Hey,

I moved to Texas from the Scotland around 5 years ago, so I'm not super familiar with the local hunting. Since moving I've only ever hunted private lands each year (day hunts and friends leases).

I'm really keen to tap some of the local public lands (I'm in West Houston), but I'm not really sure where to get started. I'd love to take my son with me one day and introduce him to hunting. I've looked at the TPWD website and found a bunch of lands near me, so I know where I'd like to go.

Is it the case of just scouting the land before hand, then hiking in for the hunt? Do guys typically hunt from a tree stand/sling or bring pop ups? Back home it's mainly stalking. Can you camp on the public lands?

Cheers,
TXscot92

I've never hunted public land here in Texas, but have in quite a few other states. No matter how nice it seems when you are there scouting it out, once hunting season starts, everything changes. More people then you hoped for, and more noise then you thought possible. I've had good success on public land hunts by getting as far away from everyone else as possible. That's what the animals are doing!!!

to the Texas Hunting Forum.

I am no help on public lands, haven't done that in 50 years. I suggest networking with people you met at work and social functions to get first hand data. Lease and outfitter hunts is probably a route you will need to take.

Get maps of the areas you have found to hunt. Learn the rules,
they each have their own set. Check if there are Doe permits available.

You'll get a number of horror stories about public land hunting here,
some of them may have even happened. All you can do is be safe yourself,
know multiple spots to walk in just in case your 1st choice is taken
but most important, GO HUNTING.

Cbeck out Davey Crocket National Forest

Cbeck out Davey Crocket National Forest

Thanks for the responses guys. I think I’m going to get annual public permit and give it a shot!

Cheers,
TXscot92

Greg Z - you said to check out Davy Crocket NF. Now are you referring to the Alabama Creek WMA portion or referring to hunting the non-WMA portion?

I hunt public land.

Make sure you have that, your hunting license, and Hunter's Education Certification.
The wardens do not give any exceptions.

And like PKnTX said, learn the rules and regulations for each place you're going to hunt.
Lots of these public hunting places have their own unique set of rules.
For example, the rules in Sam Houston National Forest are different than from Somerville PHL.
If I'm hunting deer or hogs, I can take my rifle to Sam Houston, but I can only take my bow to Somerville.

I live in Katy and trying to introduce my 12-year old son to hunting too.

I don't know how old your son is, but if he's going to shoot, he needs to take the Hunter Education course too.
You can also enroll him in the Texas Youth Hunting Program. My son is enrolled in it and were making plans to hopefully get in on one.
http://tyhp.alamark.com/

WMA area.

Hands down you get what you put into it, period! I've hunted public in Texas all my life. Harvest deer, ducks and turkey every year off it. It takes time, dedication and a whole lotta reward! Be courteous and you willeet fellow hunters willing to provide info on site. Good luck