Check map for when the entire area is closed.

Big Lake Bottom Wildlife Management Area (BLBWMA) lies adjacent to the Trinity River. The WMA was purchased beginning in 1990 in an effort to preserve a relict tract of quality bottomland hardwood habitat which is rapidly disappearing in the Post Oak Savannah Ecoregion of Texas. Additional tracts of land have been acquired as mitigation for habitat losses from a sand and gravel company or purchased giving the WMA approximately 3,894 acres of land. Until 2009, the WMA encompassed Big Lake and most of the shoreline within its boundaries. Although Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) no longer owns the lake the WMA retains the name “Big Lake Bottom.” The Texas Department of Corrections has constructed several prison facilities to the north and adjacent to the WMA while other properties adjacent are either owned and hunted or leased to hunters. BLBWMA lies almost completely within the Trinity River floodplain and carries topography, soil types, and vegetation characteristics of alluvial major flood plain. As a result of the flat terrain the area often times is covered in shallow, slow moving floodwaters, five to 60 days a year. The area is normally inaccessible several times a year for extended periods due to high water or wet soil conditions.

Visitors may enjoy birding, hiking, photography, or camping at BLBWMA. There are no roads so access is limited to foot traffic. ATVs are only allowed for hunters selected on the Special Permit hunts. Visitors 17 years of age and older must possess either an AnnualPublic Hunting Permit (APH) or Limited Public Use (LPU) Permit to utilize the WMA. You can purchase a Texas Limited Public Use Permit #175. online or at any retailer that sell state hunting or fishing license. If purchased online a representation of receipt is acceptable until official printer version is available.

Many Texas Wildlife Management Areas are open for activities such as biking, primitive camping, birding, fishing, hiking, equestrian activities, driving tours, and wildlife viewing.

Many times you need minimally a Texas Limited Public Use Permit (LPU - #175). You can purchase a Limited Public Use Permit or Annual Public Hunting Permit at any location that sells hunting licenses or at the Texas License Connection. If purchased online a representation of receipt is acceptable until official printer version has been mailed to you. In some cases it's not obvious when you need a permit for a Texas Wildlife Management Area so it might be better to be safe, because Texas game wardens do check for such permits.