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WMA · San Antonio/Corpus Christi
James E. Daughtrey WMA hunting
A hunter’s summary of James E. Daughtrey WMA in Live Oak County: permits, zone dates, legal light and local services.
Photo: aulbarnes08 (CC BY 2.0)
What James E. Daughtrey WMA is and who runs it
TPWD oversees James E. Daughtrey WMA, a wildlife management area run by TPWD covering ground in Live Oak County and McMullen County. Three Rivers is the nearest of our town guides, roughly 11 miles away (the area lies west of it).
Hunters 17 and older carry the $48 APH permit on this ground. Apply through TPWD for 10 drawn hunt types.
WMA page describes a 34,000-acre multiple-use area including Choke Canyon Reservoir; APH GIS layer lists 4,400 deed acres for the hunt unit.
From the source record and 7 linked sources, retrieved 2026-10-11; page checked October 11, 2026.
Paperwork for hunting James E. Daughtrey WMA
Fees are TPWD figures for the license year.
APH permit
Adults (17 and up) need the APH permit, which requires a season hunting license. The same permit opens over 1 million acres on more than 180 areas. Under 17? No permit needed, as long as a permitted adult 18+ is along.
Drawn hunts here
| Category | Apply by |
|---|---|
| Archery Deer | Aug 15, 2026 |
| Gun Deer – Either Sex | Sep 15, 2026 |
| Gun Deer – Management | Sep 15, 2026 |
| Javelina | Aug 15, 2026 |
| Spring Turkey | Nov 1, 2026 |
| Youth Only Gun Deer – Antlerless/Spike | Sep 15, 2026 |
| Youth Only Gun Deer – Either Sex | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Youth Only Gun Deer – Management | Sep 15, 2026 |
| Youth Only Javelina | Sep 15, 2026 |
| Youth Only Spring Turkey | Nov 1, 2026 |
All drawn categories are online applications. Deadlines below are from the 2026 schedule.
Licensing
You need a hunting license; residents pay $25. On top of that, bring a migratory endorsement and HIP certification, the federal duck stamp, 16 and over, the federal crane permit, no charge, the upland endorsement and the archery endorsement for bow-only dates. Hunter education applies to anyone born on or after September 2, 1971.
Hunter orange rule
TPWD requires orange on public hunting lands while firearm seasons are on, except for turkey, migratory bird and alligator hunting.
Hunt area rules
On TPWD hunt areas: no vehicle hunting, no buckshot unless the hunt allows it, dogs only for small game and game birds except turkey.
James E. Daughtrey WMA species and 2026-27 dates
Game named for the area: whitetails, feral hogs, turkey, javelina, doves, ducks and geese, sandhill cranes, quail, rabbits, predators and snipe, woodcock and rails. Each row uses the zone that covers Live Oak County.
| Species | Hunt | Zone | Opening | Closing | Limit | Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | Archery Only | South Zone | Oct 3, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 | 5 deer | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth-Only | South Zone | Oct 30, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 5 deer | |
| White-tailed deer | General Season | South Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | 5 deer | |
| White-tailed deer | Special Late | South Zone | Jan 18, 2027 | Jan 31, 2027 | 5 deer | |
| Turkey | Fall Archery Only | South Zone | Oct 3, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 | County rule | |
| Turkey | Fall Youth-Only | South Zone | Oct 30, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | County rule | |
| Turkey | Fall Youth-Only | South Zone | Jan 18, 2027 | Jan 31, 2027 | County rule | |
| Turkey | Fall season | South Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | County rule | |
| Turkey | Spring Youth-Only | South Zone | Mar 13, 2027 | Mar 14, 2027 | County rule | |
| Turkey | Spring Youth-Only | South Zone | May 8, 2027 | May 9, 2027 | County rule | |
| Turkey | Spring season | South Zone | Mar 20, 2027 | May 2, 2027 | County rule | |
| Javelina | Regular Season | Southern | Sep 1, 2026 | Aug 31, 2027 | 2 a year | |
| Dove | Regular Season | South Zone | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | 15 a day | |
| Dove | Regular Season | South Zone | Dec 18, 2026 | Jan 21, 2027 | 15 a day | |
| Dove | Falconry | South Zone | Nov 13, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | 3 a day | |
| September teal | September teal | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | 6 a day | |
| Ducks | Youth-Only | South Zone | Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 6 a day | |
| Ducks | Veterans and military | South Zone | Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | 6 a day | |
| Ducks | Regular Season | South Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | 6 a day | |
| Ducks | Regular Season | South Zone | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 6 a day | |
| Ducks | Dusky Duck | South Zone | Nov 12, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | 6 a day | |
| Ducks | Dusky Duck | South Zone | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 6 a day | |
| Ducks | Falconry | South Zone | Feb 1, 2027 | Feb 21, 2027 | 3 a day | |
| Geese | Early Canada geese | Eastern Zone | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | 5 Canada a day | |
| Geese | Dark Geese | Eastern Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 5 dark a day | |
| Geese | Light Geese | Eastern Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Feb 19, 2027 | 5 light a day | |
| Sandhill crane | Regular Season | Zone C | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | 2 a day | |
| Quail | Regular Season | Statewide | Nov 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | 15 a day | |
| Woodcock | Regular Season | Statewide | Dec 18, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 3 a day | |
| Woodcock | Falconry | Statewide | Feb 1, 2027 | Feb 21, 2027 | — | |
| Snipe | Regular Season | Statewide | Nov 7, 2026 | Feb 21, 2027 | 8 a day | |
| Rails and gallinules | Regular Season | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | 15 a day | |
| Rails and gallinules | Regular Season | Statewide | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 6, 2027 | 15 a day | |
| Rails and gallinules | Falconry | Statewide | Feb 1, 2027 | Feb 21, 2027 | — | |
| Feral hogs | Per area rules | — | — | — | — | |
| Rabbits and hares | Per area rules | — | — | — | — | |
| Predators and furbearers | Per 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 Live Oak County; area game list from the area record. Checked October 11, 2026.
James E. Daughtrey WMA plotted with nearby tracts
Orange marks James E. Daughtrey WMA. Within 60 miles: 7 other public areas.
Nearest town guides: Three Rivers 11 miles out, east; George West 18 miles out, southeast; Pleasanton 34 miles out, north.
Choke Canyon State Park, Calliham Unit (2 miles south)
2 miles to the south (McMullen County).
Choke Canyon State Park, North Shore Unit (4 miles east)
4 miles to the east (Live Oak County).
Choke Canyon State Park, South Shore Unit (6 miles east)
6 miles to the east (Live Oak County).
Points from TPWD GIS, agency pages and public geocodes as noted in each record. Distances are straight-line. Statewide public land map.
Live Oak County deer rules around James E. Daughtrey WMA
The county bag below is the ceiling; drawn hunts and area rules can be stricter.
Whitetail limit, Live Oak County
Deer calendar for the county
| Segment | First | Last | Applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery Only | Oct 3, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 | Entire county |
| Youth-Only | Oct 30, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | Entire county |
| General Season | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | Entire county |
| Special Late | Jan 18, 2027 | Jan 31, 2027 | Entire county |
James E. Daughtrey WMA on the Texas event calendar
Youth hunts account for 6 upcoming dates here.
Still to come
| Dates | Name | Where | Sign-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 7-8, 2026 | Youth Only Gun Deer – Antlerless/Spike – James Daughtrey WMA · drawn youth-only hunt | James Daughtrey WMA, Live Oak County | Drawing page |
| Nov 14-15, 2026 | Youth Only Gun Deer – Antlerless/Spike – James Daughtrey WMA · drawn youth-only hunt | James Daughtrey WMA, Live Oak County | Drawing page |
| Nov 21-22, 2026 | Youth Only Gun Deer – Management – James Daughtrey WMA · drawn youth-only hunt | James Daughtrey WMA, Live Oak County | Drawing page |
| Dec 27-30, 2026 | Youth Only Gun Deer – Either Sex – James Daughtrey WMA · drawn youth-only hunt | James Daughtrey WMA, Live Oak County | Drawing page |
| Jan 30-31, 2027 | Youth Only Javelina – James Daughtrey WMA · drawn youth-only hunt | James Daughtrey WMA, Live Oak County | Drawing page |
| Mar 13-14, 2027 | Youth Only Spring Turkey – James Daughtrey WMA · drawn youth-only hunt | James Daughtrey WMA, Live Oak County | Drawing page |
Zone-by-zone dates for Live Oak County
Sort through 14 game speciess with seasons in Live Oak County; the status column turns green when a season is open.
| Animal | Season | Zone or area | Starts | Ends | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | Archery Only | South Zone | Oct 3, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth-Only | South Zone | Oct 30, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | General Season | South Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Special Late | South Zone | Jan 18, 2027 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Turkey | Fall Archery Only | South Zone | Oct 3, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 | |
| Turkey | Fall Youth-Only | South Zone | Oct 30, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | |
| Turkey | Fall Youth-Only | South Zone | Jan 18, 2027 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Turkey | Fall season | South Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | |
| Turkey | Spring Youth-Only | South Zone | Mar 13, 2027 | Mar 14, 2027 | |
| Turkey | Spring Youth-Only | South Zone | May 8, 2027 | May 9, 2027 | |
| Turkey | Spring season | South Zone | Mar 20, 2027 | May 2, 2027 | |
| Javelina | Regular Season | Southern | Sep 1, 2026 | Aug 31, 2027 | |
| Squirrel | General Season | All Other Counties | Sep 1, 2026 | Aug 31, 2027 | |
| Quail | Regular Season | Statewide | Nov 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Dove | Regular Season | South Zone | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | |
| Dove | Regular Season | South Zone | Dec 18, 2026 | Jan 21, 2027 | |
| Dove | Falconry | South Zone | Nov 13, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| September teal | September teal | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Youth-Only | South Zone | Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Veterans and military | South Zone | Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Regular Season | South Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Regular Season | South Zone | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Ducks | Dusky Duck | South Zone | Nov 12, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Dusky Duck | South Zone | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Ducks | Falconry | South Zone | Feb 1, 2027 | Feb 21, 2027 | |
| Geese | Early Canada geese | Eastern Zone | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Geese | Dark Geese | Eastern Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Geese | Light Geese | Eastern Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Feb 19, 2027 | |
| Sandhill crane | Regular Season | Zone C | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | |
| Alligator | General Season | Non-core | Apr 1, 2027 | Jun 30, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Regular Season | Statewide | Dec 18, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Falconry | Statewide | Feb 1, 2027 | Feb 21, 2027 | |
| Snipe | Regular Season | Statewide | Nov 7, 2026 | Feb 21, 2027 | |
| Rails and gallinules | Regular Season | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Rails and gallinules | Regular Season | Statewide | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 6, 2027 | |
| Rails and gallinules | Falconry | Statewide | Feb 1, 2027 | Feb 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 James E. Daughtrey 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 James E. Daughtrey 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 James E. Daughtrey WMA
Live Oak County listings first, then bordering counties.
Closest warden office on file: TPWD Law Enforcement Office (San Antonio) in San Antonio, 71 miles.
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 James E. Daughtrey 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.
James E. Daughtrey WMA: common questions
Which zone covers James E. Daughtrey WMA for doves?
Live Oak County is in the South Zone for doves: regular season Sep 1 to Oct 25, 2026. The area may allow fewer days.
What are the buck rules near James E. Daughtrey WMA?
The Live Oak County listing allows 5 deer, 3 bucks max. Antler restrictions do not apply. Area rules may be tighter.
Does the orange rule apply at James E. Daughtrey 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 James E. Daughtrey WMA from Three Rivers?
Straight-line, 11 miles west from Three Rivers. George West is 18 miles out.
What is the closest public area to James E. Daughtrey WMA?
Choke Canyon State Park, Calliham Unit (2 miles), Choke Canyon State Park, North Shore Unit (4 miles) and Choke Canyon State Park, South Shore Unit (6 miles).
Can I enter a drawing for James E. Daughtrey WMA?
Drawn hunts here: Archery Deer, Gun Deer – Either Sex, Gun Deer – Management, Javelina and Spring Turkey. TPWD code: JD. From Aug 15, 2026 to Nov 1, 2026 by category.
How do I find James E. Daughtrey WMA in the APH map booklet?
Booklet number 713. The map link sits in the summary band. TPWD is ending the printed booklet after 2026-27.
Can I hunt doves until sunset at James E. Daughtrey 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.
Wrapping up James E. Daughtrey WMA
Double-check James E. Daughtrey WMA with its manager: open days, check-in and any drawn-hunt rules.
Other photos on this page: Life Lenses (CC BY-SA 2.0); bgautrea (CC BY-SA 2.0); aulbarnes08 (CC BY 2.0); Corey Leopold (CC BY 2.0).