Film permitFederal
Filming in National wildlife refuges in Texas
FWS policy says commercial photography, motion or still, is prohibited without a valid special use permit from the refuge (citing 50 CFR 27.71 and 43 CFR 5.1).
What it takes
| Do you need one? | FWS policy says commercial photography, motion or still, is prohibited without a valid special use permit from the refuge (citing 50 CFR 27.71 and 43 CFR 5.1). News media are handled separately. |
| Who issues it | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; each refuge manager issues special use permits. |
| Drones | Aransas National Wildlife Refuge prohibits drones and other remote-controlled aircraft; check each refuge's rules page. |
| Also | Rules vary by refuge; contact the refuge manager before scheduling. NPS describes a 2025 EXPLORE Act exemption for small, low-impact crews on park land; FWS's policy page does not address it, so confirm with the refuge. |
From the official pages: FWS policy 605 FW 5 - Wildlife photography ↗︎ · Aransas NWR - Rules and policies ↗︎. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you shoot. Not legal advice.