Public Hunting Around Houston

Posted this under the general hunting forum and was advised to post here.

I've been trying to get my 6 year old out in the field to do some camping and hunting (light hunting), but it keeps raining at my hunting lease on our free weekends. I was looking around the TPW website at the public hunting land available & was wondering if those who've had any experience with it could give me some tips? Alabama Creek WMA looks ideal as it's only a couple of hours away, allows hog, rabbit, squirrel & has a handful of designated camping areas, but I've just never done one of these before (Im just using this one as an example, would be open to others that allowed this kind of hunting). Do I need to do anything special when using the public land/wma? Do i need to check in somewhere, or buy a special permit outside of my hunting license? Thanks for your help

looks like advice wasn't worth .
First heard bout public land back in 80's think it was type two. Applied for a deer hunt on Davey Cricket National Forest if remember right. Don't get drawn. Ended up hearing bout hogs on a lease,cost per gun $200.00 So did me caveman night hunts. Hunted several other leases till OSBWMA opened up ta public.
Son & i hunted it & several others named in the booklet for the $40.00 permit. Many memories. Most of my hunts been solo. Gave up hunting leases.
Each WMA have their own rules, OSBWMA was archery only for deer with draw hunts available, theis few that have gun deer hunts. Most are primitive camp sites, no baiting. Mostly hog hunts going on now.
Am sure their are few that are willing ta help & Have better info than me.
Best wishes.

Thank ya sir

I just started hunting on public land this season. You absolutely need an APH permit ($48) to hunt on public land https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/annual_public_hunting/ Once you do, they will mail you a booklet, or you can use the Texas Outdoor Annual phone app to check out zones and public lands inside the zones. You also must wear hunter orange, and hunt at least 150yards away from trails,trailheads,roads, etc. https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/annual_public_hunting/need-to-know/#additionalInfo You wont need to "check-in" unless the WMA requires an OSR (on-site registration)

The Annual Hunting Permit is an economical way to hunt. Expect large crowds opening weekend/day. Four of the last 5 years I have passed on legal bucks (2 legal 8 pointers, a spike and a 3 pointer all under 40 yards) while hunting public land. I want my next deer to be a wall hanger, and I want to kill it with a pistol. I have also had a few enjoyable dove hunts as well.

I think a hunter can be successful on public land if you put the work into scouting. Don't expect to drive up Friday before deer season starts and be able to locate a good stand location. Start scouting during the summer. Be prepared to walk 3/4 of a mile or further into the woods leaving the roads behind. A good compass or GPS and flashlight are necessities.

On opening day I arrive at my chosen stand location between 5:00 and 5:15 am. Be prepared to stay the day bringing snacks and water. The movements of other hunters going and coming will often push deer in your direction.

Good luck in your hunting.

That's what I'm starting to find out! Definitely need to spend your scouting, finding what's new and whats old. I've been using the phone for GPS, but I can see how an actual GPS device would work a lot better. Want to get one in the near future!

Awesome information. Thanks so much, that gets me pointed in the right direction.