Big Time Hunts

Anyone ever enter these contests? That $9 per entry can add up fast.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/btth/

Nope but good luck.

Yes, I have since they started. Do mainly the deer and grand slam ones though.

Speaking of on-line begging. The state really advertises the heck out of these things. I put in for a few draw hunts every now and then and have even drawn on one, but I never put in for these. For someone who can't afford a lease or a hunt, or with zero access anywhere, I guess they have to at least try and I hope they go to someone like that.

It's a great opportunity IMO. I do it every year.

TPWD makes a lot of money on these hunts. I donate about $40 a year myself. More recently in places that I would like to hunt, more than what I am hunting.
I have been applying for about 10 years, and have never been drawn.

I just started

I did some brief browsing and was wondering if you do get drawn, is there more payments you have to make like tags, fees to hunt the place selected? Or do you just have to have a valid hunting license?

For the general drawn hunts at various WMA's, state parks, NWR's, there is typically an $80 or $130 permit fee, if you draw.

If I remember correctly from past draws, you have 10 or so days to pay the fee or your tag is returned into the pot for the second draw.

Lot's of info here:
https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/public_hunt_drawing/faqs.phtml

I'm not sure about the Big Time Texas Draws.

Years ago and won a hog hunt on the Matador, never seen so many people in one area in my life. About an hour after daylight I packed up and went home.

Yes, I do, and realize I will never draw in all likelihood, but it is a contribution to a very good cause. Same thing for the Super Tags in several of our western states. The moneys generated go to lots of project work for public areas that would otherwise not be taken. If you put in for the premium hunts, your $30-50 is better than buying booze or cigarettes. I do know a couple people who actually drew a hunt thru this program.

These hunts are different than the regular WMA hunts. These are all guided and some are just one permit with up to 2 hunters...they lucky winner can invite a guest on some hunts. The WT hunts will be a few more hunts(up to 5) but each will be on a specific ranch or WMA. Not all on one location at the same time like regular hunts.

Every year
Haven't been drawn yet though.
I typically will spend a couple hundud in chances

I buy 5 a year at $9 then the $5 processing fee, so I spend a total of $50 each year. Never been drawn, but will continue buying as it helps.

I allow myself $100 per year for entries to the Big Time hunts, so 11 entries ($99), then there's the $5 processing fee. Just started last year. I know it's a long shot, but what the heck. Can't win if ya don't play.

I usually spend about a hundred buck a year on them. Most of the entries are for the grand slam with the sheep being the prize. There was a guy on here years ago who won the grand slam. As I recall he post about the first hunt he went on than never posted any more info.

Been two guys on THF and one on TBH.

We also had a few guys draw the really high end hunts.

One of our members got like a 12 or 14 ft gator I think

I usually do an entry or two for the whitetail and mule deer hunts, but consider it more a donation because your chances of getting drawn are slim to none.

After 10 yrs. of applying, my son was drawn for a west Texas mule deer hunt. He was successful.

Texas Grand Slam - check
Nilgai Antelope Safari on the Yturria - check
Big Time Bird Hunt - check
Ultimate Mule Deer Hunt - check

Hope springs eternal. Blind hogs & acorns. You just never know.

What no Gator? What are you a ungulate purest

They don't make good dry sausage....so I have heard....

I prefer blondes.

I’ve been putting in to the Big Time Hunts for over 10 years, I know it’s a long shot but if you get lucky enough to win one that would be a hunt of a life time

Always put in for a few every year. fingers crossed!

9 out of 10 times you look at the winners after the hunts and they will be non-residents.

I entered several of the $9 Big Time hunts. On the seventh year entering for the Simitar Oryx, I was drawn. Was it worth the $700 or so I had spent on the 10 or so hunts I had annually entered? You better believe it was!

I sure enjoyed our hunt together.

yea i feel what your talkin bout. :: I have done tpw draw hunts for bout 10 yrs. I pulled Gun deer at Matador in 2013? Got a nice buck. BUT shot at a stud of a buck. Was my fault for missin him.

Really, just look back at winners, most are from Texas not out of state. I can find maybe one or 2 per year, some years no non residents win.

Yes i have been donating for years. I do know someone who won the slam, with one ticket. I had taken a buck i got in 2002 to get measured for the big game awards. I met him at his home & of course couldn't help but notice the bighorn or mulie, [was thinkin to self he hunts outta state a bit] He proceeded to tell me rest of story. I believe he won it the very first year. Not to be long winded i read of someone [on another forum] who has won. Am looking forward to his hunt stories. And crossing my fingers, toes or ANYthing that will bring luck.

I just did my yearly donation to TP&W

3 each of TX Grand Slam, Mule Deer, WT Bonanza, Exotic, & Nilgai

You would think sooner or later I could get drawn. lol