Getting back into the hunting swing of things, I’m new to this site and new public hunting. I’ll be getting my Annual Public Permit later this month and hoping to checkout a few (somewhat) close public properties. Is there any etiquette or tips I should be aware of? I’m excited to undertake public hunting but I don’t want to step on any toes either. Thank you!

Send me $20 and I will put you on my buddy list.

Forgive me, Mr. Oxner. But what is a buddy list? I am still learning to navigate this site. Thank you!

Where are you planning to go?

Where are you from?

I’m from just south of Fort Worth. Looking at checking out both Irene and Mertens public land in Hill and Navarro County. Any help is appreciated.

I would plan on looking at more properties and be ready for a crowd. The further you get from fort Worth the better.

Thank you ducknbass. I will take that into account.

As DnB said, it's going to be elbows and [censored] for the first week or two on public land. Get there early, be polite, and don't be afraid to ask someone to move down for safety purposes.

I figured as much. I’m hoping the crowds will clear out after the first two or three weeks. Thank you so much for the input.

Forget it and pay $75 a day for somewhere good...…….

That there is some SOUND advice! At least for the first 2 weekends...after that go knock yourself out on the public as 80% of dove hunters will have their fix by then.

I got into dove hunting last year and spent a lot of time on public land. I didn't start until after the first week of the season, and the first few weeks were pretty slow. I didn't see many birds, and I brought even fewer home due to bad shooting. Luckily, I had a few opportunities to hunt a friends property that was really good and that kept me optimistic.

Later in the season, my time in the field paid off and I found a decent spot. It produced birds throughout the rest of the season. A better shooter could have shot a limit on some of those hunts. I mostly hunted on weekdays after school and never had a problem with overcrowding. I joined a lease this season. Although, I still plan on hunting public land later in the season because it is so convenient for me.

As far as etiquette, just use common sense and you should be fine. Please don't trash the place with shotgun hulls and bird carcasses in the parking area. That is just lazy and disrespectful to the land and its owner. The hunting is not the best, but for $48 it is a lot better than sitting at home.

Glad to hear that stuff! I’m usually off weekdays so I am hoping to maybe miss the bigger crowds. Thank you so much for the input.

scout, scout and scout some more, get familiar with your lakes. Most importantly dont get discouraged by the guys on here hunting private and posting their bragging pics. One duck killed on public takes more skill than 12 on private, you're doing it the right way

That’s encouraging. I am trying to keep a keen eye on bodies of water. Thank you.

What bodies of water?

































Don't answer that. Just kidding.



On a serious note, go to the spots you plan on hunting before sun up, and late evening. Look for doves, and then pay attention to the direction they came from and the direction their headed.

On the opener do your best to get to that spot first.

And make sure your plug is in the gun.

Great advice. I plan on scouting ahead of time. Thank you!