Hello all,

I am looking at buying some land in East Texas for hunting and am a first time land buyer. I have seen some listings in Bowie county that I plan on checking out this weekend, I was wondering if anyone knew how the hunting is in this county? Mostly looking to hunt deer and hogs. The properties I am looking at are from US-259 and east, west of TX-98, and between US-67 and US-82.

I have heard of poaching issues in this county but not sure of the details, a lot of what I have read are of land owners poaching on the property they leased to others but I would like to know if anyone has any real knowledge on this.

Thanks

Why not check with the Game Warden there, he would know the honest facts?

PM sent
And welcome to the forum.

Game warden and neighbor is best resource

Hello Mr T, I had the same question. Mind sending me any info? Unfamiliar with the area

Helomech, I had no idea that you could use more than one exemptions.

Well,if you wait the cost will probably go higher. Just sayin'. Seems to be the way of things. For instance, the taxes the first year (10 yrs ago) was $1500 and has climbed to $2300.

Anyway, I began by using the TVLB, then my wife decided she wanted to be 1/2 partner and we paid cash. It is a fact that the interest rates for TVLB seem usurious, but where ya gonna go? They are veeeeery easy to do business with. Little money down, few restrictions and quick close in many cases.

Anyway, the taxes on our little ranch keep climbing every year. And, no, I don't have Ag exempt or any other kind of exempt. So...I lease it and use that money to defray the expenses. It never was Ag exempt, and I am not going to put livestock out there. Bees? You have to pay per hive and it takes time. So does Wildlife exemption. Hey, not impossible but takes time and effort. And before some of you trolls on this Forum start spouting off: I've been very busy until recently in the Healthcare field. Owning land etc. has had to be on the back burner due to time and responsibility constraints.

Oh, I have learned so much from my tenants. Almost all have been upstanding, honorable, decent dudes. They have made me a better steward of my land, and definitely a better hunter.

As for water: I don't have it on my property. But, luckily bought land that is low fenced and everyone around me has tanks full of water. That matters.

Another thing to consider might be mineral rights. Which I do not have. Did you know that if you don't, you only own the surface of the land? Legit. Or so I understand. So, if you can get the rights, so much the better.

All said, I have enjoyed land ownership on the Edward's Plateau. It has fed me and my family and friends. Just being out there is a blessing. Listening to the coyotes at night is to me a symphony most folks never get to hear. And the STARS! Big and bright! Got fer it! Get some land.

In my experience, the neighbors are usually the ones taking advantage of the absentee owner's property out this way.

You got that right. The owners away the neighbors will play.

Wow! Got a call from a buddy that is a realtor around where my land is; Bowie. He said that land prices/values have really gone nuts. He just sold a POS, recreational property like mine for $$8,000 per acre. It had no structures, no water well, stock tanks, lousy fences, no electricity, nothing but trees and rocks. The buyer was from Seattle.

It's been that way in Montague for a year now. Land around my lease has tripled since covid. What was $2k to $3k an acre is almost $10k now in 2 years. Thanks China and California. There is a new subdivision south of Nocona. Selling 2 acre plots for $49,000 in the middle of nowhere. $99k is you want a barndo shell. Most inquires are Californians asking about it on the FB ads. There is a less than 2 acre patch of dirt next our place asking $69k for. Go look at Lands of Texas for the county. Your place will bring a million easily.

I feel like I won't be able to buy my own land any time soon. Small parcel, sure, but 100 acres or more seems like a long way away. Trying to focus on getting two kids through school in the coming years, still have a "new" house payment. My family, going back to great grandparents NEVER owned any land so there was none to pass down, etc. It is a bummer to get online and look at what is out there and be completely SHOCKED at the prices. I might have to buy something out in Presidio, Val Verde or Brewster County just to afford something. But really, I have been lucky to have access to a few pieces of land from time-to-time and that is good for now. Blessed to have that at least!

I can’t believe I started this thread 13 years ago. Finally bought my land in 2017 and will pay it off next month. 100 acres Coke county.

Lots of good info in here!

Congrats!!

X2

I also noticed the 2009 start.

What are some of the ways to bring in income? What I was thinking is buy some land and don't use it for a while, lease out grazing rights, hunting rights, etc. Would that be enough to cover the mortgage payments. Outside of Del Rio I ran into a guy that told me his buddy/friend ran an exotic hunt operation but stopped. He did it to get the property free and clear.

Leasing out hunting rights should also include a liability insurance policy.

Do you have details on your land, if you don’t mind.

Great thread. Love the education from those who know.