There are good opportunities on just about every public hunting property in Texas. Is it hard? Yes. Very. You have to realize that 80% of the deer are going to use 20% of the woods in a manner that is predictable enough to hunt. You've got to put in the time looking at maps and walking in the woods to find them. Even then, it's often not enough to punch your tag.
Based on your location, you are close to Sam Houston and Davy Crocket National Forests. There are also some state lands available nearby. Pick any property you like, then look long at hard at maps to narrow as much ground as possible. Get on Google Earth and eliminate anything within 500 yards of a road or trail. That'll cut out a lot of the pressure you face and leave you with areas that are less likely to be as stirred up by hunters. Next, look at those remaining areas and try to find features that deer want to be in. Open pine forest with no low cover or hard woods? Skip it. That ridge with the hardwoods all over it? Might want to check that out. If you want to win at the public land game on a consistent basis, you have to be willing to work harder and walk farther than your competition. Deer go where they have food, water, and security. You usually don't find all 3 where everyone else is stomping around.
Based on your location, you are close to Sam Houston and Davy Crocket National Forests. There are also some state lands available nearby. Pick any property you like, then look long at hard at maps to narrow as much ground as possible. Get on Google Earth and eliminate anything within 500 yards of a road or trail. That'll cut out a lot of the pressure you face and leave you with areas that are less likely to be as stirred up by hunters. Next, look at those remaining areas and try to find features that deer want to be in. Open pine forest with no low cover or hard woods? Skip it. That ridge with the hardwoods all over it? Might want to check that out. If you want to win at the public land game on a consistent basis, you have to be willing to work harder and walk farther than your competition. Deer go where they have food, water, and security. You usually don't find all 3 where everyone else is stomping around.
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