Worth it or no? Best time of season to go. Any tips on hunting public land .

Yes. Go on weekdays. Learn how to locate game without a feeder.

What are some good public land areas to start with? Coming from Houston but will travel.

I’m not too familiar with what you have down that way, but I do believe you have the majority of the public land, not too far.

You have Sam Houston NF close to you. Davy Crockett NF is just a little farther. Sabine NF is within reach but farther yet.
In addition, there are several draw hunts in east TX (Richland/Chambers wildlife unit comes to mind) that provide public hunting opportunities.

I grew up in and around the DC and Sabine NFs. Basically, if you are willing get away from the highways and walk in and out more than about 1/2 mile you will have them all to yourself the vast majority of the time. Scout the drainages, find some hardwoods/travel areas, set up, and wait. You won’t see a parade of deer every time out but with a little patience you are likely to get your buck.

You must be willing to put the time in for public land hunting. Dont expect to just go out there and shoot something on day 1. You will need to scout out an area out determine where to set up and get in that spot 30 minutes before legal shooting time.


The SHNF is your closest place to hunt but you will need a doe tag to take something other than a buck with a rifle for this year unless you have a muzzy then during muzzle loader season you can take a doe also. You will need an APH to hunt the Sam. $48

Know the rules. NP gave good advice. Walk the creeks and drainages and have fun!!

So I can shoot bucks or does using my own hunting license tags.

Unless something has changed, you can only shoot does with a rifle by permit only in the Davey Crockett NF and the permits are available through a mail-in lottery. Also, the permits can only be used in the Alabama Creek WMA.

Not sure what the restrictions are when hunting during bow season.

Whenever using a permit, DO NOT use a tag from your license. License tags are are needed when not using a permit. But you always need a license.