texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed, Trappernewt, casyoo
71987 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,416
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,768
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics536,994
Posts9,719,232
Members86,987
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? #7962364 09/05/20 03:35 PM
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 5
N
NevadaMulely Offline OP
Green Horn
OP Offline
Green Horn
N
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 5
I moved to Dallas about a year and half ago, i grew up hunting public land mule deer with a rifle in Northern Nevada. Anyways I discovered quickly that the hunting in Texas seems to be completely different, from the terrain to the laws and in particular the amount of public land even available for hunting, i do not have the financial means to justify spending the amount of money required to hunt private land. I'm not asking for anybody to give up their honey holes or anything. I just would like to know what areas in large have good deer/ hog populations. I bought the Annual Hunting permit and have been using ONX in combination with the Texas Public Land Hunting Map to E scout. I'm would like to do some whitetail and hog hunting with a rifle this season so any tips on areas, strategies, rookie mistakes to avoid, etc... would be awesome. I know all you bow hunters are going to give me grief but my dad said bow hunting was the most depressing thing he ever did, said you get closer to some of the biggest deer you have ever seen, but never close enough. Anyways thanks for anything you guys can help me with i appreciate it.

Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: NevadaMulely] #7962369 09/05/20 03:41 PM
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 38
C
cm7727 Offline
Light Foot
Offline
Light Foot
C
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 38

Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: cm7727] #7962374 09/05/20 03:45 PM
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 5
N
NevadaMulely Offline OP
Green Horn
OP Offline
Green Horn
N
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 5
Hey thanks, do you have any experience with the Texas draw system, how are the odds? I looked at one of them a while back (can't remember which) but it said it had 6,500 applicants and only accepted 12 hunters are there others that have better odds or is that pretty standard?

Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: NevadaMulely] #7962375 09/05/20 03:45 PM
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 650
B
booskay Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
B
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 650
Not to discourage you, but I"d be shocked if anyone has a honey hole to kill deer and pigs on public land. Plan B might be to find a doe hunt, mabe for a couple hundred dollars on some ranch that is thinning the herd.

Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: booskay] #7962378 09/05/20 03:56 PM
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 5
N
NevadaMulely Offline OP
Green Horn
OP Offline
Green Horn
N
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 5
Appreciate the honesty, i'm not expecting to shoot a monster public land buck or anything like that! i'm also new to whitetail deer hunting in general. I heard that in order to escape some "not all" of the hunting pressure you have to be willing to really walk far in on public lands to get away from the majority of hunters. Any truth to that?

Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: NevadaMulely] #7962425 09/05/20 04:54 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,788
dogcatcher Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,788
welcome


Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back.
_____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________

[Linked Image]
Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: cm7727] #7962446 09/05/20 05:22 PM
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 5
N
NevadaMulely Offline OP
Green Horn
OP Offline
Green Horn
N
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 5

I threw my hat in the ring and applied for some of these draw hunts.

Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: NevadaMulely] #7962462 09/05/20 05:50 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,331
D
Dave Scott Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
D
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,331
I think you'll need to drive to east Texas to the "Piney Woods". That's about the only place I can think of. There are a few spots east of Dallas. One other thing. I would strongly think about getting a compound bow and get into archery as it opens up a lot more areas.

Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: NevadaMulely] #7964129 09/07/20 03:03 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,659
H
Hopedale Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
H
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,659
OP, take the APH book and look on the Region Index page for Deer. You'll see what WMAs have a deer season open to walk in.

Also, look at Army Corp lands and other federal properties. North of you in Dallas LBJ Grasslands.

And lastly, Oklahoma isn't that to far away if you make a weekend out of it.

Lastly, I think in Texas we have more places to bow hunt on public than deer hunt. Down here in Austin and there are multiple places I can hunt deer with a bow vs rifle.


[Linked Image]
Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: booskay] #7964135 09/07/20 03:10 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,207
T
Texas Dan Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
T
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,207
Originally Posted by booskay
Not to discourage you, but I"d be shocked if anyone has a honey hole to kill deer and pigs on public land. Plan B might be to find a doe hunt, mabe for a couple hundred dollars on some ranch that is thinning the herd.


You're half right. It would be hard to share the spot in the Davy Crockett National Forest where this buck was taken.

IMHO, the big deer that live in the "DC" are one of the best kept secrets in East Texas.

[Linked Image]


"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: NevadaMulely] #7964751 09/08/20 01:18 AM
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 19,638
P
Pitchfork Predator Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
P
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 19,638
Hunt on Ft. Hood. Big mature bucks. Kind of funky rules, but the price is right.......


Marc C. Helfrich
Retirement Planner

www.insured-wealth.com
469-323-8920
Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: Pitchfork Predator] #7964770 09/08/20 01:26 AM
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 5
N
NevadaMulely Offline OP
Green Horn
OP Offline
Green Horn
N
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 5
Originally Posted by Pitchfork Predator
Hunt on Ft. Hood. Big mature bucks. Kind of funky rules, but the price is right.......

it that part of the annual hunting permit or a separate deal?

Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: NevadaMulely] #7964937 09/08/20 03:38 AM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,326
S
sqiggy Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
S
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,326
Totally separate deal

Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: NevadaMulely] #7964992 09/08/20 08:56 AM
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 110
F
Ftttu Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
F
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 110
The deer are there on public lands. I didn’t take any last year, but I saw Mr Big the three days I hunted in the National Forest. If it wasn’t for the antler restriction, I could have had at least one decent buck each of those three days. Growing up hunting there, I would go forever without seeing a buck, and 30 years later, I saw more in 3 days than in 3 years back in the ‘70s/early ‘80s. However, I took my largest buck there in the early 80s.

I say scour the maps and then do some preseason scouting trips. You can’t lose.


Retired!
Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: Ftttu] #7965129 09/08/20 01:52 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,207
T
Texas Dan Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
T
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,207
Originally Posted by Ftttu
I say scour the maps and then do some preseason scouting trips. You can’t lose.


Yes, it takes boots on the ground and a plan of attack if you want to be successful on public land.


"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: NevadaMulely] #7965517 09/08/20 06:06 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,262
BOBO the Clown Offline
kind of a big deal
Offline
kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,262
Originally Posted by NevadaMulely
I moved to Dallas about a year and half ago, i grew up hunting public land mule deer with a rifle in Northern Nevada. Anyways I discovered quickly that the hunting in Texas seems to be completely different, from the terrain to the laws and in particular the amount of public land even available for hunting, i do not have the financial means to justify spending the amount of money required to hunt private land. I'm not asking for anybody to give up their honey holes or anything. I just would like to know what areas in large have good deer/ hog populations. I bought the Annual Hunting permit and have been using ONX in combination with the Texas Public Land Hunting Map to E scout. I'm would like to do some whitetail and hog hunting with a rifle this season so any tips on areas, strategies, rookie mistakes to avoid, etc... would be awesome. I know all you bow hunters are going to give me grief but my dad said bow hunting was the most depressing thing he ever did, said you get closer to some of the biggest deer you have ever seen, but never close enough. Anyways thanks for anything you guys can help me with i appreciate it.


First, get in on some of the Texas Draw hunts today!!!! You missed a few of the draws and WMA’s already but still a bunch of COE left,


Donate to TX Youth hunting program.... better to donate then to waste it in taxes

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/gtgoh/mobile
Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: NevadaMulely] #7965751 09/08/20 08:55 PM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 3,091
A
Always ready 2 hunt Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
A
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 3,091
TX draw hunts is good chance for rifle hunter. If you decide to go ahead and get in the archery/crossbow arena it will open lots opportunities for you closer to Dallas. Grayson/Collin county are archery only you just might luck into one day of meeting a local landowner and gaining permission/access. Lake Grapevine has some really nice bucks (archery only) and for the most part yes you have got to get way off the beaten path. Most difficult thing is entry access points and then long walks or kayak/canoe. Look at LBJ Grasslands also.

Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: NevadaMulely] #7966591 09/09/20 01:58 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13,591
1
1860.colt Online Content
emoji colt.45
Online Content
emoji colt.45
1
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13,591
welcome ta texasHF...
Lots of good info already...
Hunted several WMA's SE of the big D
WhiteOakWMA scratch if remember right its archery deer.
Lived just down the road of OSBWMA, archery only...
Did the hog only any legal means hunts, Jan-end March hunt & scout..
Got familiar with area... Their the two bigger WMA's thar be a few smaller ones...
Did the archery deer/hog hunts... Both have nice deer & have gun draw hunts..


Theirs a section (Public Hunting) lower in the forum...
Best wish's on up coming hunts...

flag

Last edited by colt.45; 09/09/20 02:03 PM.


i'm postaddic
Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: BOBO the Clown] #7966679 09/09/20 02:51 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,262
BOBO the Clown Offline
kind of a big deal
Offline
kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,262
Originally Posted by BOBO the Clown
Originally Posted by NevadaMulely
I moved to Dallas about a year and half ago, i grew up hunting public land mule deer with a rifle in Northern Nevada. Anyways I discovered quickly that the hunting in Texas seems to be completely different, from the terrain to the laws and in particular the amount of public land even available for hunting, i do not have the financial means to justify spending the amount of money required to hunt private land. I'm not asking for anybody to give up their honey holes or anything. I just would like to know what areas in large have good deer/ hog populations. I bought the Annual Hunting permit and have been using ONX in combination with the Texas Public Land Hunting Map to E scout. I'm would like to do some whitetail and hog hunting with a rifle this season so any tips on areas, strategies, rookie mistakes to avoid, etc... would be awesome. I know all you bow hunters are going to give me grief but my dad said bow hunting was the most depressing thing he ever did, said you get closer to some of the biggest deer you have ever seen, but never close enough. Anyways thanks for anything you guys can help me with i appreciate it.


First, get in on some of the Texas Draw hunts today!!!! You missed a few of the draws and WMA’s already but still a bunch of COE left,



PM me if you have questions more then happy to talk you through it and share my Public hunt strategies


Donate to TX Youth hunting program.... better to donate then to waste it in taxes

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/gtgoh/mobile
Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: NevadaMulely] #7967407 09/09/20 10:13 PM
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 19,638
P
Pitchfork Predator Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
P
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 19,638
Originally Posted by NevadaMulely
Originally Posted by Pitchfork Predator
Hunt on Ft. Hood. Big mature bucks. Kind of funky rules, but the price is right.......

it that part of the annual hunting permit or a separate deal?

PM SapperTitan. He guides out there and can tell you all you need to know.......


Marc C. Helfrich
Retirement Planner

www.insured-wealth.com
469-323-8920
Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: NevadaMulely] #7967639 09/10/20 12:12 AM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,331
D
Dave Scott Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
D
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,331
The other option are some of these cull hunts. You get started hunting and the cost is offset by the meat. In many cases probably better eating than a rutting buck. In any event if you do the research there are actually quite a few public places. You really expand your horizons with the archery. This pal of mine is dead on out 70 yards- me, 40 is tops but a bow is a good weapon. And a lot of areas are allowing crossbows- I haven't got into crossbows but it something I'd like to try. I've heard of incredible accuracy, 2" "ish" groups way far out there 70-100 yards.

Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: NevadaMulely] #7967676 09/10/20 12:32 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,811
B
Bigfoot Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
B
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,811
Definitely sign up for some drawn hunts!!

You can definitley hunt pubic land and be successful. Im in Houston so the Sam Houston Natl Forest is where I hunt. I like hogs but have shot several deer also when I hunted for them. Now I just hunt hogs because they are just plain fun to hunt.

Find the areas to target on the internet and go scout it out. Thats the only way. Once I figured out how to find them here I have been semi successful. They move around a lot so I may go a few trips at times without seeing them but typically every season ( i only hunt in cool weather) I will bag one or 2 and only go a few times at best.

Yes you are right about our poor selection of public hunting lands here in our state. But you just have to make the most of it and there are some good deer out there for sure.

good luck!!!

Last edited by Bigfoot; 09/10/20 12:33 AM.

GO TRUMP!
Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: dogcatcher] #7967682 09/10/20 12:33 AM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
Originally Posted by dogcatcher
welcome


Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill


[Linked Image]




Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: NevadaMulely] #7969150 09/11/20 01:01 AM
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,175
R
Ringtail Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
R
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,175
This past weekend, I noticed multiple trucks parked on the side of the road in Davy Crockett National Forest. I guess the guys/gals are scouting out their places to ambush a deer with the season fast approaching.

Re: New to Texas Public land hunting Advice? [Re: BOBO the Clown] #7975851 09/16/20 08:13 AM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,706
P
pigplinker Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
P
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,706
Originally Posted by BOBO the Clown
Originally Posted by NevadaMulely
I moved to Dallas about a year and half ago, i grew up hunting public land mule deer with a rifle in Northern Nevada. Anyways I discovered quickly that the hunting in Texas seems to be completely different, from the terrain to the laws and in particular the amount of public land even available for hunting, i do not have the financial means to justify spending the amount of money required to hunt private land. I'm not asking for anybody to give up their honey holes or anything. I just would like to know what areas in large have good deer/ hog populations. I bought the Annual Hunting permit and have been using ONX in combination with the Texas Public Land Hunting Map to E scout. I'm would like to do some whitetail and hog hunting with a rifle this season so any tips on areas, strategies, rookie mistakes to avoid, etc... would be awesome. I know all you bow hunters are going to give me grief but my dad said bow hunting was the most depressing thing he ever did, said you get closer to some of the biggest deer you have ever seen, but never close enough. Anyways thanks for anything you guys can help me with i appreciate it.


First, get in on some of the Texas Draw hunts today!!!! You missed a few of the draws and WMA’s already but still a bunch of COE left,



What BOBO said. Also look at the E-Postcard drawings in the Draw hunts they are free. welcome

Page 1 of 2 1 2
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3