Hi. My wife and I are thinking about planning on moving to texas from the northwest. We currently live in eastern washington state and have a lot of nice areas to hunt that's public land. I've heard that there's not very much in texas. Is this true? I don't want to go because hunting and fishing is great up here. There are a lot of remote areas to go around this part of the country.

Welcome to THF, jmwaide

Yes, it's true - we don't have as much public hunting as you do there. But there's always leases opening up. What part of Texas are you planning to move to?

Probably within a couple hours from the dallas/ft worth area. I'm not sure exactly.It depends on the wife's job. How easy is it to get leases?

Welcome

Do you know SHane?

Leases are your best bet, and they aren't difficult to obtain, although what you're willing to spend will determine just how difficult.

There's a couple good public spots near DFW. LBJ grasslands and Caddo are close. LBJ allows bow, shotgun, and muzzleloader hunting. Caddo allows that and center fire. Lake Whitney and Aquila offers some very nice bow only deer hunting, and shotgun for other game.

Texas has a fair amount of public land. Also look in to the draw hunts. Lots of good stuff on there, including some world class hunts.

It depends on what you want to hunt for. There is a lot of public hunting land around the state for Birds. The majority of public deer hunting is in East Texas. There is some free public hunting land. Some you have to just show up request a deer permit. There is also the Texan Annual Public Hunting permit. Its cheep and gives you access to a lot of place. Here is a map http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/public/lands/maps/ As was said, Leases are your best bet and safer. I use a lease for deer and hogs. Public land for birds.

OK thanks guys. I really appreciate it. If OK have more questions you'll probably see me again.

No I don't know Shane. Does he live up here?

Next to Central Park in New York City, Public Hunting in Texas is the worst.

I would reconsider based on many other reasons too. Invasion by Illegal aliens, Mexican Nationals, Katria refugees, and the Climate is uterally brutal right now.

Texas is a state of mind and it ain't easy.

If you are looking for the Promise Land...Rapid City and the Black Hills

Disagree Just got to be willing to hoof it. There where three deer pushing or broke 200" (that i know of) killed on public land with in hour of DFW this year

If you bow hunt pm me and I will send you some leads on public hunting opportunities around dfw.

Also the TPWD draw hunts are a great option for deer and exotics

Bobo has enlightened me and I guess it depends on where you live as to the availability and convenience of open range hunting.

Thanks for the info BoBo

Ck the tx annual public hunt section. It requires an annusl permit, but dependin on what u wanna hunt for, there is a lot of land, but NONE can be dogged for hogs. Wright patman lake in texarkan is public with pleanty of deer, hogs (can be dogged) squirels, beaver and nutria, coons and of course fishing. The leases are as mentioned before the best bet, but the wallet is the final determining factor on a lease

Disagree Just got to be willing to hoof it. There where three deer pushing or broke 200" (that i know of) killed on public land with in hour of DFW this year [/quote]

Pretty sure the deer you are talking about were all killed on private, unless you know something I don't which is very possible!

Hagermans Reserve, Lake Texoma, archery only. 90 miles north of Metreoplex.

Grasslands is awesome for turkey and pigs. I've seen lots of deer out there too. You have to apply for an antler less permit for gun season.

When compared to other states Texas has horrible public hunting.