[Troutman]

Anyone with info. on hunting on "public land" in the county or nearby counties of Tarrant. Looking to use a 500 magnum....revolver, instead of a long-gun or shotgun for deer.

T.I.A.

[Nathanael_Greene]

I wouldn't get my hopes up about decent public land anywhere near Tarrant County; the LBJ Grasslands would be your closest, I think. I stay away from public land because I don't want to get killed by some over-eager dimwit taking a "brush shot".

Deer leases within a couple hours of DFW will run you well over a thousand dollars, if you can find one at all (especially this close to opening day).

Some of the guys over at http://www.texashuntingforum.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php may be able to help, though.

Welcome to Texas, where deer hunting isn't a sport--it's big business.

[rbernie]

The least expensive hunting option for non-landowners in North Texas is to pay for unguided hunt services from a private hunting ranch. Most hunting ranch type outfits will offer cheap 'backcountry' doe and hog hunting for relatively few dinero.

Unlike a lease, hunting on a private hunting ranch means that you only pay for what you harvest and you don't have to spend a lot of time maintaining the land. The downside is that it will take a bit of work to find a ranch that you like and that offers hunting suitable for you, and it'll take a while for you to get familiar with the ranch's layout and wildlife to make the hunting fun.

[barnett]

check with Texas Parks and Wildlife. they have hunts for the public on their WMAs. some have yeilded huge trophies, like the one near Sherman a few years back.

[hank327]

The Hagerman Wildlife Refuge is just west of Sherman/Denison on the southern side of Lake Texoma. It is administered by the National Forest Service, not the
Texas Parks & Wildlife as it is federal not state land. It is archery only for whitetail deer and the permits are drawn in a lottery. There is also an archery proficiency test that you have to pass before you are allowed to hunt on Hagerman. It is rather difficult to draw a hunt your first time as these permits are much sought after and there is a preference point system that favors those who have applied before and not been selected.

Drop by any Walmarts sporting goods section and pick up a Texas Parks and Wildlife handbook. Look for the information concerning Type 2 hunting land.
Type 2 is probably the most reasonably priced hunting land in Texas.