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Deer Harvesting Program 2025
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Wildlife Committee
Phone: (830)265-1803
Restrictions on Harvesting:
Morning harvesting is from 8AM to noon, Monday - Friday
Limited afternoon harvesting will occur from 2pm to 5pm at select locations and only when harvester support is available.
Weekend harvesting is canceled for the season.
Operational Blackout:
Christmas to New Year’s Day blacked out.
Any days MFISD is not in session.
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Harvester Testing and Qualifying
Harvesters may requalify any day the WAC Shack is attended by harvester support, so long as 30 days have lapsed since prior qualification.
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NEW! Earn-A-Buck Program
To qualify for a buck tag, a harvester must donate five antlerless deer. Additional buck tags can be earned for every five extra antlerless deer donated, up to a maximum of four tags per season per qualifying harvester. Buck tags will be distributed on a first-earned, first-served basis while supplies last. The WAC reserves the right to modify these requirements to ensure all buck tags are utilized.
The harvester may take any buck that presents an ethical shot, regardless of antler characteristics. The WAC may reserve up to ten buck tags to reward volunteers who significantly assist with WAC operations and to address situations where immature bucks are mistakenly harvested. The harvest of "marked" deer by local homeowners is strictly prohibited. Marked deer are considered pets, and a member’s participation will be immediately revoked if a pet deer is harvested.
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This program works under the direction and guidance of TPWD biologists and game wardens under the Managed Lands Deer Permit (MLDP) program.
All program activities require the approval of the City Council and coordination with the City Manager and Police Department. Please review the details as outlined in the City Ordinance and attached exhibits.
UPDATED OCTOBER 14, 2025 - Ordinance 733-B: Deer Management Program Amendment
Wildlife Harvest Team Requirements
- Membership will vary annually based on harvest demand and the supply of qualified harvesters.
- Local residents have priority
- Minimum 18 years of age
- No Felony Convictions — DPS Background Check REQUIRED for application
- No Misdemeanor convictions involving violence or weapon offenses
- No active warrants (automatic disqualification for 1 year)
- Texas Department of Public Safety criminal history must be requested from DPS using the attached form. DPS return must be provided to the Police Department.
Any legal archery means may be used (refer to City Ordinance)
- Possess a Texas Hunting License
- Possess a Texas Bowhunter Education Certificate
- Possess a Cell/smartphone with a Camera and Texting or Email ability
- Possess a valid Texas Driver's License and their own transportation
- Attend an overview of the Wildlife Management Program Goals, Requirements, and the Law
- Pass a 15-question examination and a shoot/no shoot picture test with a 100% passing score and a live shooting accuracy test.
Downloadable Forms and Related Links
- Property Owner Permission Form (PDF)
- HARVESTER CHECKLIST(PDF)
- Wildlife Volunteer Waiver and Release Form (PDF)
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Bowhunter Education
Police Department Release/authorization for background(PDF). Must pay $3.75 to the Police Department when the application is submitted.