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Writing your wildlife management plan (PWD-885)

Updated November 1, 2026 · by Adam McLaughlin

The wildlife management plan is the document that tells your appraisal district what you're managing for and how. It goes on Texas Parks and Wildlife's form PWD-885, and it's filed with your county appraisal district, not with TPWD.

Want a head start? The free wildlife plan starter drafts a plan laid out like PWD-885, with your region's TPWD minimums and a yearly schedule. Run the property check first to fill in your soils.

Who can write it?

You can write it yourself, or hire a wildlife biologist or consultant to write it for you. TPWD doesn't approve plans and you don't send them to TPWD. Your county's AgriLife Extension office and TPWD's local biologists can point you in the right direction if you're doing it yourself.

What goes in the plan

• Owner and property details: names, the appraisal district account number, acreage and county.
• Your goals: what you're trying to accomplish, in plain words.
• Target species: the native wildlife you're managing for, such as white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, songbirds or pollinators.
• Practices and activities: at least three of the seven wildlife practices, with the specific work you'll do under each, and how often.

The practices should be consistent with TPWD's planning guidelines for your ecoregion. Habitat Ledger shows your ecoregion from your county, with tips for each practice.

When it's filed

A plan is filed with your 1-d-1 open-space application when you first convert from agricultural use to wildlife management. After that, update it when your practices or goals change. Some appraisal districts also ask for an updated plan or an annual report (PWD-888) on their own schedule. Check your county.

Where to get the form

TPWD publishes the current PWD-885 wildlife management plan form (PDF) and a fillable Word version on its tax valuation page. Neither form should be sent back to TPWD.

More guides: How to file the annual report (PWD-888) · The 7 wildlife practices, with examples · Converting ag to wildlife · Minimum acreage when land is split · Rollback taxes explained

Sources

• TPWD: Wildlife management tax valuation
• TPWD: Tax valuation for wildlife management FAQ
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Wildlife Management as Agricultural Use for Property Tax Valuation in Texas (SCS-2010-03)

This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Your appraisal district decides what it accepts.

Common questions

Does TPWD approve my wildlife management plan?

No. The plan is filed with your county appraisal district. TPWD does not approve plans, and forms should not be sent to TPWD.

Do I need a biologist to write my plan?

No. Landowners can write their own plan on TPWD form PWD-885. Many hire a wildlife consultant or biologist for help, especially for a first plan.

How many practices go in the plan?

At least three of the seven wildlife management practices, with the specific activities you'll do under each one.