Email   Print   Share By Dawn Pandoliano, Sentinel Staff

Facebook Digg Delicious May 24, 2012 | Leisure

Many folks enjoy walking, running or just driving out on the open range areas of Fort Hood. To do that, they must first have an area access card.

An area access card is not the same as a permit to fish or hunt, although when approved for either of those permits, an access card is included. The access card gives the holder recreational access to certain areas on Fort Hood and permission to have their vehicle out there, as well.

“This has been in effect since the installation has been here,” Judy Johnson, general manager at the Sportsmen’s Center, said. “Recreational access is controlled because of safety – we need to know who is where and what they are doing in those areas for safety and accountability.”

The majority of those requesting access cards are connected to fishing permits, Johnson added. Other recreational activities include photography, bird watching, biking and hiking through the areas.

To obtain an access card, people need to fill out the necessary paperwork and provide either a driver’s license, military identification card or other form of acceptable identification as outlined in the area access guide. Once an access card is granted, however, those who plan to visit any of the recreational sites on Fort Hood still need to check in beforehand.

“They will still need to call into a system called TeleTrac,” Spc. Josh Edwards, WTU, said.

TeleTrac is an automated telephone system in which the card holder will input the required information to identify themselves to account for where and when they will be in certain areas.

Edwards added that while area access cards allow Soldiers and Families use of the many areas on Fort Hood for recreation, they do not allow for four-wheeling or dirt bike use.

“There are separate areas, permits and rules for those activities,” Edwards said.

There is only one access pass although there are several types of permits. An access pass only allows the holder to be in the recreational areas. It is not the same as a fishing or hunting permit. Access cards are good from the date granted until August 31 of the following year and the cost is $10 per card.

More information, rules and regulations associated with area access, as well as area access guides, can be found at the Sportsmen’s Center located at Bldg. 1937, Rod & Gun Club Loop on Fort Hood. The center is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends.