Outdoors

For Richmond and Rosenberg residents, getting outdoors does not have to mean owning a boat or having access to a private ranch.

National Hunting and Fishing Day arrives Saturday, Sept. 26, providing families a reason to explore fishing close to Fort Bend County or learn more about Texas' public hunting program.

Fishing Near Richmond and Rosenberg

One of the closest TPWD Neighborhood Fishin' locations is Community Park Lake, located at 1700 Glenn Lakes Lane in Missouri City. TPWD lists the lake at 3 acres and includes it among the Houston-area Neighborhood Fishin' locations.

Neighborhood Fishin' waters are stocked seasonally and designed to make fishing more convenient for urban and suburban residents, particularly families and beginners.

Another option northwest of the Richmond and Rosenberg area is Mary Jo Peckham Park in Katy. Brazos Bend State Park in Needville is another great fishing spot near Richmond and Rosenberg. While it is not part of the Neighborhood Fishin' program, the park offers fishing at several lakes and along Big Creek. Because it is a Texas State Park, no fishing license is required while fishing within park boundaries, although normal fishing regulations still apply.

Children younger than 17 generally do not need a fishing license in Texas. Adults normally need a license and applicable freshwater endorsement.

Hunting Opportunities South of Fort Bend County

Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area, near Jones Creek, is a TPWD hunting destination south of the Houston area, but residents should know that many hunts there are controlled through the drawn-hunt program.

For example, the area's 2026-27 schedule includes a feral hog hunt Feb. 20-22, 2027. Applications remain open until Nov. 1, and standby opportunities may also be available. Youth feral hog hunting is scheduled Feb. 6-7.

Other Justin Hurst deer hunts have earlier application deadlines that have already passed.

That distinction matters. A WMA appearing on a public hunting map does not mean hunters can arrive on any date and pursue any species.

For walk-in opportunities, Richmond and Rosenberg residents can use TPWD's Annual Public Hunting program to search for legal game and nearby properties. The $48 APH permit covers qualifying hunting on more than one million acres statewide.

National Hunting and Fishing Day Falls During Active Seasons

Early teal season continues through Sept. 27, with a statewide daily bag limit of six teal. Dove season is also underway.

Anyone planning a hunt should verify the county, zone, property and species rules before traveling.

Conservation Is Part of the Story

License purchases, stamps and endorsements help fund Texas wildlife and fish management, including stocking, habitat conservation and public access.

According to TPWD's announcement provided for the 2026 observance, recreational license sales have topped $36.7 million since 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 announcement states that Gov. Greg Abbott also issued a proclamation in support of the observance.

Check the New License Requirements

Since Aug. 3, hunters and anglers age 17 and older purchasing recreational licenses in person must be physically present and present valid identification. Online buyers must have their ID independently validated.

Hunter education requirements apply to hunters born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, though younger hunters may qualify to hunt accompanied and hunters age 17 and older can use a one-time deferral under qualifying circumstances.

For Richmond and Rosenberg families not quite ready for a hunting trip, an afternoon at Community Park Lake can provide a simpler introduction to Texas' outdoor traditions.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Richmond, Rosenberg and Fort Bend County outdoor opportunities.

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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