Note: For the 2022 year, some of the dates and requirements below have been modified due to the current COVID-19 situation. The dates and requirements in the news box at the top of this page take precedence. The fees and form requirements here still apply and the rest of this section should go back into effect in 2023. It is left here as a reference to those looking for typical info on the WMT.
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TO HUNT, TRAP, OR OTHERWISE TAKE WILDLIFE AT HILLTOP LAKES YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT TEAM (WMT) AND BE IN GOOD STANDING WITH THE HILLTOP LAKES POA AND THE WMT
The Hilltop Lakes WMT is an organization formed to provide a safe and healthy balance between wildlife and the human population at Hilltop Lakes. This is accomplished through safe and properly planned management and education. We also pride ourselves in our community volunteer work.
Management of deer is done through particiaption in the TPWD MLDCO management program. One of the benefits of being an MLDCO is that our deer hunting season is extended through the end of February. However, Hilltop Lakes is NOT a deer lease. So if you are looking to hang that trophy buck on your wall, then you will be happier hunting somewhere else. Managing the population means the primary focus is on thinning the excess does from the herd. As such, there are very few buck tags issued each season. Members do not use the tags issued with their hunting license, but must use the state issued MLDCO tags only.
Another focus of The WMT is hog control at Hilltop Lakes. WMT members may hunt and trap hogs year round. It's a great way to keep your skills honed and help combat the destructive hog problem.
Hunting is by bow or crossbow only.
Trapping of hogs is allowed. However, snares, leg holds, jaw traps, or dogs are prohibited.
Here are some of the requirements that must be met to participate with the Wildlife Team.
1. You must be a current property owner and in good standing with the POA.
2. You must attend at least one of the three meetings.
· The meetings are held the 3rd Saturday in March, July, and September at 1:00 p.m. Location TBA, but usually the Community Center, the Tonkawa Room, or the Cleaning Station.
3. You must have registered and paid your fees by March 31st if a returning member or by the July WMT meeting if a new member.
· Registration Dates
o The only on site registration dates this year are the March WMT Club meeting and the July meeting (July meeting for new members only).
o All other registrations are by mail only
o Mail completed forms to:
Hilltoplakes Wildlife Management Team
PO BOX 1737
Hilltop Lakes, Texas 77871
· Fees
o Individual Membership $ 75.00
o Family Membership $ 150.00 (A family is defined as a husband, wife, and minor children. All hunting family members must meet the requirements.)
o Non-hunting Membership $ 50.00
· No late registrations are accepted.
4. A full listing of our rules, regulations, and by-laws are available on our website.
· Please make yourself familiar with all the rules, regulations, and by-laws.
· Failure to follow these will result in you being suspended for the remainder of the season or from being banned from the Wildlife Team indefinitely.
5. Membership Forms.
- Checklist: Required. Keep with membership package to ensure all requirements are met.
- Team Rules: Required. Read, sign, and include with registration
- Registration Form: Required.
- New members and members with lapsed registration are required to have this form notarized.
- Current, returning members are no longer required to submit this form each year as long as there is no lapse in membership and the original, notarized application remains on file with the WMT.
- NonMember Permission Form: Only required if you will be obtaining permission to hunt on property that is not owned by a WMT member. This form must be notarized each year.
- Liability Waiver: Only required if you will be hunting on property owned by the water department. This form must be notarized.
- POA Directive: Defines the authority and directive given to the WMT by the Hilltop Lakes POA