Big Time Texas Hunts kicks off 29th year of conservation fundraising

AUSTIN — Officials with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced they have opened entries for the 29th annual Big Time Texas Hunts, featuring new bonus prizes for winners while continuing to fund wildlife conservation efforts across the state.

TPWD said for the first time, nearly half of the program’s 10 premium guided hunt packages will include special gifts, such as custom-fitted boots or other hunting gear.

“In our 29th year, we are extremely excited to continue offering hunters an affordable chance at once-in-a-lifetime hunting opportunities and raising important wildlife conservation funding at the same time,” said Kevin Mote, TPWD private lands and public hunting program director. “Revenue generated from the sale of BTTH entries provides funding for wildlife habitat work, improves the quality of public hunts and covers the cost of next year’s hunts.”

According to TPWD, the following are among the most popular hunts:

• The Texas Grand Slam, which awards one winner four separate big-game hunts: desert bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, pronghorn and desert mule deer.
• The Exotic Safari, which gives a winner and a guest the chance to hunt gemsbok and scimitar-horned oryx at Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area.
• The Ultimate Mule Deer Hunt offers a multi-day hunt for mature mule deer in the Texas Panhandle.
• The Trans-Pecos Aoudad Adventure is returning for its second year with a free-range hunt for a mature male ram in the Chihuahuan Desert.

The release detailed that winners of four of the hunts will receive bonus prizes, including custom alligator boots valued at $2,000, a $825 portable deer blind, $500 in ammunition of choice, and a $500 hunting apparel package.

“Adding valuable bonuses to the hunts will, we hope, inspire more people to participate in this popular fundraiser,” said Janis Johnson, TPWD marketing manager. “We are so thankful to Allens Boots, Redneck Blinds and Los Cazadores for their generous donations to the program for our winners.”

According to officials, since its launch in 1998, Big Time Texas Hunts has raised over $22.7 million for wildlife research, habitat conservation and public hunting access. The 2024-25 season raised $1.39 million, marking the fifth consecutive year revenues topped $1 million.

Funds from the program have supported desert bighorn sheep restoration in West Texas, brush control for mule deer, pronghorn, and quail, as well as grassland restoration projects, according to the TPWD. Officials added that the event has also provided public hunting leases and ADA-accessible blinds on wildlife management areas.

Entries cost $9 online, or $10 through license retailers or by calling (800) 895-4248. The deadline to enter is Oct. 15, and winners will be announced within two weeks.