Alternative to a deer lease or public hunting

[hopedale]

Ok, looking for recommendations to an alternative to a deer lease and hunting public.

Kiddos are now in college, so funds are still tite for a deer lease, and public hunting, well its public hunting where pressure in Texas is high.

For 2021 where should I look to book a few deer hunts?


Budget for next year will be $1500 to $2000.

Would be looking at hunting the weekend primarily and limit the use of vacation time.

Got a few places on my list from the rate the day lease, but was curious what the GS had to say.

[tazhunter0]

Following along. Luckily I have a place to hog hunt for now, but really want to get back to harvesting some deer.

[SmTx]

Bowhunting, first point always has big deer drop each year.

Freezer filler I'd find someplace I could shoot a couple axis does.

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[HighwayHunter]

Probably day hunts. I’d save up and keep an eye out for deals to pop up on Craigslist


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[lovemylegacy]

Don't know where you live, but you can get a lease in E, SETx for that and have change left over.

[easeup]

day hunt private land. just get your mental approach changed and dont compare it to a deer lease, then it will be fun.

[brokeno]

First point

[Droptine3030]

I can help you with this . Pm me ur phone ur number and so I can call and tell you what a friend of mine offers. I think this would be what you are looking for .

[AntlerCollector]

Your budget doesn’t give you many options. You may find “meat hunts.”

I’d also recommend First Point. That’s a cool place with a good chance at a really nice buck.

[PlanoDano]

What do you want to achieve hunting? Meat in the Freezer, Impressive antlers or a sense in accomplishment knowing you harvested wild game in a mostly natural environment. If options 2 and 3 appeal to you then it is best done on public lands. It takes a commitment to the outdoors and refining your skills as an outdoors-man even in the off-season. Spending 30, 40, 50 or more nights outside. A lot of the lease guys are just as sick as I am, spending huge amounts of time farming deer. We should all be grateful to our spouses for supporting our obsessions or at least begging forgiveness.
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[30-30]

Look into the e-postcard public draw hunts. No loyalty points, so they’re easier for first-timers to draw. Deer hunting on these areas is usually limited to draws, so pressure is light, and the e-postcard hunt periods are usually longer than standard draws (~2 weeks or more).

[drwilliams]

$670 2nd season OTC in Colorado 9 days of hunting. One of the most physical and mentally challenging hunts I have done. Been doing it 5 years now. We have killed 3 elk in 5 years. After chasing elk in the Mountains sitting in a deer stand just doesn't do it for me anymore.

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[PlanoDano]

$670 2nd season OTC in Colorado 9 days of hunting. One of the most physical and mentally challenging hunts I have done. Been doing it 5 years now. We have killed 3 elk in 5 years. After chasing elk in the Mountains sitting in a deer stand just doesn't do it for me anymore.

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You are correct, I have been going to the mountains for years and hoping I have the physical stamina to do it for a few more. OP does not want to use much of his vacation. It seems that there has to be an investment in time. Myself, I have worked weekends only for the last 12 years. this gives me Mon - Thurs to be outdoors. I work the holidays and trade for CTO so I have more time off for outdoor pursuits. I have a lot of years in so I have 5 weeks of vacation and another week of personal days and floating holidays. I use 3 to 4 of those six weeks for hunting, fishing or scouting. The rest I take with my wife at a place where I can usually do some fishing.

[hopedale]

First point

Just checked them out on FB and their website. That is what I believe I'm looking for.

[ATX1717]

Great info. following along!