It is everywhere, not just E Texas. I've been robbed several times near the border and it wasn't illegals. Had my camp stripped clean, even my BBQ pit/chairs/tables everything. The land owners always blame the illegals. Not my first rodeo so couldn't help but laugh and call them out as the liars they were. They were even more surprised when I spoke Spanish to them....and called them out. It's not an East Texas thing, it's a thief & liar thing and they are everywhere.

My wife's parents were from New Boston, and still has many kin there. The meth problem is horrific, it has ruined many of their friends lives and some family members. ,

I just moved here 4 months ago and that is what I am hearing. That the meth problem is out of hand. Was told this by another hunter and I have no reason to not believe it, that the GW said he has not looked into a game violation in a long time because he is working nothing but meth problems with other law enforcement.

I have mentioned before in other threads, but the exact reason I decided against buying in Oklahoma when we were searching for property. Like east Texas, even rural areas are pretty densely populated, high poverty, and significant drug abuse, specifically meth. Several years ago on a lease in OK we were CLEANED OUT the week following season end. They took everything that wasn't bolted down - and worst part, they got into ranch house and barns as well.

Not sure, but suspect, in east Texas it may be a lot like eastern Oklahoma, this is not just kids or random thievery by druggies, but organized gangs of thieves who make their living on burglary, theft, drug sales, etc. The SO seemed to know who had robbed us, but kind of shrugged their shoulders and said not much they can do without catching them in the act.

Probably the most important thing of all, they have to WANT to catch them.

I could write an essay of several pages on this, but not much point in it

Would you rather have stayed in west Texas? Buddy on my lease is buying a place out east but he isn't sure of neighbors and it is just for recreation. We have had zero issues at our lease out west in over 15 years. Our camp is 1.5 miles behind a gate. No way could I handle east now I am afraid. Plus I love dove and turkeys.

My wife and I just sold our home after 10 years in Bastrop, to get away from California and Austin moving in and bringing their ideas with them.

Renting right now, but we just made and offer on a place in Henderson County near Eustace. Seems like a bunch of good down-home folks who watch out for each other.

The meth problem is everywhere - big time in Austin too.

You do know that they call it "speeder creek lake", don't you? Tawakoni is the same way

I can agree the per capita rate may be true. We have plenty of meth heads that cause untold amount of damage and loss to honest working people.

I’d like to hear your opinion. It could shed light on a perspective that’s enlightening.

Thanks in advance.