Irion County Whitetails

I have an opportunity to lease a property next year 8-10 miles east of Barnhart between Mertzon. Does anyone else have any experience in this area? It is a fairly large property that has not been hunted since 2000. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

I have hunted a large place close to there, lots of big deer!

Thanks Joel , what are you considering big deer? I know the places I currently hunt anything over 135-140 is a trophy and we occasionally sneak in a 155-160. do you have any pics dead or alive of some of the animals you have seen or harvested. If so email them to Richardbrianwhite@gmail.com.

Thanks.

Good area, size I really can't tell you, feeding and protein in that area is a must if you want any good deer.

Wouldn't waste my time I have personally and have friends that have hunted that area a ton and only killed one deer over150 in 16k acres with a feeding program and very strict management. All the fires and drought did a major number on what small amount of quality that was there. Plus most places there want a ton of $ for what they have, just my

Have to disagree. Area has great potential to produce bucks up through 160 if you take care of them, just like everywhere else. Not as many deer because of the 2011 drought which is a good thing now because deer numbers are coming back and with fewer deer, the chances of having good deer is better than where you have an abundance like in the Hill Country. Do not know what fires you are referring to, but I could have slept since then. Genetics are here, now just take care of your deer. BY the way, if you decide against taking the lease contact me and give me the info and I bet I can work something out. 160s are not going to come rolling out of the woodwork, but with a little work and some age they are there. The area is big and hunts big and deer are not behind every bush, but potential is there and last 2 years rains have been plentiful.

If you don't want to waste your time. I'd gladly take the contact info!

I have every intention on taking the place. We are only putting one hunter per section to try and eliminate over hunting. I think we are getting a decent deal at 5.00 per acre so I will keep everyone advised on how it goes. And a small edit to my first post it hasn't been hunted since 2009 (4 years).

I've hunted Irion County for 20 years. Feeding seems to only put mass, that's it. If you take care of it 160's won't be too uncommon.
A good friend has a 20k acre place and have already pulled 3 bucks 158, 161 and 163. He saw many 150"+ when flying it.
They don't even have a feed program. They take about 1 buck per 500-600 acres. I can put you in touch with him to get some advice.
He's a game biologist and has been operating leases in Mertzon for decades. 2011 drought did a number on us out here, but it's bounced back nicely.

Had 3k acres 10 miles west of Mertzon for 3 yrs. Drought killed a lot of deer and owner ran too much livestock. Top deer was 140. Potential is there with good protein program and proper herd management. Area has received better rain last 2 years. Moved to 15 miles south of Sonora and like terrain and deer size, plus have lots of exotics and ever present hogs,

Good deer, horrible oil field traffic. If I was guessing for it to be 5.00 an acre it has got a ton of traffic.

I like your thinking on one hunter per section. Lack of pressure is a key step in shooting big bucks and it seems you have at least started off on the right foot there. Good luck.

Thanks for all the advice guys. The $5 per acre is because of family ties, there is no oilfield at all on this property. I am very excited to hunt I. A different part of texas and I will post some pics once I take possession of the property in January.

Should be on your way to prime hunting then.

Worked in that area for 2 years. Saw alot of really nice deer. I know a good number of the ranchers out there and have seen some deer that have come off the ranches in that area.

You're lucky on the "no oil traffic"…It's killing our place.
Good Luck!