Moving to Texas; Enlighten Me!

[MachIVshooter]

Congratulations. Texas is definitely one of the better states. For gun owners/hunters, really only two drawbacks I can think of:

1) No open carry (I still don't get that one)

2) Virtually all the land is private. Seems you have to know people or pay people to hunt down there.

The weather was mentioned, and that's one reason I'm still here in CO. It topped 100* in Turkey when we were hunting pigs down there..........two months ago! Here on the Eastern plains today on the 3rd official day of summer? Sunny, calm, about 68* right now, 81* for a high.

Get used to the idea that turn signals are hardly ever used. I swear, some of these people would disconnect their brake lights if they thought they could get away with it. But that doesn't stop them from using bumper stickers to let you know their opinion on every other thing under the sun.

I think that's just about everywhere. I've long maintained that vehicles sold in Colorado have "turn indicator" on the options list, and that box typically goes unchecked.

One thing that I found strange in Texas was the amount of junk that's just lying about everywhere. I can only surmise it's because there is so little public property, but nowhere else I've been did I see so many rotten old cars/farm equipment/construction equipment, etc. just left in fields.

 

[tarosean]

As far as hunting goes, I would suggest you start with hogs as many land owners want you to hunt them. You may or may not have to pay something. Then after you get some contacts, move to deer hunting opportunities.

course once he sees the size of our lil deer he many want to stick with the Hogs

 

[451 Detonics]

My last time in Texas was in Ft Worth...quite a few ranges in the DFW area. Check out as many as you can as many have rules you won't like. Just try to find one that fits what you want before joining any of them.

Public ranges... http://www.muck-boy.com/Shooting Ranges/Muckboy Texas Shooting Range Page.htm

Make the trek to Ft Worth and eat at Joe T Garcia's...worth the trip. Then a couple drinks at Filthy McNasty's, and finish up with some 2 stepping at Pearl's. Unless you are a yuppie...then stay in Dallas .

And just remember...without a Certificate of Citizenship you will never be a true Texan.

 

[12131]

Congrats on the great escape.

 

[22-rimfire]

Joe T Garcia's...worth the trip

Great Mexican restaurant. Been there more than a couple times.

 

[DrDragon]

Welcome to the greatest State on Earth!

doesn't help that I'm a Bears fan either and have all sorts of Bears clothes and license plate covers for our vehicles!

Hey, as long as you're not a Cowboys fan, you're fine by me. Visit the Texas Hill Country, San Antonio, Big Bend, and Houston (the greatest city IN the greatest state ; ) ) when you get time. Texas has a little bit of everything as far as geography and wildlife, that's what makes it so great....I mean hey, you can drive 12 hours west from Houston and STILL be in Texas.

 

[squarles67]

Welcome to Texas!

There are public places to hunt, just takes a little research

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/public/lands/maps/

There are also the National Forests

 

[ClickClickD'oh]

Lewisville area eh?

Go to Parma Pasta, one of the best hole in the wall Italian places you can find. BYOB, and be prepared to wait if it's Friday. The 35 corridor in Lewisville has no shortage of places to eat. Mostly chains right up on the highway, but plenty of smaller and ma & pa type places on 3040 and around the mall.

I shoot at Garland Public. Bit of a drive, but good rates... and I'm too stubborn to change now that I've been shooting there for almost two decades.

One thing you will learn about living in the metroplex is that our public transit is horrible, and everything is far away. You will spend time in traffic no matter what you do.

The guys over at Texas Handgun Academy will be happy to help you with your CHL. I send quite a few employees over to them for professional and personal licensing.

 

[NoobCannon]

Welcome to Texas. Don't blame us for George W. Bush, he wasn't ours.

all joking aside, welcome to the promised land....if you can get used to the heat. If you spend any time outside, you'll get a tan.

As for the hunting bit, it all depends on who you get to know. If you get buddy buddy with someone who has property(Like I did with my landlord), They'll let you hunt their property free of charge, or for a grossly reduced fee. Oftentimes feral hogs and such will tear up fences and eat up crops(especially down here on the coast) and Farmers would rather put up with a few hunters clearing them out than let them destroy their livelihood.

Of course, for proper hunting with proper game and such, get ready to empty your wallet.

As mentioned, there's alot of old cars and such laying around out here. If you're into making hot rods or restoring classics, a little shrewd bartering can land you more project cars than you'll know what to do with.

I've ended up with an '85 Suburban, '77 El Camino, and a '73 Dodge Dart Swinger that were all more or less free, and all more or less sat until we couldn't stand to look at them anymore.

If you're ever south of Hell(Houston) and in the Wharton area, there's a little gun shop you need to check out called Carroll's Gun & Police Supply. Just off of Highway 59, they have good selection and the best customer service I've ever seen. Their on-site gunsmith is a bit of a dick, though. But Mr. Carroll is one of the nicest business owners I've ever met.

Oh, and I hope you like spicy food. Spicy is what we do best down here. Chili, Tex Mex, doesn't matter. We'll leave your mouth numb.

Have fun with us!

 

[JoeMal]

All the info you guys are giving me is really helpful! Thanks and keep it up!

Well there is always the National Forest in east Texas.
Not my favorite place but the cost is cheap compared to a hunting lease.

I will look into that location, thanks

Added: As far as hunting goes, I would suggest you start with hogs as many land owners want you to hunt them

I would prefer to hunt hogs I think due to the ability to actually hunt them. I'm more of a novice hunter and am not looking for that trophy deer that a lot of guys are. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it just doesn't fit my interest right now.

Make the trek to Ft Worth and eat at Joe T Garcia's...worth the trip.

I will keep that in mind...the wife and I love Mexican food

Welcome to Texas!

There are public places to hunt, just takes a little research

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild...ic/lands/maps/

Perfect! Thanks!

Go to Parma Pasta, one of the best hole in the wall Italian places you can find. BYOB, and be prepared to wait if it's Friday. The 35 corridor in Lewisville has no shortage of places to eat. Mostly chains right up on the highway, but plenty of smaller and ma & pa type places on 3040 and around the mall.

I shoot at Garland Public. Bit of a drive, but good rates... and I'm too stubborn to change now that I've been shooting there for almost two decades.

More food...love it! And yeah there are TONS of places to eat there and we saw during our short visit. Thanks for the range tip too...I don't mind a bit of a drive for a nice place to shoot

Oh, and I hope you like spicy food. Spicy is what we do best down here. Chili, Tex Mex, doesn't matter. We'll leave your mouth numb.

Love the spicy stuff. Thanks

Once again thanks a lot!

 

[Iron Will]

1. Do not tell anyone you’re from Illinois
2. Sell your Smart car
3. Get a big truck (Ford, Dodge or Chevy)
4. Immediately go to Justin and get you and your family some cowboy boots
5. Yes, there are big catfish in Lake Lewisville
6. Don’t wonder on private property
7. Dallas and Austin do not represent Texas and therefore not really considered part of Texas
8. Hello from Argyle

Enlightened!

 

[JoeMal]

1. Do not tell anyone you’re from Illinois
2. Sell your Smart car
3. Get a big truck (Ford, Dodge or Chevy)
4. Immediately go to Justin and get you and your family some cowboy boots
5. Yes, there are big catfish in Lake Lewisville
6. Don’t wonder on private property
7. Dallas and Austin do not represent Texas and therefore not really considered part of Texas
8. Hello from Argyle

1. Don't plan on it
2. Don't have one...wife does drive a Hyundai though
3. Have an F150...but am looking to upgrade someday
4. Boots are definitely on the 'need to buy' list
5. I love fishing for catfish so that excites me.
6. Don't plan on it
7. Whatever you say
8. Hi

 

[knotquiteawake]

I moved here to the great state of Texas two and a half years ago and won't even look back. I came outta California and while I miss the nice weather out there SO so SO much I like being in Texas better overall.
I live in North Dallas and the only times I've been shooting has been at Elm Fork, its been a good experience both times, a very nice outdoor range.
It took me two years to get around to purchasing my first firearm here but it was super easy, walked in, signed papers, and walked out with a gun.
Get a concealed license, its pretty easy, I'm starting my process this weekend at the North Texas Handgun academy, the course is around $100, $10 for finger prints, and then whatever the fee from the state is. From what I understand you don't even have to be a resident.

 

[Flash!]

two things to remember in Texas......

1. real barbeque is served on butcher paper and does not need sauce.
2. Chili does NOT have beans in it! (beans is a side dish all unto itself)


my preference for a range in the DFW area is Alpine..... south of Fort Worth....

 

[DougW]

JoeMal, get ready to go broke buying guns!

 

[JohnKSa]

Dallas Pistol Club has nice facilities and is located in Carrollton which is next door to Lewisville.

They're currently full and not accepting new members but you can put your name on a waiting list if what they offer appeals to you.

 

[MADDOG]

Welcome to Texas. You say ya'll are moving in 3 weeks. You will be just in time for the "TEXAS HEAT" time of the year. Enjoy

 

[razorback2003]

The food in the DFW area is great like the rest of the South. You'll have a lot of options for good BBQ and Mexican food. I live in Memphis and am from Arkansas and will admit folks in Texas can pull off some good beef BBQ.

When you go to Austin, check out the Salt Lick BBQ outside of Austin. It is a cool place. Austin is very different from the DFW area and actually has trees and hills if you have never been down there.

The Bass Pro in Grapevine is a nice spot that you'll be right down the road from in Lewisville.

The good thing is you won't have to deal with the COLD WEATHER anymore except for a maybe once a year ice/snow. People in Dallas run to the stores for food and clean the shelves if there is ice/snow coming through. The other drivers will be more of a danger to you on the roads when it ices than you will be because many have no idea that they can't drive certain vehicles on snow or ice like rear wheel drive sports cars. Southern cities often lack the equipment to clear the roads, so you're in for an adventure if you decide to drive and watch folks run off the road.

 

[jaytex1969]

 

[Greybeard]

Welcome to Tejas. I have been in the Lewisville/Flower Mound area since 83, CHL training since the inception of the program in '95. Got a little private indoor range 6 miles due west of Lewsiville Lake dam. Folks seem to either love or hate the membership requirement and/or web site: www.dentoncountysports.com.

I noticed someone earlier said "must wait 6 months before chl", which is no longer the case (has not been for years if people will just pay attention to actual changes in the laws).

One thing that no one yet has mentioned is DO NOT buy barbeque sandwiches from any place that also sells minnows.

 

[pump .22s]

If you enjoy gun shows...we have plenty of them here in Texas...there are some going on every weekend somewhere. Dallas Market Hall show is a big one that runs about four times a year.

 

[NoobCannon]

oh, yeah, almost forgot.

It's mandatory here that you have two guns for each hand. XD

and that's the minimum.

 

[shiftyer1]

I posted earlier but I forgot to mention, you have a good chance of meeting more people from home than you ever met back home I did, I haven't spent any time around Dallas area but, most of the people i've met here are more giving and friendly than anywhere i've been. And this is the only state i've ever been in where you can see almost any type of country and not leave the state. To bad wyoming and colorado weren't included

I had a friend north of dallas, maybe around lewiston....the only complaint I ever heard was about his (now) ex wife. I believe he liked the area.

 

[Johnonthebass]

Welcome to the neighborhood. You'll enjoy it. I also recommend taking a trip down to Austin. It's not a terribly long drive from Lewisville.

 

[SmokeJensen]

After all this talk I might put Virginia in the rear view. I have a sister in east Dallas I think. Maybe north. But she has been trying to get me their for a few years. Sounds like a million bucks there.