Hunting Opportunities Are Available at Amistad National Recreation Area at a Nominal Cost
Five specific public hunting areas will be available for archery and shotgun hunting at Amistad National Recreation Area during hunting season. White-tailed deer, javelina, turkey, rabbit, exotic mouflon sheep, exotic aoudad sheep, exotic blackbuck antelope, exotic axis deer, and feral hog can be hunted with compound, cross, long, and recurve bows. Dove, quail, duck, and rabbit can be hunted with shotgun and birdshot. The use of rifles and handguns is prohibited at Amistad National Recreation Area.
Starting August 15, 2024, hunters may obtain a $40 Amistad National Recreation Area Hunting Permit for all five of the designated hunt areas for the entire hunting season. There are several options available to obtain/purchase your hunting permit.
**Please note, you will be required to provide your state Hunting License Customer Number on your Amistad Special Use Permit Application.**
How to Acquire Your Hunting Permit
Please read and complete the entire set of instructions for the option you select. You will not receive your permit (and cannot hunt in Amistad National Recreation Area without the permit in hand) unless all parts are completed.
Option 1 - Online Application/Online Payment
Step 1: Download, fill out, and sign the Special Use Application Form 10-930S. Once completed and signed, please scan and email the application to the park at: amis_interpretation@nps.gov. You will recieve a confirmation email along with your permit number. You must first submit your application and receive your permit number prior to payment.
Step 2: Payment for your hunting permit can be made by credit/debit card or checking account information using our online payment system at Pay.gov. Once payment has been recieved your hunting permit along with the current hunting regulations booklet will be mailed to the address listed on your application. Please allow up to two weeks to complete the process; however, this may be expedited by ensuring forms are completed (including Social Security Number) and signed (actually signed or e-signed, not typed) and returned promptly when requested.
Option 2 - In-person Application/In-person Payment
Step 1: Download, fill out, and sign the Special Use Application Form 10-930S, or fill it out at the Visitor Center.
Step 2: Bring the completed and signed form to the Visitor Center with payment for the $40 hunting permit fee.
While applications will be available on site, processing preference will be given to those with a completed application in hand.
Option 3 - By Mail-in Application/Online Payment
Step 1: Download, fill out, and sign the Special Use Application Form 10-930S.
Step 2: Mail the completed and signed form to: Amistad National Recreation Area, Attn: Hunting Permits, 10477 Highway 90 West, Del Rio, TX 78840. You will receive a confirmation email with your permit number. You must first submit your application and receive your permit number prior to payment.
Step 3: Payment for your hunting permit can be made by credit/debit card or checking account information using our online payment system at Pay.gov (DO NOT MAIL CHECKS). Once payment has been received your hunting permit/regulations booklet will be mailed to the address on your application within 14 days.
Our application does require visitors to list their Texas Hunting License Customer Number; however, we no longer require the hunting license be presented when picking up your permit. As a reminder, you must have in your possession the following documents while hunting at Amistad National Recreational Area: signed Amistad Annual Hunting Permit, valid Texas hunting license, driver license or official photo identification card, and hunter safety course certification (if required).
Be Safe! Venomous reptiles and insects, plants with thorns and spines, caves, and sinkholes are present throughout the park. Use caution and pay attention to your surroundings. To report an emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, call the Val Verde County Sheriff at (830) 774-7513 and request the assistance of a National Park Ranger. We recommend that you carry safety items such as a flashlight, compass, first aid kit, maps, and water.
*All archeological features and artifacts are protected by Federal law. Please do not disturb or remove them.*
Map of all hunt areas at Amistad National Recreation Area - Click map for enlarged 8.5"x11" image.
This map is an aerial overview of Amistad Reservoir showing an area of approximately 83 square miles. The map is bounded by latitude and longitude coordinates with the longitude running from about 101 5’0”W to 100 54’0”W and latitude running from 29 27’0”N to 29 33’0”N. The map legend includes the hunt area boundaries noted with a red line, the NPS boundary noted with a green line, hunt area entrances noted with a red triangle, hunt areas filled with green shading, the lake at elevation 1056’ noted with blue shading, and recently exposed land noted with light brown shading. The lake itself has four areas designated on the map, moving from west to east: Rio Grande, Castle Canyon, Devils River, and San Pedro Canyon. The Rio Grande continues off the map to the west and the Devils River continues off the map to the north, while Castle Canyon and San Pedro Canyon are bounded by land. Hunt areas 1, 2, and 3 are on the northwest side of the lake. Hunt Area 1 is the southernmost of the three, bounded by the lake on its south side and a railroad track and US Highway 90 on the north and east. It is the largest of all 5 hunt areas. Hunt Area 3 is north of hunt area 1, separated by Highway 90, and bounded by the lake on its east side. It is the smallest hunt area. Hunt Area 2 is just north of Hunt Area 3 and its southern boundary partially shares the northern boundary of Hunt Area 3. Its boundary on the east and south is Castle Canyon. All three of these hunt areas are accessed off of Highway 90. Hunt Area 4 is on the north side of the lake between Devils River and San Pedro Canyon. It is only accessible by boat. Hunt Area 5 is accessed from Highway 277 which runs from north to south along the east side of the map. Hunt Area 5 is bound by Highway 277 on the east and lake along its north and west side.
Other roads designated on the map (along with facilities that are available) include:
Spur 406- Located on the north end of Castle Canyon, which comes to a dead end at the lake (camping and boat launch)
Spur 454- Located on the south side of the lake, branching off of Highway 90 and coming to a dead end at the lake (boat launch)
Other areas designated on the map:
Amistad Dam- Located on the south and west end of the lake on the Rio Grande.
Southwinds Marina, US Air Force (boat launch)- Located on the south side of the lake near the Rio Grande and Amistad Dam.
Rock Quarry (group camping)- Located on the north side of the lake, just off the northeast side of Highway 90.
Governors Landing (camping, picnic area, and designated swimming area)- Located on the south side of the lake between Southwinds Marina and Diablo East.
Diablo East (ranger station, picnic area, interpretive hiking trail, boat launch, marina, dock fishing, and designated swimming)- Located on the south side of the lake and just east of Governors Landing.
Visitor Center- Located along the north side of Highway 90, approximately 2 miles east of Diablo East.
San Pedro (camping, group camping, picnic area, and interpretive hiking trail)- Located off of the north side of Spur 454.
277 South (picnic area, boat launch, and dock fishing)- Located off the east side of Highway 277.
277 North (camping, group camping, picnic area, and boat launch)- Located off the east side of Highway 277.
Map of Hunt Area 1 - Click map for enlarged 8.5"x11" image.
Area 1 has the largest amount of shoreline with trails leading to two main peninsulas. The north and west boundaries are along and in line with a fence line marked with signs stating “NPS Boundary” or “No Hunting/Trapping Beyond This Point.” The eastern boundary is the shoreline of the Devils River arm of the lake. The southern boundary is the shoreline of the Rio Grande arm of the lake.
Total Acreage: 912 acres at 1118-foot lake level, 1375 acres at 1080-foot lake level, and 1626 acres at 1056-foot lake level. Check lake levels at the National Weather Service page.
Vehicle Parking: Just after crossing the Highway 90 West main bridge, one parking area is across from the NPS Rock Quarry Group Campground, and the second is 1/2 mile farther west on Highway 90.
Map of Hunt Area 2 - Click map for enlarged 8.5"x11" image.
Area 2 has roads and trails that can be easily navigated. The north, west, and south boundaries of the hunt area are along a fence line marked with signs labeled “NPS Boundary” or “No Hunting/Trapping Beyond This Point.” The remainder of the boundary is the shoreline along Evans Creek, Castle Canyon, and Guajia Bay sections of the lake unless posted otherwise. This hunt area is subject to closure on short notice when the National Park Service Gun Range is in use by authorized personnel for official purposes. The closure will be posted with a sign at the gate at the entrance to the hunt area access road and at the top of this page.
Total Acreage: 505 acres at 1118-foot lake level, 1009 acres at 1080-foot lake level, and 1513 acres at 1056-foot lake level. Check lake levels at the National Weather Service page.
Parking: From Highway 90 West, turn right at flashing yellow light across from Box Canyon Rd and follow gravel access road to the right, which leads to parking area. Do not block the gate on the hunt area access road.
Map of Hunt Area 3 - Click map for enlarged 8.5"x11" image.
There are no roads in Area 3 and very few defined trails. The north and west boundaries are along and in line with the fence line marked with NPS boundary signs, and the remainder of the boundary is the exterior shoreline unless otherwise posted. On the south and southeast boundary, the water has receeded due to low lake levels. The hunt area boundary is where the shoreline closest to the hunt area side used to be.
Total Acreage: 227 acres at 1118-foot lake level, 267 acres at 1080-foot lake level, and 311 acres at 1056-foot lake level. Check lake levels at the National Weather Service page.
Parking: Vehicle parking is available on the north side of Highway 90, one mile west of the NPS Rock Quarry Group Campground.
Map of Hunt Area 4 - Click map for enlarged 8.5"x11" image.
Hunt Area 4 is accessible by boat only. Boats must be secured properly to shoreline. Strong, gusty winds are common. Hunt Area 4 is on the end of Long Point, the peninsula between Devils River and San Pedro Arm. The north and east boundaries are marked along and in line with a fence line extending from Devils River to the San Pedro Arm and are marked with “NPS Boundary” or “No Hunting/Trapping Beyond This Point.” The remainder of the boundary is exterior shoreline unless otherwise posted.
Total Acreage: 430 acres at 1118-foot lake level, 563 acres at 1080-foot lake level, and 1272 acres at 1056-foot lake level. Check lake levels at the National Weather Service page.
Parking: There is no parking. Area 4 is only accessible by boat or watercraft.
Map of Hunt Area 5 - Click map for enlarged 8.5"x11" image.
The south and east boundary is along and in line with a fence line marked with NPS boundary signs. The west boundary is in line with an old fence line and is marked with signs labeled “No Hunting/Trapping Beyond This Point.” The remaining boundary is the shoreline of the San Pedro Arm extending eastward to the Highway 277 Bridge. The hunt area does not extend out onto the exposed dry riverbed of San Pedro Creek.
Total Acreage: 592 acres at 1118-foot lake level, 628 acres at 1080-foot lake level, and 640 acres at 1056-foot lake level. Check lake levels at the National Weather Service page.
Parking: Vehicle parking is at the southeast corner adjacent to Highway 277 North about one mile south of the Highway 277 North Bridge. A second parking area is farther north on the west side of Highway 90 just before the Highway 277 North Bridge.
