Public Land Options Near Dallas

What are good public land options near Dallas? I'm new to Texas (by way of NY, and it's good to be in Texas), and I'm looking to get after some small game, feral hogs, birds and deer/big game (when in-season).

I have seen mixed reviews on Tawakoni and Ray Roberts, although most of them were about overcrowding during deer season. Ideally I would lease, but I'm essentially signing my checks over to SMU until I'm finished there.

I have a couple of weeks off now, and would travel a bit for some better spots if the public land near Dallas isn't any good.

Thanks in advance guys.

Welcome to the forum and to Texas.

You need to make sure you get the Annual Public Hunting permit in addition to your license. When you buy it, you get a booklet with all of the State hunting area maps and info. Each map shows what you can hunt there. It looks like deer hunting by rifle is available at the Caddo National Grasslands WMAs in Fannin County. Archery is available at a few other spots, so are hogs. Spend some time with the book and see what works best for you. Good luck!

Thanks for the info and warm welcome, guys.

Happy New Years, and see you around the forums, hopefully in the photos section with some trophies.

Don't think Ray Bob has deer hunting.

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge (north of dallas along lake texoma) has hunt drawing opportunities for archery deer hunts, feral hog, and spring turkey hunts. While the hunts are somewhat restricted by means and ammo choices (no lead shotgun/muzzle loader), there are some big deer there as well as a LOT of pigs. For this season the drawings for deer and hogs are closed. You can still apply for Spring Turkey and there is a February squirrel/rabbit walk in hunt for 2017. Just Google "Hagerman NWR" for more info. I have hunted there 3 times, missed a nice 10pt with a bow in last bow hunt of 2015, Harvested 1 pig and shot at several more with muzzle loader in 2016, only heard turkeys, but no shot opportunity in 2016. As long as the lake is not flooded, it is a fun place to hunt. Keep in mind it is walk in only.

Hgood,

Thanks! That is some great info, looks like a very solid spot.

ta HF & public hunting... Few other areas, depending apone distance of travel, White Oak WMA, Lake Copper WMA & me favorite ol stomping grounds, OSBWMA, it should be hog any legal means, good time for scout & hunt, learn area.... Best wishes... Can get wet at sabine...

Hunt at Cooper & Coffee Mill.
Good number of hogs at both. If you're willing to put a few miles on the hoof it can be productive. Shoot me a pm if interested.

Also check out Lake Lavon ... https://lavonlakehunting.tamu.edu/ ... small game and hog hunting, no deer though.

Cooper has a bunch. It's no rifle, shotgun only.

I live in central texas . Where would you choose to go thats within a 2-3 hr drive to hunt deer, hogs, maybe squirrels?

Lake Georgetown,Granger Lake,Fort Hood,Sam Houston National Forest. They all have their own regulations,read up on them before going.

I hit up Sam Houston National Forest last year and it was good. Saw some nice deer and nabbed me one. Beautiful area though my only bother was how trash seemed everywhere.