Hunting in DFW? (leases, buying, price)

[xen0blue]

I'm a first-time hunter and am looking for some free/cheap places to hunt wild pigs and deer around DFW. Anyone know anyplaces to hunt and the processes (as far as paperwork, licenses, etc. go) you need to go through to be allowed to do it?

[Grainraiser]

Originally Posted by xen0blue

I'm a first-time hunter and am looking for some free/cheap places to hunt wild pigs and deer around DFW. Anyone know anyplaces to hunt and the processes (as far as paperwork, licenses, etc. go) you need to go through to be allowed to do it?

The only free hunting I am aware of his thru government or paper company land. Most are very crowded and the hunting is slim. The best places will be on farms and ranches. I learned a long time ago that I you want some good hunting you had either be ready to lease a spot or know someone who owns alot of land. I stop deer hunting because it became to costly. You may find someone who will let you hunt wild hogs for free since they are a nusiance on many properties.

[Rakin]

Yeah, the demand for deer leases has caused leases to become so expensive, nothing is free. To get a reasonable price you've got to go to very far west TX in most cases.

You might find hog hunting but plan on going west or east at least 100 miles.

Best plan is to become buddies with someone that has access to land.

[ChristieP]

As others have said, there is NO free deer hunting unless you own your own land! (Fortunately, my family does, and we count out blessings for it!) Deer leases within a day's drive of DFW are $$$ and very difficult to find. Hunting on public land goes by a lottery draw system, and there are far more applicants than spots. There is very little or no paper company land in Texas, but lots in Arkansas. If you want to deer hunt, you'll need to drive a long way or fork out the $$$.

As for hog hunting, there's no season for it or regulation of it, but there are a lot of feral hogs on private land, and the landowners are always glad to have them removed. You can look at gun stores, gun shows, and places like Cabela's/Bass Pro/Cheaper Than Dirt for signs for guided hog hunting. IMHO, feral hog meat is way too gamey and greasy for my tastes.

Here's the website with all the info you'll need about hunting in Texas:
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department | Hunting & Wildlife

[justhrowit]

Will you be hunting with a Bow or Rifle. I may be able to help you out. PM me in you would like.

Jay

[loves2read]

going on to posted land is not a good idea--even if it is not posted, it is trespassing...

hope you don't want to do that as an easy out...and frankly if you ARE a first-time hunter, I hope you get some education about how to hunt
safe hunting requires moe than just buying a rifle and doing target practive

[PennyGWoods]

I'm sorry, I know nothing about hunting but...you pay money to go on somebody's land to hunt? How the heck does that work? Do they get new game imported to their land every 2-3 weeks or something?

[5stones]

you pay money to go on somebody's land to hunt? How the heck does that work? Do they get new game imported to their land every 2-3 weeks or something?

Land owners REALLY limit the number of hunters on lease.

Texas is wierd with the hunting leases.
unlike the northeast where there are lots of state owned game lands or farmers/ranchers who let you hunt for free.

So essentially yes, ESP for deer hunting you will need to get on a lease. (it's all who you know etc...) and if you don't have any connections it will be VERY hard to get inot one ESP for a first time hunter. (you are percieved as dangerous etc...) That's whhy even in the NE my husband only hunted ONCE on public game lands..DANGEROUS!

Pig hunting is a bit different since they are considered a nusience animal. If you know anyone who has land they may let you hunt pigs without a lease. Some may let you as a new hunter only hunt with a bow and not a rifle etc..

So your best bet is to ask around work... someone WILL know someone who has a lease etc... and may take you a time or two to let you "get to know" the regulars!

BTW for your own info...my husbands lease is about 4 hours from DFW and is about 3000per year for about 2500+ acres (6 hunters)

[Rakin]

BTW for your own info...my husbands lease is about 4 hours from DFW and is about 3000per year for about 2500+ acres (6 hunters)

A lot of leases are bought up by companies that pay a premium for the good leases that are c;lose to DFW. Above is a way to get it affordable, if you can find 4-6 guys to go in together for a good lease you may be able to get it down to less that $500 each.

Be sure and ask about Dove & turkey hunting when you negotiate. You want a year round lease that includes spring hunting also..

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by PennyGWoods

I'm sorry, I know nothing about hunting but...you pay money to go on somebody's land to hunt? How the heck does that work? Do they get new game imported to their land every 2-3 weeks or something?

Penny, deer & turkey will range over a wide area and will jump fences. No need to import normal game. In many areas there is an excess of deer and the herd needs to be thinned to keep them healthy.