Outdoors

For families in Katy and Fulshear, celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day does not require a long trip across Texas. One of the state's regularly stocked urban fishing destinations sits right in Katy, while Texas Parks and Wildlife Department public hunting programs open additional outdoor opportunities within driving distance.

National Hunting and Fishing Day falls Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, recognizing hunters and anglers and the role they play in wildlife conservation.

For local families, it can also be an excuse to put down the screens, grab a fishing pole and spend a few hours outside together.

Where to Fish Near Katy and Fulshear

One of the easiest places to start is Mary Jo Peckham Park, located at 5597 Gardenia Ln, Katy, TX 77493.

Its 5-acre lake is part of TPWD's Neighborhood Fishin' Program, which places fishing opportunities in accessible urban and suburban parks. TPWD confirms Mary Jo Peckham Park as one of its Houston-area Neighborhood Fishin' locations.

Neighborhood Fishin' sites are intended to make fishing approachable for beginners as well as experienced anglers, with parks typically offering shoreline access, parking and other amenities.

TPWD stocks program lakes seasonally, including channel catfish during warmer parts of the year and rainbow trout during the winter stocking period.

Children younger than 17 generally do not need a Texas fishing license. Adults fishing at Mary Jo Peckham Park normally need the appropriate fishing license and freshwater endorsement.

For a complete listing of places to go fishing in the Katy area, see My Neighborhood News' comprehensive listing here.

Where to Hunt Near Katy and Fulshear

Public hunting near the western Houston suburbs works differently from fishing at a neighborhood park.

One nearby TPWD destination is Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Areanear Jones Creek, south of the Houston metropolitan area. However, hunters should understand that Justin Hurst is not simply open for unrestricted walk-in hunting of every species.

Its 2026-27 opportunities include drawn hunts with specific dates and permit requirements. For example, a feral hog hunt is scheduled for Feb. 20-22, 2027, with applications due Nov. 1, while several youth deer hunt application deadlines have already passed. Standby positions may be available for some hunts.

For residents looking specifically for walk-in hunting, TPWD's Annual Public Hunting Permit program is the better starting point. The $48 permit provides qualifying access to more than one million acres of public hunting land across Texas. Properties include TPWD lands, acreage managed by other government agencies and private land leased for public hunting.

Because individual properties may allow different species, methods and hunting dates, Katy and Fulshear hunters should check TPWD's current Hunt Area Locator before leaving home rather than assuming a particular tract is open.

Dove and Teal Seasons Are Underway

National Hunting and Fishing Day arrives in the middle of dove season and during the final weekend of the 2026 early teal season.

Texas' statewide early teal season runs Sept. 19-27, with a daily bag limit of six and possession limit of three times the daily bag limit. Waterfowl hunters must also meet applicable license, Migratory Game Bird Endorsement, HIP certification and Federal Duck Stamp requirements.

Regular dove season began Sept. 1 across Texas, although closing and reopening dates vary by zone.

Participation Helps Pay for Conservation

Hunting and fishing licenses, stamps and endorsements help support wildlife management, fish stocking, habitat projects and public access. Taxes associated with hunting and fishing equipment, firearms, ammunition and motorboat fuel also contribute to conservation funding.

According to TPWD's 2026 announcement provided for this story, recreational hunting and fishing license sales have exceeded $36.7 million since licenses became available Aug. 15.

“The significant contribution made by Texas’ outdoors women and men toward research and species management is one of the reasons why the tradition of hunting and fishing in Texas has endured for generations,” TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz said. “Texas’ hunters, anglers and landowners, make the difference in preserving and maintaining the state’s natural spaces and wildlife population. This year, in honor of National Hunting and Fishing Day, I invite all Texans to take a hunter education course, attend a neighborhood fishing event and learn how participating in these activities aids in conserving the best of Texas.”

TPWD's 2026 announcement also states that Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation supporting the observance and highlighting the economic and recreational role of outdoor pursuits in Texas.

Before You Go: New 2026 License Rules

A significant change took effect Aug. 3.

Anyone age 17 or older purchasing a recreational Texas hunting or fishing license in person must now be physically present and provide valid identification. Online purchasers must have their identification independently validated, and foreign residents cannot purchase licenses online.

Hunter education requirements also apply to people born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, but the rules vary by age. Hunters ages 9 through 16 may hunt accompanied instead of completing certification first, while hunters 17 and older can qualify for a one-time hunter education deferral if they hunt accompanied by a qualified person.

For Katy and Fulshear families who have never tried fishing, Mary Jo Peckham Park offers perhaps the easiest first step. Sometimes an outdoor tradition starts with nothing more complicated than a pole, some bait and a Saturday morning together.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Katy and Fulshear outdoor activities, fishing opportunities and community updates.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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