So, it has been atleast 15 years since I hunted. Way back then, I was on a lease. However now that is way to costly. So I am looking to get back into the sport, and trying to find out about public land options.

Is it worth it?

Is it safe?

I also do not have any gear at this point. Thanks Divorce

So I think next fall will be my earliest chance.

Go to the TPWD web site and check out the public hunting info.

Absolutely worth it. Most of it is safer than many leases, as there are far fewer hunters per acre. Go mid to late season, and you'll have paradise nearly to yourself.

Wear your orange, get to your spot 1 hour earlier than you would on private land, and don't go into an area that somebody is already parked at--have a couple back up options.

If you have or can borrow a gun for this year, you can head down to some National Forest land in East Texas and hunt on your regular hunting license with no additional cost. But WMAs within NF land will require an additional permit for $48.

is it safe guided hunts are the safest, they take ya out ta a stand, feeder goes off they come pick ya up public land its a jungle out thar . is it worth it its alot easier going ta the grocier store thar they carry your food out thats my expeirance, memmories? Priceless, then again im what they call easymoney

Good to know..

National Forest land in East Texas? How do I look this up? Off to google.

Thanks

They have some good maps online showing you where you can and cannot hunt in the forest. Also, you can call them and they will help you.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/texas/maps-pubs/?cid=FSWDEV3_008434

I believe Davy Crockett is the closest NF to DFW. 'Grasslands' require the $48 APH as I understand it, but not NFs.

The Caddo National Grasslands in Fannin Co requires the $48 APH; the LBJ National Grasslands in Wise Co does not. It can be confusing since the properties have similar names and have the same HQ in Decatur.

The $48 APH is worth it to me. Get a copy of the public hunting booklet and see how much land is available within easy driving distance from Wylie.

I have had a lease in the past as well, but am looking to hunt public land. I have been doing my research, but have a question. If the public land says "general season" and does not say archery only or shotgun only, does that mean a rifle can be used? Thanks for the help.

Yes

I think the Grasslands are bow, shotgun and/or muzzleloader only.

The Caddo National Grasslands allow rifle. LBJ national grasslands are scatter gun, muzzle loaders and Bow only. Hope this helps.

General season is probably considered to be other than Archery Season. But every tract of public land is actually owned or managed by someone even though it is "public". Each has it's own rules, seasons, list of allowed game, weapon restrictions, etc. that are often more restrictive than state regulations.

Not knowing what public land your asking about, general season on the area in question very likely will have some kind of weapon restriction. There is public land with a general season that does not allow rifles, just as there is archery season on some public lands that do not allow crossbows, even though the state regulations allow crossbows during archery season.