Texas Hunting Rookie

Hoping to gain some knowledge here. I’ve hunted in other states but am trying to figure out The best way to get started in TX.

assuming I don’t own property or want to pay an arm and a leg, what’s the best way to hunt big game in TX? I know state parks have seasons but are they shortened or do they correlate with standard seasons?

Yes, I’ve read the regs but it’s not the easiest read

 

Correlate with regular seasons but from what I've heard is crowded. Most are bow only. I believe there is only 2 maybe 3 areas that are rifle. You need to check the TPW website for that info. Or better yet give them a call.

 

most Texans that cant afford high fenced hunts lease the hunting rights on a plot of land. If you dont want to be the lease mgr (find the land, meet with the land owner, pay up front, find hunters to lease out the remaining acres), then talk to your buddies and find out who is on a "hunting lease". Ask them what they pay, where it is, and if there are any openings.

there are some opening each year on the place to our north. They are VERY deer management minded, and their rules are pretty strict. If you want i can pass your name and number over to them to be put on their waiting list. I think its around $2200 a hunter. It has a farm house with bunk beds in 2 of the rooms, or you can bring a camper to park out side.

Having a deer lease (in most cases) gives you year round access to the land for you to get set up like you want it. I have been on mine for 20 years. We have a pretty nice "redneck" camp site with electricity for campers/trailers/sea containers.

 

What part of the state are you in? I've had success on public land in the past. I suggest you pick up a bow if you haven't already.

Check out public hunting areas here.

 

send me a pm........public hunting is very hard in Texas but doable. Been doing it my whole life-70 yo-.
May take me awhile to respond but the rest of the year to do research.