Frequently Asked Questions

Camp Bullis Natural Resources and Hunting Program

General Information

What is the primary mission of the Natural Resources Office (NRO)?

- The primary mission of the NRO is facilitating mission capabilities through management of natural resources including ecosystems and wildlife. The NRO manages for endangered species, other wildlife species, plant species, invasive plant and wildlife species, water resources, soil erosion, and environmental clean-up. Management of the Hunting Program is not a primary mission of this office but is sub-program used to aid in management of game and invasive species.

Why is there a hunting program at Camp Bullis?

- The Sikes Act requires that Federal Agencies with natural resources make those resources available to the public where resources and mission allow. The law does not dictate how those resources are made available or how outdoor recreation programs are managed or executed. Eligibility to participate in outdoor recreation is determined by the JBSA Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) coordinated with both Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and US Fish and Wildlife and signed by the Installation Commander. At Camp Bullis management and execution of the hunting program is determined by the designated Professional Natural Resource Manager through coordination with the Army Support Activity Integrated Training Area Manager and Safety Officer, who manages the training areas, and the Force Support Group, who manages recreational activities.

Who is eligible to hunt at Camp Bullis?

Eligibility Category	Access Requirement
Active Duty Military	DoD ID
DoD Civilian	DoD ID
Active Duty Military Dependents and Family Members	DoD ID. DoD ID not required for dependents less than 10 years old.
Disabled Veterans	DoD ID
Military Retirees	DoD ID
DoD Civilian Retirees	DoD ID
Employees of Installation Contractor	DoD ID holding sponsor. Only allowed as non-hunting guest.
Civilians enlisted in National Guard and Reserve not on Active duty	DoD ID
General Public	DoD ID holding sponsor. Only allowed as non-hunting guest.

Disabled Veterans that only qualify as General Public may not participate in the JBSA Hunting Program as a hunter. They may participate as a Non-Hunting Guest to an elgible hunter outlined above who has a DoD ID. The eligible hunter must sponsor their non-hunting guest. 

 

Why is Camp Bullis a Managed Land Deer Permit (MLDP) Property?

- Camp Bullis is not a high fenced ranch. Camp Bullis is a military training camp. Camp Bullis is an MLDP property for 2 reasons. Reason 1 is to utilize conservation measures allowed by the program and Reason 2 is to allow hunting program participants to utilize their state tags elsewhere.

Do we need to max out the MLDP tags to prevent overpopulation of White-Tailed Deer (WTD) on Camp Bullis?

- No, the MLDP tags issued by TPWD are provided as the recommended max number of deer that can be taken from a property. These recommendation are taken and considered in conjunction with our management goals when developing the regulations for WTD. Our White-tailed Deer vegetation and population surveys do not indicate overpopulation at Camp Bullis. There have been less white-tailed deer harvested in the last two years but our population from survey data has been stable, meaning no major increase or decrease in population. No adverse effects have been documented in regards to over browsed areas or damage caused by the deer herd. In previous years we have had a problems with sex ratio effecting the herd. In 2018, the sex ratio was 1 buck:4 doe. As of 2019, our survey shows the sex ratio has reached the desired 1 buck:3 doe ratio. A marked decrease in WTD numbers for 2020 has reduced the overall number of tags issued to JBSA for the 2020-2021 Hunting Season.

Why have feeders/baiting been banned? Why not utilize hunters to fix the hog problem?

The severe damage caused by feral hogs is a real issue that we deal with on a daily basis. Trapping has proven to be the most productive and cost efficient means to reduce feral hog populations. The number of feeders on the installation from Oct-Jan severely limits the production of our trapping efforts as there are 90-200 feeders competing with the traps we run. In 8 months of hunting with incentives (4 months with feeders) only 112 hogs were harvested/reported by hunter for 2018-2019 and fewer in the previous years. When our trapping program is fully operational we remove roughly that number in less than a month. To keep the feral hog population in check we have to remove 75-80% of the population every year.

What are funds generated by permit sales used for?

- Funds generated by permit sales and collected through iSportsman are used to manage natural resources in accordance with the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP). Funds are used across JBSA to include: Camp Bullis, Fort Sam, Lackland, Randolph, and their sub-installations. Funds generated by RNGRC by renting of blinds, feeders, etc go to a Non-Appropriated Fund account and cannot be used by the NRO.

Does JBSA discriminate against disabled hunters?

- No. If you have a disability please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you.

How do you determine duplicate accounts?

- Duplicate accounts have matching names, addresses, and birthdays. If you use your email for all dependents you should not have any issues as duplicate email does not flag in the system.

Check-in Process

Why do I have to check-in/out in person?

- Army Support Activity/DPTMS (Range Operations) requires 100% accountability in the training areas. This means we must know when you are actually in the field. We do this by requiring physical check-in and out. Additionally, the requirement of physical check-out lets us know if you may require assistance and requires you to declare harvested game which may need an additional check or sampling.

How can I speed up the check-in process?

- We require all hunters to check-in online before physically checking in at RNGRC. This reserves a slot for 2 hours. We recommend checking this system before driving to Camp Bullis. Go to RNGRC to fill out your paperwork before your first check-in. Have your permits ready when you enter RNGRC, a parking pass should be waiting for you.

Can I bring both my shotgun and archery equipment?

- No. Please check the area availability or check-in online before coming to Camp Bullis. You have the option to bring only archery equipment as it is allowed in all open areas.

Safety

Is compartment style hunting safe?

- Compartment style hunting has been used at Camp Bullis since 2008. Each Training Area has an occupancy restriction that allows for roughly 140 acres per hunter. To avoid other hunters we recommend parking away from where you see another hunters' vehicle parked. If you see another hunter in the field move away from them. All participants are responsible for knowing their target and what is beyond it. Do not shoot unless you can see what you are shooting at.

- If you feel that it is unsafe to hunt at Camp Bullis because of the hunting style, terrain, the weather, other hunters, or any other reason we recommend finding another hunting location.

Why is there a hunter orange requirement at Camp Bullis?

- Statistics show that there are fewer hunter shooting accidents when orange is required to be worn. We have adopted Texas Public Lands orange requirements. As a hunter on Camp Bullis you should always be aware of your surroundings and for the potential of non-orange wearing individuals in your Training Area. These individuals may be other hunters, staff, trainees, or someone lost on Camp Bullis. It is your responsibility to know your target and what is beyond it. On hunting days all participants must check in as hunters and hunter orange rules apply. On scouting only days participants are not to be in possession of a weapon, therefore orange is not required.

What if I see another hunter in the field?

- Change direction and/or find a new location within your training area.

What if I see uniformed military personnel in the field?

- Unload your weapon. Return to your vehicle. Call RNGRC for instructions.

What if I get lost?

- If you cannot find a road or cell signal stay in place. If you miss check out the search will start where you parked your vehicle or the location you left with RNGRC. We encourage those with medical conditions or concerns to leave their exact or approximate location with RNGRC.