S.n.h.f. 2019-2020

Alright Amigos, lets get one started. Are we ready? how did everyone do last season? I didn't hunt much at all last year, new job, new house. I'm Stoked for this season though. Any pics from last year, SHNF only please.

Let's hear it...

[ChiefWhackABuck]

Originally Posted by Grumpyfoot

Alright Amigos, lets get one started. Are we ready? how did everyone do last season? I didn't hunt much at all last year, new job, new house. I'm Stoked for this season though. Any pics from last year, SHNF only please.



Let's hear it...

Eh I'm behind the ball on scouting but we will see what happens. Gotta see if grad school gives me time to hunt at all. Last season I had a number of chances to shoot deer, both at does and buck, but the stars didn't quite align. Got one with my antlerless permit in December but then ended up stabbing myself in the leg like an idiot. We will see if the thread gains any traction this season.

Sent from my SM-J327P using Tapatalk

[Dmillerdesign]

Just moved to Conroe last summer and spent some time in the woods last year, no luck getting anything on the ground. Hope to have a chance at something this year. Will post updates when possible.

Also, might be good to fix title of thread to SHNF, n and h are backwards. May be easier for folks to search.

Not sure how to edit the title. Sorry for the typo, not very savvy with typing.

[Jspradley]

Got some spots picked out for deer, can't wait for the season to start!

[Hooverfb]

Wife leaves for a few weeks soon, gotta go scout more then.

[Harry]

Have scouted anything slacking this year

I hear ya Harry, been kinda lazy myself. Gonna try a little scoutiing this weekend.

[matt.howell411]

I’ve been doing a little scouting with OnX. Here in a couple weeks, I’ll go check out some waypoints I’ve saved. Hopefully they look as good in person as they do on my phone. Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Matt Howell, how do you like that OnX? I’ve wondered if it’s worth it.

[matt.howell411]

I think it is. They fly great and hit hard. I like the fact that they’re so heavy while still being a micro diameter. You can find pretty good deals on eBay and Amazon too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[matt.howell411]

Sorry. I was thinking my onyx arrows. Lol the app is great too. Heh it’s very helpful. You can add waypoints and track your path. You can also download a portion of a map so you can still use it when you lose service.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[matt.howell411]

I got my forums mixed up. Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hooverfb]

I just bought the onx. A couple guys on here had it when we went looking for pigs and it was miles ahead of the free stuff I was using. Figured it'll really serve me well when I head up north to meredith, and will enjoy it in the Sam for the meanwhile. Gonna try to go kill some pigs the next two weeks while wife is out of town.

[Grumpyfoot]

Sorry for not replying, had a little issue with my account, but the good people that run this site took care of me. Thank you Casey Morris.

I am boing to get the OnX app, I've read good things about it.

On the subject of broad heads, I've got the Grimm Reaper Whitetail Specials. They look like they are quality built, and have great reviews. Cant wait to use them.

[matt.howell411]

Anybody have pics of deer they’ve taken at the Sam Houston NF?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dmillerdesign]

Last years thread has some pics:
https://discussions.texasbowhunter.c...errerid=207048

[Romulan]

I was out there last weekend with my mt. bike (which btw - is the best thing I started to use while scouting/hunting) - anyway - I found some trees with a sign posted "Payment Unit" - the sign had Color, Unit, and Sale. I'm guessing the Forest Service sales certain trees or plots to timber companies...?

[Dave]

Any tips for a new NF hunter?
Do you set cams and then return and pull them? I'm assuming locks on the cam's, do you try and hide them out of site? I'm assuming look for sign in the area first before considering putting a cam up.

What kind of stands to you use? Clmbing stands, a light hang on with climbing sticks?

I like the idea of using a mountain bike to scout, how does that work for hunting? Just strap everything on and go slow in the dark?

[Romulan]

Hey Dave - I'm not the most experienced hunter at Sam - this is my second year there - but since April I've been putting up my cameras and checking them then re-positioning/locating them in areas that I see good sign. I use cable locks around and one the camera (luckily I have't had any issues...yet).

Any mountain bike will work - don't get tricked into thinking you need to spend a thousand+ for a "hunting" bike - you can use a rear bike rack - strap your bag and stand or blind - in front you can use a pair of ATV rubber clamps to hold your bow/rifle (don't like doing this cause it can knock your sights out of alignment - if you wipe out most likely your bow/rifle will get damaged - you can strap it to your back). Or, you can go with a used child bike trailer and remove everything down to the frame and strap everything you will ever want or need (my preferred method) - it also helps to stabilize you on rough ground.

Only advice I can give is - get out there early - also, last year my buddy was walking on a designated trail and saw a guy rifle hunting out of a tree right on the main hiking trail (which is not allowed on this WMA) he called the Game Warden and the guy got a ticket - serves him right! Don't hunt on the main hiking trails you're supposed to be 150 yards away from the nearest designated trail. This place gets hunted hard so do some research on how deer behave when under high hunting pressure. Side note: not saying that anyone here is doing/or has done this - but please remember to pickup trash - I've seen countless number of water bottles, casings/shells, food wraps (i.e. granola bars), and even a couple of mattresses with broken clothes dresser.

[Romulan]

I have both climbing and hang-on stands - I prefer to hunt from the ground but SHNF seems like it was made to hunt elevated - you can get to some really good trails that intersect each other with a stand that hunting from the ground wouldn't be optimal. I'm considering selling both stands and go to saddle hunting - seems like it's easier to pack in and out along with my "hunting" bike I wouldn't have to tow the stands.

[rut-ro]

Originally Posted by Dave

Any tips for a new NF hunter?
Do you set cams and then return and pull them? I'm assuming locks on the cam's, do you try and hide them out of site? I'm assuming look for sign in the area first before considering putting a cam up.

What kind of stands to you use? Clmbing stands, a light hang on with climbing sticks?

I like the idea of using a mountain bike to scout, how does that work for hunting? Just strap everything on and go slow in the dark?

Go in farther than you think you should and do not leave anything you do not want stolen. There are some great deer in there but they are smart and tough to hunt. Climbing stands work well as there are lots of good trees. Second would be a lock on.

[carbon]

I am new to hunting, this will be my first season and I am planning on going to the west side of SHNF and doing ground hunting with a traditional Bow and a ghillie suit. Do any of you ground hunt SHNF? any tips or tactics? any equipment you suggest?

[Dave]

Originally Posted by carbon

I am new to hunting, this will be my first season and I am planning on going to the west side of SHNF and doing ground hunting with a traditional Bow and a ghillie suit. Do any of you ground hunt SHNF? any tips or tactics? any equipment you suggest?

I'm don't want to discourage you, but what you are describing is probably the hardest way to hunt white tails. They are very skittish animals and when hunted heavy, like in the NF, they are even more so. Expect to not see many deer, and be disappointed often.

Just getting close enough for a shot will be tough, then getting your bow drawn without them seeing you will be even harder and then you have to execute the shot for a proper hit.

I'm not saying it's not possible, but I'm not sure this is the way I would start out.

[matt.howell411]

Originally Posted by carbon

I am new to hunting, this will be my first season and I am planning on going to the west side of SHNF and doing ground hunting with a traditional Bow and a ghillie suit. Do any of you ground hunt SHNF? any tips or tactics? any equipment you suggest?

Get you a climbing stand and start practicing with it now. You’ll be able to get up high and see more. It will also help a little with your scent, not being on the ground. Play the wind.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Harry]

25ft or better on a climber and play the wind

[Romulan]

Originally Posted by carbon

I am new to hunting, this will be my first season and I am planning on going to the west side of SHNF and doing ground hunting with a traditional Bow and a ghillie suit. Do any of you ground hunt SHNF? any tips or tactics? any equipment you suggest?

During archery season do you still have to wear hunter orange? Last year I just always wore mine didn't want to risk getting a ticket

[matt.howell411]

Originally Posted by Romulan

During archery season do you still have to wear hunter orange? Last year I just always wore mine didn't want to risk getting a ticket

Anytime there is firearm hunting permitted, no matter the species, you must where hunter orange. Even if you aren’t firearm hunting. So if you’re bowhunting in November, you have to where orange. Because there will be firearm hunters out also.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[carbon]

Originally Posted by Romulan

During archery season do you still have to wear hunter orange? Last year I just always wore mine didn't want to risk getting a ticket

From my understanding it is not required in the archery only areas.

[carbon]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

[Romulan]

Thanks

[Grumpyfoot]

Good Luck all. Be safe out there.

[Grumpyfoot]

I talked to the game warden 2 years ago about blaze orange. He said bow only compartments are the only place orange is not required. If you are hunting in a gun compartment, even if its bow season only, you have to wear orange. So, if guns are allowed in the area, orange is required.

[Spoiled_TN_boy]

We are headed out on the 23rd for a weekend of scouting.
Anyone else going to be camping at Sam that weekend?

Plan on putting up several cell cameras.

[caalexander4]

Originally Posted by Spoiled_TN_boy

We are headed out on the 23rd for a weekend of scouting.
Anyone else going to be camping at Sam that weekend?

Plan on putting up several cell cameras.

I will be out there Friday afternoon, and all day saturday. Going to try and scout the archery only areas unless something just feels good while driving around.

[mdoug1076]

I went scouting for deer hunting spots today and had the rifle for any hogs I might see. Got poured on by the rain and eventually made it to the truck. Just started driving and saw two separate groups of hogs on the road of course, they must know we can’t kill them off the road. I found a really good spot and of course I saw an old ladder stand that had pine needles stacked up on it. Not trying to start an argument, but I just wanted to double check that there isn’t any rules different for a National Forest versus a normal Texas WMA in regards to the 72 hour rule. I’ve seen a lot of ladder stands and permanent wooden stands out there, but I always hunt in a climber or portable hang-on stand. If the rules are different for a National Forest, then I’d buy 2-3 cheap ladder stands and place them all over and leave them like I have been seeing, much less work than carrying my stands on my back in and out every weekend. Like I said, not starting an argument I don’t care if you leave your ladder stand year round, just double checking if it’s different for National Forest. I’ve been on other WMAs and have seen “permanent” stands placed....it would be nice if the owner would at least put a “2019 tag” or something saying they are still going to use it and not that they didn’t just want to haul it off.

[Romulan]

Originally Posted by mdoug1076

I went scouting for deer hunting spots today and had the rifle for any hogs I might see. Got poured on by the rain and eventually made it to the truck. Just started driving and saw two separate groups of hogs on the road of course, they must know we can’t kill them off the road. I found a really good spot and of course I saw an old ladder stand that had pine needles stacked up on it. Not trying to start an argument, but I just wanted to double check that there isn’t any rules different for a National Forest versus a normal Texas WMA in regards to the 72 hour rule. I’ve seen a lot of ladder stands and permanent wooden stands out there, but I always hunt in a climber or portable hang-on stand. If the rules are different for a National Forest, then I’d buy 2-3 cheap ladder stands and place them all over and leave them like I have been seeing, much less work than carrying my stands on my back in and out every weekend. Like I said, not starting an argument I don’t care if you leave your ladder stand year round, just double checking if it’s different for National Forest. I’ve been on other WMAs and have seen “permanent” stands placed....it would be nice if the owner would at least put a “2019 tag” or something saying they are still going to use it and not that they didn’t just want to haul it off.

Leaving a stand out there over 72 hours is not allowed - I would take a picture and report to Game Warden - we're all supposed to be following the rules. I've seen permanent stands and have reported to Forest Service - after a month I went back out biking/hiking and it was still there - called TPWD and it was gone after one week. I'm not trying to be a pendejo - but the rules are there for a reason (and they're pretty simple rules to follow).

[BowOnly81]

Originally Posted by Grumpyfoot

I talked to the game warden 2 years ago about blaze orange. He said bow only compartments are the only place orange is not required. If you are hunting in a gun compartment, even if its bow season only, you have to wear orange. So, if guns are allowed in the area, orange is required.

Guys, read your public hunting book that comes in the mail when you buy your public land stamp. It clearly states that anytime you’re hunting on a “unit” (Sam Houston Nat’l Forest is one big unit), and guns are permitted (which they always are for rabbits, squirrels or hogs), you have to wear orange. We’ve talked to GWs several times about this over the years and if you’re hunting in the Sam, you have to wear orange, even if you’re in the archery only areas.

[Dmillerdesign]

Planning on going out the weekend of the 23rd. 1st trip Taking our new camper out to Cagle with infant and 3yo. Not sure how much scouting will actually get done, but may see y'all out there.

[drogers6771]

Been out a couple times over last 2 weeks. Hotter than heck tho...not seein much sign that isnt close to water. Runnin a camera in a spot that was a honey hole end of last season and 521 pics of leaves rustling lol. Creek bed was dry so they moved out for now. Wife and kids start back to school next week so probably wont get out this weekend

[Spoiled_TN_boy]

We are going to stay at Huntsville SP weekend of 23rd. Showers will be nice.

What's the final verdict on carrying your loaded side arm with CHL?
In the national forest.

[SwineAssassiN]

Originally Posted by BowOnly81

Guys, read your public hunting book that comes in the mail when you buy your public land stamp. It clearly states that anytime you’re hunting on a “unit” (Sam Houston Nat’l Forest is one big unit), and guns are permitted (which they always are for rabbits, squirrels or hogs), you have to wear orange. We’ve talked to GWs several times about this over the years and if you’re hunting in the Sam, you have to wear orange, even if you’re in the archery only areas.

I had a game warden tell me last year orange is not required on the archery only areas, as there is no permitted gun hunting on them. I don’t hunt those areas so it doesn’t make a difference to me but that is just what I was told. I’d wear orange anyways out there.

[SwineAssassiN]

Originally Posted by Spoiled_TN_boy

We are going to stay at Huntsville SP weekend of 23rd. Showers will be nice.

What's the final verdict on carrying your loaded side arm with CHL?
In the national forest.

You don’t need a chl to open carry it, but you do need one to conceal carry

[SwineAssassiN]

Heading out Saturday for my second scouting trip this month. Going to check out my go to spots and see how they are looking and then plan on checking a couple new areas. Planning on bringing lots of water!

[JLivi1224]

Originally Posted by Spoiled_TN_boy

We are going to stay at Huntsville SP weekend of 23rd. Showers will be nice.

What's the final verdict on carrying your loaded side arm with CHL?
In the national forest.

Season before last I was told by the GW you had to have CHL to carry on federal land.

[Spoiled_TN_boy]

Thanks guys! I carried the last time my son and I hunted out there.

Think I'm going to camp at Huntsville SP. My Onx looks like a christmas tree with 1,000,000 pins. Narrowing down this week to top 10 just in case the areas are unwalkable when I arrive.

[BassMaster13]

Here's a little link to help correctly answer most of the questions being asked. You don't want to explain to the GW "Some guy on the internet told me ...."

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE...rdb5426745.pdf

[Jeremy7306]

Tagged


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dmillerdesign]

Nice! No tag for me, I'll just have to hope for a swamp monster to make a mistake!

Originally Posted by Jeremy7306

Tagged


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TXOUTLAW]

I’ll be hunting the Sam for my first time this year. Been 20+ yrs since I’ve tried public. Have some spots to check out hopefully after this rain stops. Kinda neutralized the spots I was planning to search for water though. I probably won’t hunt until late archery season, probably not at all in November then later December when most go back inside. Plan to see if I can get away from the crowd. Aim small


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk