Texas Point

Texas Point NWR https://www.fws.gov/refuge/texas_point https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McFaddin_and_Texas_Point_National_Wildlife_Refuges The McFaddin and Texas Point National Wildlife Refuges are located in proximity in southern Jefferson County on the upper Texas coast at Sabine Pass. Texas Point and McFaddin refuges supply important feeding and resting habitat for migrating and wintering populations of waterfowl using the Central Flyway. Feeding flocks of snow geese have exceeded 70,000 birds at McFaddin. McFaddin contains one of the densest populations of American alligators in Texas. Alligators are most easily seen during the spring, but are often visible throughout the summer and fall.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge Directions to the Refuges From Houston: Take Interstate 10 east, toward Beaumont. Travel about 54 miles until you get to exit 828, and merge onto Texas highway 73 east toward Port Arthur. After about 25 miles, continue onto Texas highway 82 east. Approximately three miles after you get on 82 east, you will turn right on Texas highway 87 south. You will travel about 11 miles before arriving at the town of Sabine Pass. At the four-way stop, take a right and continue down highway 87 south. Continue on about 3 miles, until you reach the entrance to Texas Point NWR. The entrance to McFaddin NWR is about 12 miles past the Texas Point NWR main office, on highway 87. Introduction Established in 1980 and 1979, McFaddin NWR and Texas Point NWR supplies important feeding and resting habitat for migrating and wintering populations of waterfowl, as well as other wildlife. McFaddin NWR encompasses over 58,000 acres of coastal marsh bordering the Gulf of Mexico. Texas Point NWR containing approximately 8,900 acres. From October to March, thousands of geese feeding and resting in the marsh can be heard, if not actually seen. Refuge staff use a variety of tools to create and maintain a diversity of habitats for wildlife. Prescribed burning, grazing, water and salinity management, exotic plant control and wetland and upland restoration are just a few of the tools that are used to manage for healthy, productive and diverse ecosystems. Things to Do at the Refuges Wildlife Watching Between October and March, visitors to the Refuges are likely to see as many as 27 species of ducks, including greenwinged teal, gadwall, and mottled ducks. Huge flocks of snow geese, sometimes in excess of 80,000, feed in marshes, rice fields and moist soil units. During spring and fall, warblers and other songbirds can be found in small wooded areas, while shorebirds taking advantage of the sandy beach, mudflats and shallow water in moist soil units. Clam Lake Road Five miles of interior roads on McFaddin NWR provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as access to various boat ramps, fishing piers, and observation platforms. Watch and listen for clapper rails in the marsh and geese overhead. Visitors should be aware that there are no fuel stations on or near the Refuge. Moist Soil Units These wetland units provide excellent habitat for a variety of species. During winter months, large concentrations of waterfowl can be found feeding on native plants. In the spring and summer, the units may be flooded to provide habitat for nesting waterfowl, as well as for migrating Beaumont 10 Houston 10 61 1985 Port Arthur 73 124 87 W 562 N 87 45 McFaddin NWR Galveston 288 o xic e M f fo Gul Freeport Texas Point NWR 0 shorebirds. Wading birds make use of these wetlands year-round. Wildlife in these moist soil units can be viewed from adjacent roads and overlooks. Fishing and Boating Two fishing piers on Ten-Mile Cut and five piers along Clam Lake provide excellent opportunities for fishing and crabbing. Surf fishing is also allowed on the refuge along the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing and crabbing are in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following regulations. Fishing and crabbing and allowed year-round in TenMile Cut, Clam Lake, Mud Bayou, Mud Lake, the beach along the Gulf of Mexico, and along roadside ditches open to the public. Fishing is allowed using pole and line, rod and reel, or hand-held line only. All lines must be removed when you are finished so that other wildlife does not become tangled in your lines. Cast-netting for bait for personal use along waterways in areas open to fishing is permitted. Fishing from or mooring to water control structures or bridges is prohibited, as well as harvesting fish or crabs for commercial purposes. The harvest of frogs, turtles, shrimp and oysters is prohibited. Five small boat ramps are available for launching small, shallow-draft boats only. Boat ramps are located at Clam Lake (2) Ten-Mile Cut, Five-Mile Cut, and Star Lake (hunt season use only). Outboard motor boats and non-motorized boats, with no more than 25 HP and 9-inch propeller, may be used to access Mud Bayou, Mud Lake, Ten-mile Cut, and Clam Lake year-round. Seasonal access between March 15th and August 31st for 25 50 Miles the Star Lake boat ramp. Non-motorized boats may be used to access Five-Mile Cut between March 15th and August 31st. Personal watercrafts are prohibited on the refuge. Hunting Waterfowl hunting is permitted in designated areas on the refuge. Hunters must contact refuge headquarters before the waterfowl hunt season begins, in order to obtain current hunting regulations and refuge permits. For additional information, contact McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge P.O. Box 358 Sabine Pass, TX 77655 409/971-2909 409/971-2104 Fax www.fws.gov/refuge/McFaddin/ August 2013 Great egret. / Ann Moore, USFWS W at er wa y Restrooms

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Waterfowl Hunting Regulations 2020-2021 McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl Hunting Authorization 2020-2021 Waterfowl hunting has a deep history and tradition on McFaddin NWR. Most hunting opportunities are in wetlands along bayous that cut through ancient floodplains which create coastal marshes and prairies. These habitats are home to an abundance of wildlife including migratory waterfowl. We recommend against going into the marsh alone until you are thoroughly familiar with the hazards. Some of the marsh is dangerously boggy and home to alligators, venomous snakes, mosquitoes and fire ants. Hunting units on McFaddin NWR include the Spaced Blind Hunt Unit (Fee Area), Star Lake/Clam Lake Hunt Unit (Fee Area), Central Hunt Unit (Non-Fee Area) and the Mud Bayou Hunt Unit (Non-Fee Area). Hunting units are open on varied days of the week; see specific hunting units below for information on open hunting days. All hunting units are CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and during the Early Canada Goose season. The Spaced blind Hunt Unit is closed during the Special Teal Season. We ask that hunters be good sportsmen and respect the rights McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl Hunting Authorization 2020-2021 When signed and in your possession, this will serve as your general authorization for all refuge hunts for this season. It acknowledges your understanding of the refuge regulations contained in this brochure. The Spaced Blind Hunt Unit and Clam Lake/ Star Lake Hunt Units also require a daily hunt fee. Signature of Hunter Date Authorizations are required for all hunters. This authorization is valid only when signed above and must be carried with you at all times while on the refuge. Authorizations are not transferable. of other hunters afield. Sky-blasting flares game, leaves cripples and disrupts other hunters. Allowing birds to decoy increases your hunting success. Hunting of ducks, geese and coots on McFaddin NWR is ONLY permitted in accordance with all federal, state and local laws; in addition to, signs designating open hunting areas and refuge specific hunting regulations outlined in this hunting brochure below. • Operation of motorized boats on or through emergent wetland vegetation and mudflats is prohibited. Hunter Requirements • Airboats, marsh buggies, ATV’s / UTV’s and personal watercrafts are prohibited. • All hunters entering a hunting unit must be legally licensed to hunt waterfowl. A maximum of 4 licensed, adult hunters per area is permitted. • Scouting will only be allowed from sunrise to sunset during October 23-29, 2020, prior to the state Youth Waterfowl Hunt on October 31, 2020. • Hunters are prohibited from entering hunting units prior to 4:00 A.M. and no later than ½ hour before legal shooting time. Hunting starts at legal shooting time and closes at 12:00 P.M. Hunters must be off the hunt units by 12:30 P.M. • Hunters age 17 or younger must be under the direct supervision of an adult age 18 or older. • To participate in the state designated Youth Waterfowl Hunt, hunters must be 16 years of age or younger and under the direct supervision of an adult age 18 or older. Adults are prohibited from hunting during the Youth Waterfowl Hunt. All hunt units are open during Youth Waterfowl Hunt. • Hunting parties must remain a minimum of 200 yards from other hunting parties and spaced ponds. Individual hunters within a party must remain within 50 feet from other hunters. • Permitted hunters must unload and encase shotguns while traveling in vehicles and boats on the refuge. Possession of firearms is in accordance with federal and state laws. Discharge of a firearm for purposes other than hunting is prohibited. • Hunters must ONLY use or possess shotgun shells containing approved non-toxic shot, (Use or Possession of lead shot is prohibited). • Hunters may only possess 50 approved non-toxic shotgun shells while hunting; this includes shotgun shells within vehicles. • Vehicle travel is permitted on designated roads and parking areas only. Do not block roads, gates, trails, boat ramps or any other facility at any time. Hunting from a roadway is prohibited. • All boat motors greater than 25 HP are prohibited in the hunting units. • Motorized boats powered by air-cooled or radiatorcooled engines are restricted to utilizing a propeller 9 inches in diameter or less. • Use, possession or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs is prohibited. Use or possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited. • Campfires, charcoal and wood grills are prohibited. (Gas grills may be utilized). • Construction, use or occupancy of permanent hunting blinds is prohibited. Portable blinds or native vegetation are permitted and must be removed from the refuge daily. Cutting, use of or introduction of Phragmites (Giant cane) onto the refuge is prohibited; use or introduction of invasive plant

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Waterfowl Hunting Regulations 2020-2021 Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl Hunting Authorization 2020-2021 Waterfowl hunting has a deep history and tradition on Texas Point NWR. Most hunting opportunities are in wetlands along bayous that cut through ancient floodplains which create coastal marshes and prairies. These habitats are home to an abundance of wildlife including migratory waterfowl. We recommend against going into the marsh alone until you are thoroughly familiar with the hazards. Some of the marsh is dangerously boggy and home to alligators, venomous snakes, mosquitoes and fire ants. Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl Hunting Authorization 2020-2021 When signed and in your possession, this will serve as your general authorization for all refuge hunts for this season. It acknowledges your understanding of the refuge regulations contained in this brochure. Signature of Hunter Date Authorizations are required for all hunters. This authorization is valid only when signed above and must be carried with you at all times while on the refuge. Authorizations are not transferable. The Texas Point NWR hunting unit is made up of one large hunting unit with two main hunter access points; the Cattle-walk and the Texas Bayou boat ramp. The hunting unit is open on varied days of the week; see specific details below for information on open hunting days and locations of hunter access points. All hunting units are CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. We ask that hunters be good sportsmen and respect the rights of other hunters afield. Sky-blasting flares game, leaves cripples and disrupts other hunters. Allowing birds to decoy increases your hunting success. Hunting of ducks, geese and coots on Texas Point NWR is ONLY permitted in accordance with all federal, state and local laws; in addition to, signs designating open hunting areas and refuge specific hunting regulations outlined in this hunting brochure below. Open for Hunting: Special Teal Season 7 days a week. Regular Waterfowl season dates: open Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. Closed for Hunting: Regular Waterfowl season dates: closed on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Closed during the Light Goose Conservation Order and Early Canada Goose season. • Access is by foot and boat. Walk-in access is located at the cattle-walk, located off of Hwy 87, west of Sabine Pass. Boat access through Texas Bayou and ramps are located off of Dowling Street and 1st Avenue in Sabine Pass just South of the Coast Guard Station. • All hunters entering a hunting unit must be legally licensed to hunt waterfowl. • Scouting will only be allowed from sunrise to sunset during October 23-29, 2020, prior to the state Youth Waterfowl Hunt on October 31, 2020. • Hunters are prohibited from entering hunting units prior to 4:00 A.M. and no later than ½ hour before legal shooting time. Hunting starts at legal shooting time and closes at 12:00 P.M. Hunters must be off the refuge by 12:30 P.M. • Hunters age 17 and younger must be under the direct supervision of an adult age 18 or older. • To participate in the state designated Youth Waterfowl Hunt, hunters must be 16 years of age or younger and under the direct supervision of an adult age 18 or older. Adults are prohibited from hunting during the Youth Waterfowl Hunt. • Hunting parties must remain a minimum of 200 yards from other hunting parties and spaced ponds. Individual hunters within a party must remain within 50 feet from other hunters. • Permitted hunters must unload and encase shotguns while traveling in vehicles and boats on the refuge. Possession of firearms is in accordance with federal and state laws. Discharge of a firearm for purposes other than hunting is prohibited. • Hunters must ONLY use or possess shotgun shells containing approved non-toxic shot, (Use or possession of lead shot is prohibited). • Hunters may only possess 50 approved nontoxic shotgun shells while hunting; this includes shotgun shells within vehicles. • Vehicle travel is permitted on designated roads and parking areas only. Do not block roads, gates, trails, boat ramps or any other facility at any time. Hunting from a roadway is prohibited. • Operation of motorized boats on or through emergent wetland vegetation and mudflats is prohibited. • All boat motors greater than 25 HP are prohibited in the hunting units. • Motorized boats powered by air-cooled or radiator-cooled engines are restricted to utilizing a propeller 9 inches in diameter or less. • Airboats, marsh buggies, ATV’s / UTV’s and personal watercrafts are prohibited. • Use, possession or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs is prohibited. Use or possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited. • Campfires, charcoal and wood grills are prohibited. (Gas grills may be utilized). • Co

Cha m Jeff bers C erso o n Co . . Mud Bayou Hunt Unit ay aterw W l a st oa ntrac I f l u G Boat Access Ditches Refuge Boundary Roads N d Mu No Hunt Zone Conservation Easement (No Hunt Zone) Hunting Zone Bay Private Land ou Cha mbe Gal ves ton Co. rs C o. Hunter Access Points Brush Line Middleton Levee 87 Mud Lake Levee Spaced Hunt Unit ay aterw tal W coas Intra Gulf N 29 23 28 22 32 18 20 C B B 19 N N 26 E 12 o 27 21 G 7 6 E 31 30 25 13 11 N 5 14 Cla m Lak e J (Tenmile C ut) N 4 10 3 8 Boat Access Ditches Refuge Boundary Roads Refuge Roads No Hunt Zone [Hunt areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, & 10 are accessible on foot only.] N Hunting Zone 2 n Entra Private Land 1 N Hunt Check Station n W Refuge Office oad) ake R lam L C oad ( ce R [Hwy 87 closed from Clam Lake Road to High Island. Through access requires travel on beach. Travel is often extremely hazardous due to high tide, debris, and loose sand.] Dipping Vat 9 Ponds 87 Gulf of Mexico Boat Launch