I have been hunting around Lake Grapevine on and off for over a decade, and I absolutely love the huntable terrain on and around the lake. I have shared this information with enough friends and family to know that it can be a little confusing, so I wanted to clear up once and for all how you too can hunt Lake Grapevine for free.

There are 3 different permits available, depending on what species you are after. There are permits for deer hunting, for waterfowl, and everything else. 

Lake Grapevine Deer Hunting Permits

Yes, you can hunt deer on Lake Grapevine! It's restricted to archery only, and includes most of the Denton Creek area (except Knob Hill / North Shore Park off 377). Access points are very limited, but it's possible to get back in there, especially if you're up for a hike. 

For youth hunters 16 years of age or younger, all that's required is a waiver of liability from a parent or guardian, besides the normal legal requirements (hunting license, hunter's safety, archery endorsement, etc). Youth have the benefit of the full archery season and additional late season. There are over 3 months of hunting available, and you don't even need to win the permit lottery.

For adults, you do need to win the lottery! There are only 250 deer hunting permits available for Lake Grapevine, and it's a random drawing. Applications are taken in, and then drawn once the application period is closed. The main access point is just north of where 377 intersects Denton Creek. Other access points are available, but are mostly on private property, or are very few and far between.

Lake Grapevine Waterfowl Hunting Permits

Unlike the deer permits, the waterfowl hunting permits for Lake Grapevine are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are usually 500 free permits available for waterfowl such as ducks and geese, and according to the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) hunting map you can only hunt waterfowl on the water.

In years past, these permits were only available in person at the USACE Grapevine office, but now they are only available via online submission on the USACE website.

PRO TIP: These permits go really fast! Make sure to mark your calendar, and apply on the first day to ensure a successful hunting season on Lake Grapevine.

Lake Grapevine General Hunting Permits

If you're looking to hunt animals besides bucks and ducks, then you need to get a "General" hunting permit for Lake Grapevine. These are also free, and like the waterfowl permits, they are also first-come, first-served. According to the USACE, this covers every other legal huntable animal in Denton County other than deer and waterfowl, and is limited to shotgun and archery only. Trapping, calling and baiting are not allowed. Hunter's orange is required unless you're after migratory birds such as dove. There is plenty of huntable land around Denton Creek east of Lake Grapevine for hogs, rabbits, squirrels and dove. 

Similarly, in years past these hunting permits were only available in person, while now they are only available online. Grab yours on the USACE website before they're gone, because there are typically 800 available and that's it.

Lake Grapevine Hunting Map

The US Army Corps of Engineers has published a very useful hunting map with boundaries, available through ArcGIS. It shows you which areas are huntable for what species with colored overlays, and you can use it for scouting good areas as well.

PRO TIP: Make sure you are always hunting in a legal location by keeping this map pulled up in a browser on your smartphone. Check where you are in relation to the boundaries with the "My Location" feature in the upper left, and always stay 600 feet from public roads or private property. 

With a little planning, you can set yourself up for a great hunting season on public land, within the metroplex and for FREE! I hope this information was helpful to you, so that you can get out there, have some fun, hunt safely and bag something.