I am moving to the San Antonio area in the middle of december. I was wondering if you have to be drawn for all public land or is there some out there where you can just go hunt. I'm not expecting to get anyone to give up there hotdpots just looking for some info for bow hunting. Any advice would be greatly appriciated. Also if anyone caould point ime in the direction of a good bow shop in or around the SA area that would be appriciated as well.

No you do not have to be drawn in Texas to hunt public land with a bow. Although there are some draw hunts available. Also a early to you and I hope you enjoy Texas. It is a great place to be.

to

Welcome to Texas. However, the public hunting probably isnt what you are used to as 97+% of Texas is private.

There will be some public. Look into type 2 aph permit and what land is avalible around your area.

Welcome. Some good archery shops in town. Sending you a PM too.


Fred is a good guy with great service.

http://www.thebowshop-sa.com/

Demo - good advice and recommendations from all above - realize though, you'll still be a Non-Resident until mid-June 2013 and will have to purchase a Non-resident General Hunting License, $315 if hunting deer or turkey.

Your closest APH land (Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit - $48) for archery deer would be San Angelo State Park-
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hun...00_0112a_47.pdf

Would I still be considered a non resident even on military orders?

If you move here permanently then u would have to get the resident licenses...

And there is very little public land in Texas. But there is some so as someone stated above, get the APH permit and find a public place that allows it and hunt there

If you are Active Duty military, then you can purchase a Resident hunting license:

Texas Resident Licenses
A RESIDENT is a person who has lived continuously in Texas for more than 6 months immediately before applying for a license. Members of the United States Armed Forces (and their dependents) on active duty anywhere are entitled to purchase a resident license. The term "active duty" means full-time duty in active military service, including the National Guard and Reserves of the United States. Such term includes full-time training duty and attendance while in the active military service at a school designated as a service school by law or by the Secretary of the military department concerned. Non-residents under 17 years of age are designated as residents for hunting license purposes (not valid for Lifetime Licenses).

Residency is proven by any three of the following (all documents must reflect the applicant's name and a physical address in Texas). Items marked with a * must have been issued at least six months prior to license or permit application. Except for a valid drivers license or a state issued identification card, documentation is not required at time of purchases or while hunting or fishing:

•a current Texas homestead property tax statement
•the most recent six months of utility bills
•the most recent six months of paycheck receipts
•the person’s most recent tax return from the Internal Revenue Service
•a statement from a parole board or probation officer stating that the person has continuously resided in Texas for the six months immediately preceding the application for a license or permit
•a valid Texas driver's license*
•a current Texas voter registration certificate*
•a current vehicle registration*

OK thank you everyone for all of the input.

bring sun block

If military you should be able to navigate the red tape to hunt on Camp Bullis. On any military resevation or Corps of Engineer land you need a Hunters Saftey Certificate.

Fort Hood is only about three hours North......

Warning! It's hotter than Africa over here in the summers!

If you're in Texas on Military orders. All you'll need is your drivers licence(state doesn't matter) Military ID and the orders bringing you to Texas. Ft. Hood's licence will cost you about $60 for hunting fishing will add a little more. You'll need a hunter safety card. Again what state you obtained it in doesn't matter.

there is some good hunting on base in Texas also

FINE deer hunting south of San Antonio but it can be expensive!

Welcome, but good luck trying to hunt public land. I have heard it is pretty tough, your best bet if you can spend a little cash is to do some looking in the outfitter section and do some hog hunts or meat hunts. These hunts are generally pretty economical. Chances for success are better and someone may make a service member a little better deal, and by the way thanks for your service!!

welcome

http://www.realtree.com/hunting/articles-and-how-to/36-point-bullis-buck


this guy probably has some progeny running around on Bullis

An early welcome to Texas. San Antonio might be a culture shock at first. Coming from a military brat and then doing my time in the service, San Antonio is a pretty decent assignment. I have seen a lot worse, and only one better stateside assignment.

As has been said, most hunting opportunities are on private land here. Traditional leases can be pretty expensive. However, if you're lucky you can still find places where you hunt if you're willing to help out around the ranch and kick in on corn and such. They are out there, but you have to be in the right place at the right time, and prove your willingness to contribute.

What brings you to SA? Short term assignment or here for an extended tour? Uncle Sam sent me here in 1983 (AF), and I just never left...

I will be there for atleast 3-4 years. Also where could i obtain my hunter saftey card because I took the course when I was young and know I could not find that card if my life depended on it.