I know a lot of folks that, in the face of limited deer hunting prospects, hunt public grounds. Though it’s not nearly as big in Texas as in many other states, it’s certainly a viable alternative. However, it comes with downsides, such as unpredictable hunting pressure and accessibility issues. Season after season, I hear hunters exclaiming “I have no place to hunt” or “I’ve been priced out of the market”. I certainly acknowledge that private hunting access can be elusive and has in fact gotten expensive. However, I find that often, these naysayers have put in very little effort to rectify their situation. The fact of the matter is that obtaining a piece of private dirt for whitetail hunting is more attainable than you think.
One thing is for sure, a hunting property isn’t going to land in the recliner with you while watching hunting shows. Short of buying a place, here are a few methods, both simple and creative, you can use during the offseason to secure at least a small hunting parcel for the fall. In fact, some of them can result in free, if not inexpensive hunting access.
All in the Family – You often think about treestand placement – why not consider your family tree. Whether liked or a nemesis, don’t forget to approach family members, even in-laws. With enough thought, you might remember kin with rural property with little or no hunting. With this group, it’s could very well mean free hunting grounds.
Embrace the Indifferent – Though family can also fall in this category, it’s very possible to find friends, friends of friends, and acquaintances that are completely apathetic toward the act of hunting. Here, I’m not talking about the anti-hunting contingent. If you can find folks in this class that own a chunk of woods, you could be golden. Free access can also be attainable with this type.
Join a Local Hunting Organization – Hunting associations
come in many flavors, such as wildlife co-ops, bowhunter groups, and conservation organizations. I’ve joined two such local groups in different parts of Texas for as little as $20 per year. This is a great place to network. At a minimum, you get the opportunity to commune with like-minded individuals that support hunting and conservation, making it a win-win.
Vacant Land for Sale – As you traverse the countryside and suburbs, take notice of for-sale signs for properties with reasonable habitat for deer. Regardless of the type of seller, the land may be sitting unpurchased for an extended period of time. This can yield hunting prospects for land chunks of most any size – definitely worth the ask.
Where the Hunters Are – This is a simplistic approach that involves frequenting places that hold the hunting demographic. This can include taxidermy shops, meat processors, and feed stores. Here you will usually find like-minded people and maybe even bulletin board leads. I’ve even known a couple of guys that obtained hunting privileges from the barber chair. You never know, you just might over-hear a frustrated guy complaining about the deer decimating the garden or a lost lease member.
The Large Tract Rural Neighborhood – Regardless of your thoughts on country land being broken into small parcels, embrace them for hunting’s sake! Like in many states, rural development is huge in Texas. When you pass such a neighborhood, consider knocking on some doors. Such parcels can be ideal for bowhunting. Even better, most of these developments haven’t been completed and have a lot of unsold parcels; translation, unused. Contact the developer for permission to hunt them. I recently found a 245-acre tract behind such a development. In fact, I access it by going directly
through the gated neighborhood.
A Day in the Hunting Life – There are outfitters, as well as individual farm and ranch owners that offer day hunts. Here, for a given day, you can pay a fee to hunt the morning, evening, or both. This is a great choice for those with less time to deer hunt. If allowed, take a little time to scout or at least educate yourself on the grounds. Whether guided or self-guided, this is a legitimate hunting opportunity. Note that many outfitters also lease hunting land in general.
Get Active in Hunting Forums – Use the internet and social media to visit deer hunting forums and online communities. Whether by desktop or smartphone, most hunting forums will have a page dedicated to hunting opportunities and solicitations. It’s a good idea to establish a presence on the website by posting and responding to topics. Take a little time to add some value to the community and become a known quantity. This helps in the credibility department.
Are these methods old news to you? If yes, my next question would be, have you tried them all? This is merely a very short list of ways you can use to obtain a deer hunting property. Remember that it requires effort and the common denominator is networking. Note that many landowners will be more comfortable allowing bowhunting as opposed to rifle hunting – especially on smaller sections. Whatever the means, remember to approach them with respect and courtesy. First impressions matter. If you’re lucky enough to get a place, show respect to the grantor, as well as the land. Who knows, it could even turn into the long-term break you’re looking for.
