Is wildlife management the same as an agricultural valuation in Texas?

The legal framework

Wildlife management use is defined under Texas Tax Code Section 23.51(7). It is treated as an agricultural use within the 1-d-1 open-space appraisal system, not as a separate program. This means:

• Land must already be appraised under 1-d-1 open-space agricultural appraisal. You cannot start with a property that has market-value appraisal and elect wildlife management use directly.
• The land must be actively used to manage a sustaining breeding, migrating, or wintering population of indigenous wild animals for human use, including food, medicine, or recreation.
• The primary use of the land must be wildlife management, not recreation alone.

Qualifying requirements

To maintain wildlife management use under the agricultural valuation, landowners typically must meet the following requirements, which may vary by county:

• Performance of at least 3 of 7 statutory wildlife management activities. The seven activities defined in Texas Tax Code Section 23.51(7)(A) are: habitat control, erosion control, providing supplemental water, providing supplemental food, providing supplemental shelter, making census counts to collect harvest data, and conducting prescribed burns.
• A wildlife management plan. Landowners typically file a wildlife management plan with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD Form PWD 885-W7000) and submit an application to the county appraisal district. The plan outlines the management activities to be performed.
• Degree of intensity. Wildlife management activities must be performed to the degree of intensity generally accepted in the area. This is consistent with the degree-of-intensity standard that applies to all agricultural uses under the open-space appraisal system.
• Minimum acreage considerations. While there is generally no statewide minimum acreage for wildlife management use, some county appraisal districts may have their own guidelines or expectations regarding minimum acreage. Requirements can vary significantly between counties. Contact your county appraisal district for specific guidance.

What wildlife management is not

• Not an easy alternative. Wildlife management requires active, documented management activities. It is not a way to simply let land grow wild and claim a tax break.
• Not a standalone exemption. Wildlife management qualifies under the 1-d-1 open-space appraisal, not as a separate exemption. The land is still subject to the same valuation framework.
• Not automatically available on every property. The land must already have an existing agricultural valuation. If your property does not already qualify for 1-d-1 appraisal, you cannot jump straight to wildlife management without first establishing a qualifying agricultural use.
• Not a one-time filing. Wildlife management use requires ongoing activities, annual compliance documentation, and periodic review by the county appraisal district.

Important considerations for buyers

If you are buying property that has wildlife management use under an agricultural valuation, verify the current status with the county appraisal district before closing. Confirm what management activities are being performed and what you will need to continue. If the property does not have an existing ag valuation, you cannot convert it to wildlife management use without first establishing a qualifying agricultural use.

This is real estate guidance, not tax or legal advice. For specific guidance on wildlife management use and whether it is right for your property, contact the county appraisal district where the property is located and consult a qualified professional. See also our guide on what an agricultural valuation is in Texas and how to qualify land for agricultural valuation.