This will be my 7th year hunting within the TPWD system and so I was worried about the new draw system and how it pan out. Not wanting to take chances I put in for 9 archery hunts this year. Ended up winning (3) out of the (9). They line up perfectly in the last 3 weeks of October. (Big Lake Bottom WMA / Gus Engeling WMA / Richland Creek WMA)

Does anyone have and tips or experience with these parks?

Any help would be appreciated!

This will also be my GF's 2nd hunting season, but 1st season with archery -she's been practicing with her Bowtech Heartbreaker all summer, everyday!

I've been to Gus 3 times on youth hunts, and 3 times at RC, 2 were bow hunts, 1 youth hunt. Seen more deer at RC. Seen monster buck at Gus.
All I can tell you, when you get your compartment, do a quick speed scout. If you know how to read the signs, won't take long to figure out where and how to set up. You will need a climber and/or lock-on. I take both. These are extended hunts, so have at least 2 sets. Take notice to any pipeline ROW's or clearings. These make excellent evening hunts. For mornings, find the acorns, especially if there is deer poop all around. If any of those hunts are mid to late Oct., make note of any rub lines. This is a good place to make a set too. Make a plan and stick to it!!

How are the trees there? -For stand purposes

Some are good for climbers, the rest, a lock-on. Just depends on what you have. I mean, you find that perfect spot, but no straight trees with no limbs for a climber. Then, the lock-on is perfect.

Awesome, thanks for the info!

When hunting at RC try to pick a area near the main office. Also make sure you take 20 gallons of Deet with you, them skeeters don't play at RC. he-he

Good luck!

I definately won't be forgetting that haha

Dude, you are one lucky fella!

Like others advise. Make plan and stick to it. Hunt all day if you can them big guns don't like movement in the deep woods. Bug suit and thermacell! Skeeters so thick you can't hear the deer walking come evening....killed 2 doe on a crossbow hunt not many bucks it was early season and too hot, not much moving.

I applied to almost everything, and I haven't won anything yet

lucky dog, i applied for 7 archery, got drawn for 1. i'll be at gus engling oct 20-24. hunted there before, dont mind going back!

seen a good 8 at gus last here while on archery draw. didn't get drawn this year for it but am gona try to get on standby there for archery. rc is stacked full of deer is all I can say

find the acorns at gus also

Thanks all just hoping to get some meat in the fridge this year

I am going on the Oct 20-24 hunt as well with my brother. Will be my 4th time. I would pick a location with a bunch of sign and stick to it. Sit until your butt is asleep then sit another few hours.

Wait. Am I getting this right? You can now win multiple hunts in the same category?! I knew you could now apply for multiple units, but I thought once you drew one, it voided your other applications.