Wildlife Management Area
Matagorda Island is a wild, boat-only public hunting and fishing area
Matagorda Island WMA covers more than 56,000 acres of barrier island and marsh, and you can only get there by boat.
The Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area is a 38-mile-long barrier island in Espiritu Santo Bay. TPWD manages it for hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. There is no road access — you must arrive by boat. There is no electricity, no drinking water, and no store on the island.
Day use is free and needs no permit. If you want to camp overnight or hunt ducks, you need either a Limited Public Use Permit or an Annual Public Hunting Lands Permit from TPWD. The island supports many rare species, including 19 threatened or endangered animals. Check TPWD's site for current permit rules before you go.
Source to confirm: TPWD — Matagorda Island WMA