Big Bend - When to Visit

Throughout the year, each unit on the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area offers a special combination of recreational opportunities. Duck hunting is available on Hickory Mound Impoundment. In late September the early duck hunting season begins to coincide with the blue-winged teal migration from the northern U.S. and Canada. Each unit except Snipe Island has a boat ramp providing access to the Gulf. Spotted sea trout are abundant in March, April, October, and November. Crabbing is best in the summer, and the scalloping season is in July and August (the exact dates vary from year to year).

Hickory Mound Impoundment and Hagen's Cove are excellent spots for viewing wading and water birds year-round. During spring and fall, the trams on Tide Swamp are good spots for observing migratory warblers and other birds. Fall through spring is generally the best time to sea kayak. The summer is hot, buggy, and frequently stormy.

Hunters must comply with all hunting regulations

Snipe Island:
Hunting Regulations and Map  : Hunting Calendar - Year-at-a-Glance* 

Hickory Mound:
Hunting Regulations and Map : Hunting Calendar - Year-at-a-Glance* 

Spring Creek:
Hunting Regulations and Map  : Hunting Calendar - Year-at-a-Glance* 

Tide Swamp:
Hunting Regulations and Map  : Hunting Calendar - Year-at-a-Glance* 

Jena:
Hunting Regulations and Map  : Hunting Calendar - Year-at-a-Glance* 

*(Calendars do not reflect  migratory game bird hunting seasons.)