Who has hunted public land on whitetail opening weekend before? I'm trying to get an idea whether it's worth fighting the orange hoarde or waiting until later in the season. How crowded is the deer opener on Texas WMAs?

The further your in the woods the less people you see

I hunt public land every opening day.
Lots of time I also have good luck opening day.
As long as you know where to go you may not see anyone.
Good Luck !

The trick it to sneak in there real early and let the orange hoard move them to ya. Not really but good luck.

your chances are much better in the woods, than home on the couch bring some energy bars spend the day. Best wishes

Just keep your head down when that sun rises because it will turn into a firing range because of some of the idiots out there.

This is sort of the philosophy I'm leaning toward, but wanted to check with the experienced members of the forum. Thanks everybody.

Opening day on public is great - just find the thick stuff and wait for all the other hunters (read: drivers) to push them to you

never hurts ta get a second opinion

wish I knew where to go, I'd sure like to go somewhere this year

sounds like good advice their what ever ya do, have a good one

Error on my part, ment to put last post here, as stated

I ended up going. Saturday was pretty crowded. I was pretty deep into the woods, but was still amazed at the people who wandered in well after sunup, talking on their cell phones, etc. Yesterday was much less crowded. I only saw does, no bucks, but I heard plenty of shooting. I also saw two coyotes and a bobcat, and also got some scouting in for my trip Thanksgiving weekend when does can be shot. Overall a good trip, even without something to bring home.

one I archery hunt, used to alternate squirrel & hog hunts between archery hog hunts. end of season they had archery/hogs, with squirrel/hogs, its a tough job, keeping every one happy, they got a good crew, they still dont allow crossbow, during archery, got health problems, denied disability thats my problem not theirs. anyways, ya have ta wear orange during archery/gun its also one of the best times ta bow hunt, lot of movement, works both ways, majority of people just out their ta hunt. hope Thanksgiving turns out better, sounds like ya got a good attatude.