Does anyone know of any ranches/land owners around Ft. Stockton that will let you walk on for the day to hunt small game? This would be access only, no guides/dogs/etc. Small fees okay.

check with the ranger at black gap wma east of big bend.

Well, that was on my list, just wondering if any ranches closer to Ft. Stockton would let you walk on for a few dollars a day and hunt on your own for birds. Black Gap is a ways down there but it is supposed to be scenic, if you like desert terrain- which I do. You can't hunt predators there and that would be a plus.

Call the FSA/Usda office for the region. Someone there would probably know of ranches you can approach. Also, check at the local feed stores. It will probably take a trip down there --ranchers will want to look you in the eye and size you up before they give you permission.
Predator hunting may be more problematic. We've had good success asking the people at remote houses if we can bring them anything from town if they give us permission. Going to town is a pain in the butt when you have to drive on 20 miles of caliche for a $10 purchase.

Let us know if you do this...

Well I'm keeping an open mind. I got started on this kick because I stopped over at Ft. Stockton last year and drove around the outskirts of town about an hour. Off hand I think I saw about 30 blue quail, 20 rabbits, doves, and a few roadrunners. I figured....."Gee, this would be a good place to hunt small game", but that may be because I was basically seeing sanctuaries that didn't get hunted. IAE I didn't think anyone put much of a value on small game so I thought maybe there might be some local landowners that would let you hunt their land. I still might go down to Black Gap, it is sort of a drive. Things still up in the air.

face to face with land owners has always been my sucess