Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Bowhunting Laguna Atascosa NWR

Has anyone bow hunted the Laguna Atascosa NWR in Texas? If so any info you could provide would be helpful.

Hello! Click on the website below and it will take you to information about archery hunting at Laguna Atascosa.
http://www.friendsofsouthtexasrefuges.org/default.asp?id=280

August is the only time you can buy a archery permit. All archery permits are first-come, first-serve basis.

If you have any other questions, email us at laguna.atascosagmail.com.

I've been to their web site and am aware of the selection process. What I'm looking for is some info from someone that has hunted the area. Such as type if terrain, are the trees large enough to use climbing tree stands. Are there motels close or should I be prepared to camp?
Any info someone has about the NWR would be helpful.

Terrain is tall grasses and thick brush. Majority of the plants have thorns. I would recommend snake boots. If you bring a bicycle to ride, I would recommend a bicycle with mountain bike tires and a tire pump/flat fix it. If you do not want to ride a bicycle, hunters sometimes bring carts to help with harvested game.

We do not allow tree stands because the trees are not big enough to withstand much weight. We recommend tripod stands or blinds.

The closest cities/towns:
South Padre Island- 25 minutes-places to camp with a tent is Isla Blanca County Park (southern end of South Padre Island). RV camping is allowed at Isla Blanca and Andy Bowe County Parks. Also there are a variety of hotels/motels on SPI.
Port Isabel- 15 minutes from the Refuge. There are a variety of hotels there.
Arroyo Colorado- 20 minutes from Refuge. You can park a RV at Adolph Thomae County Park.
Brownsville- 45 minutes from Refuge. Variety of hotels, motels, and RV parks.
Harlingen- 35 minutes from Refuge. Variety of hotels, motels, and rv parks.

Keep in mind though, during November through January, it is winter Texan season so RV parks will start to get full around November. I would book reservations once you have your permit if you decide to stay at a RV park.