2023-2024 ENTIRE AREA CLOSED: Sept. 25-27, Oct. 2-4, Oct. 16-20, Oct. 23-27, Nov. 10-17, Dec.4-15, Feb. 1-Mar. 15, Mar. 25-Apr. 10, and Apr. 17-24

bobwhite quail, Rio Grande turkey, scissor-tailed flycatchers, Bullock's orioles, Mississippi kites, roadrunners, mourning doves, painted buntings,

The Matador Wildlife Management Area (MWMA) is located in the central Rolling Plains of Cottle County, Texas. Using Pittman-Robertson funds, the 28,183-acre MWMA was purchased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1959 for the purposes of wildlife research, wildlife management, and public use.

Habitat types include mesquite uplands, shinnery oak rangeland and gravelly hills consisting of red berry juniper and mesquite mix, and bottomland. Average annual rainfall is 22 inches, with the greatest precipitation normally occurring in May and June.

All visitors must register upon arrival at the registration building (open 24 hours) and check out when leaving. All visitors, 17 years old and older, must possess an Annual Public Hunting APH Permit or a Limited Public Use LPU Permit. Tours of the MWMA can be arranged for groups by contacting the Area Manager. Tours are not available during public hunts.

Students, teachers, and scientists use the MWMA for instructional, educational, and research purposes. Do not disturb any markings, flags, traps, etc. that you encounter, as this may affect results.

Some areas on the MWMA are inaccessible with 2-wheel drive vehicles. Therefore, 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended to gain access to these remote areas. Signs are posted on roads where 4-wheel drive vehicles are required.

All visitors are encouraged to bring plenty of drinking water. Those wishing to camp should bring camp stoves, since droughty conditions often prohibit open fires. Electrical hookups and showers are not 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.