The Texas Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is proud to enter an agreement with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for our Adopt-An- Acccess Initiative. Each year, landowners across the state participate in the Voluntary Public Access (VPA) program, leasing their land to the state so it can be opened for public hunting access for all Texans. These tracts of land can be either hunted or act as easements to open up access to open opportunities to already existing public tracts of land. VPA leases can be found in all areas of the state, with many near our largest cities. These properties are typically leased for the September/October dove season but may also be leased for other game, including waterfowl, upland birds, and other small game. As a sign of appreciation, Texas BHA is looking for members to adopt a VPA lease for the 2025-2027 hunting seasons.

Ask of Adopters:

• Purchase your 2025-2026 Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit
• Place a BHA Adopt an Access sign on the site
• Enjoy the public land! Get out and hunt at least once, and preferably at least once after opening weekend.
• Bring a trash bag during your visit and collect trash on or adjacent to the public hunting grounds (after a morning hunt or before an afternoon hunt) 
• Write a thank you note that can be delivered to the landowner (if enrolled under the VPA program).
• We also ask that you send photos of yourself and your hunt party enjoying our Public Lands to texas@backcountryhunters.org or tag @ on social media.

who purchase the Annual Public Hunting (APH) permit with their Hunting License for $48.

Many of the dove fields and small game hunting properties included as part of the Annual Public Hunting (APH) permit are private lands which are leased as part of the Voluntary Public Access (VPA). To adopt a VPA lease, select a property from the APH map found on the TPWD webpage. VPA properties are represented by the gold stars and clicking the star will show the name and unit number. After selecting a property, complete the form here. About the Voluntary Public Access Program: