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WMA · Houston/Beaumont

Lower Neches WMA hunting

A hunter’s summary of Lower Neches WMA in Orange County: permits, zone dates, legal light and local services.

Game and datesPermitsMap
7,998Acreage
OrangeIn county
3Species

Photo: sonnia hill (CC BY 2.0)

What Lower Neches WMA is and who runs it

TPWD oversees Lower Neches WMA, a wildlife management area run by TPWD covering ground in Orange County. Size on record: 7,998 acres, 21st in a field of 36 wildlife management areas. Port Arthur is the nearest of our town guides, roughly 7 miles away (the area lies north of it). 2 child units hold the actual hunts.

7,998Acres
OrangeCounty
Houston/BeaumontRegion
WMALand type
3Game groups
SeasonsWhat is in seasonArea rules can be shorterLicensesPaperworkAgency and TPWD rules

Hunting is by unit; see the child unit records. APH permit units and drawn hunts listed by TPWD.

Headquarters: 10 Parks & Wildlife Dr., Port Arthur, TX 77640.

Area page at the agency

From the source record and 4 linked sources, retrieved 2026-10-11; page checked October 11, 2026.

Lower Neches WMA: complex, county and sibling units

Straight-line miles from this page’s point.

Units that make it up

Lease or unitCountyAcresUnitMiles
Lower Neches WMA, Old River Unit WMA unitOrange4,3867280 mi
Lower Neches WMA, Nelda Stark Unit WMA unitOrange8687385 mi

Paperwork for hunting Lower Neches WMA

Fees are TPWD figures for the license year.

Licensing

TPWD

$25Resident license
$315Nonresident general
$7Under 17
$7Migratory bird end.
$25+Federal duck stamp

You need a hunting license; residents pay $25. On top of that, bring a migratory endorsement and HIP certification and the federal duck stamp, 16 and over. Hunter education applies to anyone born on or after September 2, 1971.

Hunter orange rule

TPWD rule

400 sq inOrange area
144 sq inChest and back
OrangeHeadwear

TPWD requires orange on public hunting lands while firearm seasons are on, except for turkey, migratory bird and alligator hunting.

Lower Neches WMA species and 2026-27 dates

Game named for the area: ducks and geese, rabbits and snipe, woodcock and rails. Each row uses the zone that covers Orange County.

StatewideSeptember teal zone
North Zone and South Zoneducks zone
Eastern Zonegeese zone
Statewidewoodcock zone
Statewidesnipe zone
Statewiderails and gallinules zone
SpeciesHuntZoneOpeningClosingLimitNow
September tealSeptember tealStatewideSep 19, 2026Sep 27, 20266 a day
DucksYouth-OnlyNorth Zone (North of IH 10)Nov 7, 2026Nov 8, 20266 a day
DucksVeterans and militaryNorth Zone (North of IH 10)Nov 7, 2026Nov 8, 20266 a day
DucksRegular SeasonNorth Zone (North of IH 10)Nov 14, 2026Nov 29, 20266 a day
DucksRegular SeasonNorth Zone (North of IH 10)Dec 5, 2026Jan 31, 20276 a day
DucksDusky DuckNorth Zone (North of IH 10)Nov 19, 2026Nov 29, 20266 a day
DucksDusky DuckNorth Zone (North of IH 10)Dec 5, 2026Jan 31, 20276 a day
DucksFalconryNorth Zone (North of IH 10)Feb 1, 2027Feb 21, 20273 a day
DucksYouth-OnlySouth Zone (South of IH 10)Oct 31, 2026Nov 1, 20266 a day
DucksVeterans and militarySouth Zone (South of IH 10)Oct 31, 2026Nov 1, 20266 a day
DucksRegular SeasonSouth Zone (South of IH 10)Nov 7, 2026Nov 29, 20266 a day
DucksRegular SeasonSouth Zone (South of IH 10)Dec 12, 2026Jan 31, 20276 a day
DucksDusky DuckSouth Zone (South of IH 10)Nov 12, 2026Nov 29, 20266 a day
DucksDusky DuckSouth Zone (South of IH 10)Dec 12, 2026Jan 31, 20276 a day
DucksFalconrySouth Zone (South of IH 10)Feb 1, 2027Feb 21, 20273 a day
GeeseEarly Canada geeseEastern ZoneSep 12, 2026Sep 27, 20265 Canada a day
GeeseDark GeeseEastern ZoneNov 7, 2026Jan 31, 20275 dark a day
GeeseLight GeeseEastern ZoneNov 7, 2026Feb 19, 20275 light a day
WoodcockRegular SeasonStatewideDec 18, 2026Jan 31, 20273 a day
WoodcockFalconryStatewideFeb 1, 2027Feb 21, 2027—
SnipeRegular SeasonStatewideNov 7, 2026Feb 21, 20278 a day
Rails and gallinulesRegular SeasonStatewideSep 19, 2026Sep 27, 202615 a day
Rails and gallinulesRegular SeasonStatewideNov 7, 2026Jan 6, 202715 a day
Rails and gallinulesFalconryStatewideFeb 1, 2027Feb 21, 2027—
Rabbits and haresPer area rules————

Area rules can be narrower than the county zone: fewer days, drawn hunts only or restricted weapons.

Hogs, exotics, rabbits and predators lack a statewide season on private land. Here the area’s rules apply.

Zone dates and bags from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (Outdoor Annual) for Orange County; area game list from the area record. Checked October 11, 2026.

Lower Neches WMA plotted with nearby tracts

Orange marks Lower Neches WMA. Within 60 miles: 8 other public areas.

Nearest town guides: Port Arthur 7 miles out, south; Silsbee 30 miles out, northwest; Winnie 34 miles out, west.

WMA unit

Lower Neches WMA, Old River Unit (0 miles south)

0 miles to the south (Orange County). 4,386 ac.

WMA unit

Lower Neches WMA, Nelda Stark Unit (5 miles northwest)

5 miles to the northwest (Orange County). 868 ac.

WMA

Tony Houseman/Blue Elbow Swamp WMA (12 miles northeast)

12 miles to the northeast (Orange County).

APH lease

Bordages Road (13 miles west)

13 miles to the west (Jefferson County). 1,272 ac.

APH lease

Latta Road (16 miles west)

16 miles to the west (Jefferson County). 1,641 ac.

WMA unit

J.D. Murphree WMA, Big Hill Unit (16 miles southwest)

16 miles to the southwest (Jefferson County). 9,861 ac.

WMABy draw

J.D. Murphree WMA (17 miles southwest)

17 miles to the southwest (Jefferson County). 25,852 ac.

WMA unit

J.D. Murphree WMA, Salt Bayou Unit (19 miles southwest)

19 miles to the southwest (Jefferson County). 15,397 ac.

LocalOrange County rulesProcessors and wardensMapEvery public areaFilter by type or county

Points from TPWD GIS, agency pages and public geocodes as noted in each record. Distances are straight-line. Statewide public land map.

Orange County deer rules around Lower Neches WMA

The county bag below is the ceiling; drawn hunts and area rules can be stricter.

Whitetail limit, Orange County

County listing

4Deer total
2Bucks
2Antlerless max

Bucks here must show one unbranched antler or a spread of 13 inches inside; the second buck cannot also be a wide branched one. Antlerless deer Nov. 7-29, on a hunting license tag.

Deer calendar for the county

SegmentFirstLastApplies
Archery OnlyOct 3, 2026Nov 6, 2026Entire county
Youth-OnlyOct 30, 2026Nov 1, 2026Entire county
General SeasonNov 7, 2026Jan 3, 2027Entire county
MuzzleloaderJan 4, 2027Jan 17, 2027Entire county
Youth-OnlyJan 4, 2027Jan 17, 2027Entire county
Gulf Prairies and MarshesTPWD eco zone
334 sq miCounty size
OrangeCounty seat
86,115People (2024)
13Deer unit
8County public tracts

Zone-by-zone dates for Orange County

Sort through 11 game speciess with seasons in Orange County; the status column turns green when a season is open.

AnimalSeasonZone or areaStartsEndsStatus
White-tailed deerArchery OnlyNorth ZoneOct 3, 2026Nov 6, 2026
White-tailed deerYouth-OnlyNorth ZoneOct 30, 2026Nov 1, 2026
White-tailed deerGeneral SeasonNorth ZoneNov 7, 2026Jan 3, 2027
White-tailed deerMuzzleloaderNorth ZoneJan 4, 2027Jan 17, 2027
White-tailed deerYouth-OnlyNorth ZoneJan 4, 2027Jan 17, 2027
SquirrelGeneral SeasonEast TexasOct 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027
SquirrelGeneral SeasonEast TexasMay 1, 2027May 31, 2027
SquirrelYouth-OnlyEast TexasSep 25, 2026Sep 27, 2026
QuailRegular SeasonStatewideNov 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027
DoveRegular SeasonCentral Zone (North of IH 10)Sep 1, 2026Oct 25, 2026
DoveRegular SeasonCentral Zone (North of IH 10)Dec 11, 2026Jan 14, 2027
DoveFalconryCentral Zone (North of IH 10)Nov 13, 2026Nov 29, 2026
DoveRegular SeasonSouth Zone (South of IH 10)Sep 1, 2026Oct 25, 2026
DoveRegular SeasonSouth Zone (South of IH 10)Dec 18, 2026Jan 21, 2027
DoveFalconrySouth Zone (South of IH 10)Nov 13, 2026Nov 29, 2026
September tealSeptember tealStatewideSep 19, 2026Sep 27, 2026
DucksYouth-OnlyNorth Zone (North of IH 10)Nov 7, 2026Nov 8, 2026
DucksVeterans and militaryNorth Zone (North of IH 10)Nov 7, 2026Nov 8, 2026
DucksRegular SeasonNorth Zone (North of IH 10)Nov 14, 2026Nov 29, 2026
DucksRegular SeasonNorth Zone (North of IH 10)Dec 5, 2026Jan 31, 2027
DucksDusky DuckNorth Zone (North of IH 10)Nov 19, 2026Nov 29, 2026
DucksDusky DuckNorth Zone (North of IH 10)Dec 5, 2026Jan 31, 2027
DucksFalconryNorth Zone (North of IH 10)Feb 1, 2027Feb 21, 2027
DucksYouth-OnlySouth Zone (South of IH 10)Oct 31, 2026Nov 1, 2026
DucksVeterans and militarySouth Zone (South of IH 10)Oct 31, 2026Nov 1, 2026
DucksRegular SeasonSouth Zone (South of IH 10)Nov 7, 2026Nov 29, 2026
DucksRegular SeasonSouth Zone (South of IH 10)Dec 12, 2026Jan 31, 2027
DucksDusky DuckSouth Zone (South of IH 10)Nov 12, 2026Nov 29, 2026
DucksDusky DuckSouth Zone (South of IH 10)Dec 12, 2026Jan 31, 2027
DucksFalconrySouth Zone (South of IH 10)Feb 1, 2027Feb 21, 2027
GeeseEarly Canada geeseEastern ZoneSep 12, 2026Sep 27, 2026
GeeseDark GeeseEastern ZoneNov 7, 2026Jan 31, 2027
GeeseLight GeeseEastern ZoneNov 7, 2026Feb 19, 2027
AlligatorGeneral SeasonCoreSep 10, 2026Sep 30, 2026
WoodcockRegular SeasonStatewideDec 18, 2026Jan 31, 2027
WoodcockFalconryStatewideFeb 1, 2027Feb 21, 2027
SnipeRegular SeasonStatewideNov 7, 2026Feb 21, 2027
Rails and gallinulesRegular SeasonStatewideSep 19, 2026Sep 27, 2026
Rails and gallinulesRegular SeasonStatewideNov 7, 2026Jan 6, 2027
Rails and gallinulesFalconryStatewideFeb 1, 2027Feb 21, 2027

From the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 county and species pages, checked October 11, 2026.

How long you can hunt each day near Lower Neches WMA

Big game and upland birds get a half hour of light on each end of the day. Waterfowl, doves and cranes get the morning half hour but stop at sunset.

Times worked out for Lower Neches WMA in Central time. Rule from the TPWD Outdoor Annual (shooting hours). Nongame, exotics and feral hogs on private land may be hunted at any hour. Shooting hours for every county.

Processing, taxidermy and supplies near Lower Neches WMA

Orange County listings first, then bordering counties.

Precision Archery sporting goods

Bridge City, Orange County · about 2 mi away

(409) 735-5808Map itSite
Deer Processing Taylors game processing

Vidor, Orange County

(409) 422-0181Map itSite
Moore Odom Wildlife Foundation Inc guide service

Orange, Orange County · about 9 mi away

(409) 670-9512Map itSite
Bo's Wild Game Processing game processing

Orange, Orange County · about 9 mi away

(409) 883-0172Map itSite
Nance's Meat Processing game processing

Orange, Orange County · about 10 mi away

(409) 745-3426Map itSite
Perkins Taxidermy taxidermy

Orange, Orange County · about 11 mi away

(409) 883-4606Map itSite
Ridgeline Taxidermy taxidermy

Vidor, Orange County · about 19 mi away

(409) 681-0899Map itSite
Gibson Deer Processing game processing

Port Neches, Jefferson County · about 7 mi away

(409) 729-2131Map itSite

Closest warden office on file: TPWD Law Enforcement Office (Beaumont) in Beaumont, 20 miles.

Processors on the mapFind taxidermy

Store locators (Academy, Bass Pro, Cabela’s), the TPWD law enforcement office list, Hunters for the Hungry and business listings, checked October 11, 2026. Call ahead.

Loading up for Lower Neches WMA

Four items picked for the game hunted here, each with a live search.

Amazon links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Duck decoys

Mixed puddle duck spreads for marsh and stock tanks.

Amazon listings

Chest waders

Breathable or neoprene, depending on the zone and month.

Amazon listings

Duck call

Single reed for mallards and mottled ducks.

Amazon listings

Layout blind

Low profile cover in open fields and flats.

Amazon listings

Compare hunting gearHunting gear guide

Lower Neches WMA: common questions

Which zone covers Lower Neches WMA for ducks and geese?

Orange County is in the North Zone for ducks and geese: regular season Nov 14 to Nov 29, 2026. The area may allow fewer days.

What are the buck rules near Lower Neches WMA?

The Orange County listing allows 4 deer, 2 bucks max, 2 antlerless max. Buck antler rules apply. Area rules may be tighter.

Does the orange rule apply at Lower Neches WMA?

400 square inches minimum with 144 each on chest and back and an orange cap, during daylight firearm hunting. Turkey, waterfowl, dove and alligator hunters are exempt.

How far is Lower Neches WMA from Port Arthur?

Straight-line, 7 miles north from Port Arthur. Silsbee is 30 miles out.

What is the closest public area to Lower Neches WMA?

Lower Neches WMA, Old River Unit (0 miles), Lower Neches WMA, Nelda Stark Unit (5 miles) and Tony Houseman/Blue Elbow Swamp WMA (12 miles).

Can I hunt doves until sunset at Lower Neches WMA?

Legal light: 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, except doves and waterfowl, which end at sunset.

How young can a child hunt in Texas?

Children under 9 may hunt only when accompanied by a licensed adult 17 or older who has passed hunter education or is exempt.

What does a youth license cost?

$7 for anyone under 17 at purchase, resident or not, valid the whole license year.

Who counts as a youth hunter?

Licensed hunters 16 or younger. Youth license (Type 169, $7) valid all license year.

Is Lower Neches WMA state or federal land?

A wildlife management area run by TPWD; the manager is TPWD. Program name: TPWD Wildlife Management Area.

Wrapping up Lower Neches WMA

Double-check Lower Neches WMA with its manager: open days, check-in and any drawn-hunt rules.

Public land mapTexas public areasHow APH worksOrange CountyOfficial site

Other photos on this page: USFWS Mountain Prairie (CC BY 2.0); bgautrea (CC BY-SA 2.0); Maciej Kraus (CC BY 2.0); Adrian Delgado2012 (CC BY 2.0).