Grapevine Hunting 2022-2023

[SFAbowhunter]

Hoping we get some of this rain showing in the forecast this weekend. Hopefully I'll be out Saturday or Sunday. All of the bucks on cam right before the opener have all disappeared. Time for a new plan!

[troy_w_7]

Originally Posted by SFAbowhunter

Hoping we get some of this rain showing in the forecast this weekend. Hopefully I'll be out Saturday or Sunday. All of the bucks on cam right before the opener have all disappeared. Time for a new plan!

My cams are slowwwww! Hoping it gets better! The cold front next week should be good!

[Wile E.]

Found my sd card stolen the other day, which sucks but I could live with it. However, the moron left my camera open and it got rained on and ruined it. Would have cost him the same to just close it back. The joys of public hunting

[troy_w_7]

Originally Posted by Wile E.

Found my sd card stolen the other day, which sucks but I could live with it. However, the moron left my camera open and it got rained on and ruined it. Would have cost him the same to just close it back. The joys of public hunting

Man that really sucks! My friend had a camera stolen there recently and the other camera (that wasn't ours and hadn't messed with) nearby was stolen as well.

[Paddy3-17]

Originally Posted by Wile E.

Found my sd card stolen the other day, which sucks but I could live with it. However, the moron left my camera open and it got rained on and ruined it. Would have cost him the same to just close it back. The joys of public hunting

I've had cameras and SD cards stolen before. I don't get taking just the SD card. Is it a "I can't see them so you shouldn't be able to see them" mentality or what?

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[SFAbowhunter]

Thank goodness I haven’t seen a sole in the areas I’m running cams. I have found cams out there this year and I’m sure I’m on a couple as I didn’t see them until I was in view or almost in view.

The vine is extremely overgrown compared to the last time I hunted there. You can easily get lost out there. Hoping to get into some my old areas this weekend to change things up. I’ll be there Sunday for the start of the front.


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[JD81]

Originally Posted by SFAbowhunter

Thank goodness I haven’t seen a sole in the areas I’m running cams. I have found cams out there this year and I’m sure I’m on a couple as I didn’t see them until I was in view or almost in view.

The vine is extremely overgrown compared to the last time I hunted there. You can easily get lost out there. Hoping to get into some my old areas this weekend to change things up. I’ll be there Sunday for the start of the front.


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Yea, it seems there has been less management of the landscape than in previous years where fields have been mowed, access trails groomed for overgrowth, etc.

My son and I went on a pretty slow walk after our morning sit to see if we could find a few deer and maybe put a stalk on and we stumbled across someone’s really well done scrape and branch setup with a camera, whoever’s it was it sure looked good.

[SFAbowhunter]

As soon as I spoke up and said I didn't have anyone in my areas I get a pic on my cell cam of a guy walking around with his bow in an area. Had nothing, but pigs on that cam for 2 weeks and finally got a couple young deer on cam this morning. Hopefully it rains Sunday morning and then calms down. Planning to be out there in the afternoon. Good luck to anyone hunting this weekend! Sunday thru Thursday next week look really good for weather!

[troy_w_7]

Originally Posted by SFAbowhunter

As soon as I spoke up and said I didn't have anyone in my areas I get a pic on my cell cam of a guy walking around with his bow in an area. Had nothing, but pigs on that cam for 2 weeks and finally got a couple young deer on cam this morning. Hopefully it rains Sunday morning and then calms down. Planning to be out there in the afternoon. Good luck to anyone hunting this weekend! Sunday thru Thursday next week look really good for weather!

I've got 2 cell cams out and over the past 3-4 days I've had bucks hitting scrapes. Not a ton but a few times; also one group is still bachelored up. I plan on hunting this cold front hard!

[pervis]

Out here now yeah scrapes and good ones.

[pervis]

Two does so far and a big buck went running and jumping thru the woods still in the tree

[tward1604]

This cool weather has me excited. I won't make it out until next weekend, hopefully i can get in to something.

[JD81]

Had a bachelor group roll through my cameras this morning, it’s been nothing but does before today. Pretty sure the weather does have them moving.

[troy_w_7]

Originally Posted by JD81

Had a bachelor group roll through my cameras this morning, it’s been nothing but does before today. Pretty sure the weather does have them moving.

I'm seeing bachelor groups as well. They godda start breaking up soon!

[JD81]

Originally Posted by troy_w_7

I'm seeing bachelor groups as well. They godda start breaking up soon!

Hopefully they stick around through the weekend, trying to get my 11yr old boy onto one!

[georgiaboy151]

So far I’ve seen several nice cameras and two 4 wheelers.

[Paddy3-17]

Originally Posted by georgiaboy151

So far I’ve seen several nice cameras and two 4 wheelers.

Four wheelers riding through or parked? Be sure you smile, wave and moon all the cameras!

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[georgiaboy151]

Riding through

[tfrye]

Saw a lot of deer yesterday while golfing at Cowboy's golf club, someone needs to set up just to the west of hole 17!

[rolylane6]

Originally Posted by georgiaboy151

So far I’ve seen several nice cameras and two 4 wheelers.

Careful around them 4 wheelers
https://discussions.texasbowhunter.c...php?p=16153217

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[troy_w_7]

I actually ran into 2 guys on a four wheeler this morning. But they were park rangers. FYI, they are out pulling stands and trail cameras. They will check cards on cameras and if they are older than 24 hours, they will pull it down. I had seen four wheeler tracks the other day thinking it was some yahoo that was out there illegally but maybe it was the rangers. In 2014, I had a four wheeler drive about 40 yards from me, hang out then drive off. About 30 minutes later, I shot a nice 8 pointer from the wood lot those guys came out of. Crazy stuff!

I sat this morning and had a 1.5 year old buck work past me about 18 yards. There was a doe bedded close to the tree I hung in but that was all the deer I saw.

[JD81]

Originally Posted by troy_w_7

I actually ran into 2 guys on a four wheeler this morning. But they were park rangers. FYI, they are out pulling stands and trail cameras. They will check cards on cameras and if they are older than 24 hours, they will pull it down. I had seen four wheeler tracks the other day thinking it was some yahoo that was out there illegally but maybe it was the rangers. In 2014, I had a four wheeler drive about 40 yards from me, hang out then drive off. About 30 minutes later, I shot a nice 8 pointer from the wood lot those guys came out of. Crazy stuff!

I sat this morning and had a 1.5 year old buck work past me about 18 yards. There was a doe bedded close to the tree I hung in but that was all the deer I saw.

Which part of the land did you see them?

I’ve seen tracks as well and wondered who it was, figured it was folks riding around from a nearby neighborhood.

[SPaw]

Originally Posted by troy_w_7

I actually ran into 2 guys on a four wheeler this morning. But they were park rangers. FYI, they are out pulling stands and trail cameras. They will check cards on cameras and if they are older than 24 hours, they will pull it down. I had seen four wheeler tracks the other day thinking it was some yahoo that was out there illegally but maybe it was the rangers. In 2014, I had a four wheeler drive about 40 yards from me, hang out then drive off. About 30 minutes later, I shot a nice 8 pointer from the wood lot those guys came out of. Crazy stuff!

I sat this morning and had a 1.5 year old buck work past me about 18 yards. There was a doe bedded close to the tree I hung in but that was all the deer I saw.

I’ve checked the rules, and I don’t see anything that says cameras aren’t allowed. That’s ridiculous if they are pulling cameras down.

[troy_w_7]

Originally Posted by SPaw

I’ve checked the rules, and I don’t see anything that says cameras aren’t allowed. That’s ridiculous if they are pulling cameras down.

I'm calling them in the morning.

[Paddy3-17]

Originally Posted by SPaw

I’ve checked the rules, and I don’t see anything that says cameras aren’t allowed. That’s ridiculous if they are pulling cameras down.

I've never known it wasn't allowed. I've seen plenty of cameras out there.

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[JD81]

Originally Posted by SPaw

I’ve checked the rules, and I don’t see anything that says cameras aren’t allowed. That’s ridiculous if they are pulling cameras down.

I agree. Stands and blinds are listed, nothing on cameras.

[troy_w_7]

I just called and left a voicemail with one of the rangers for clarity (not sure if he's on this thread or not). I also have never known of that rule and can't find it anywhere online either. Only the rule with stands/blinds that are to be taken down at the end of each day which I agree with. But I don't understand that camera rule. It's a hunting tactic, it doesn't hurt any vegetation or wildlife, doesn't stake claim to areas.

It's actually a pressing issue for me because one of my cell cams came up missing when I went out yesterday afternoon. It was there yesterday morning and took pics and sent to my phone. When I left the hunt in the morning, it was only me and the rangers at the parking lot and they were going back in to find more stuff as I was leaving. When I came back for the afternoon hunt (only truck in the parking lot) it was gone. I know someone else could have taken it but circumstantially seems like they got it.

Also, a few weeks back I came across this cam that I assumed was the Corp office. Either that or a hunter came up with a good idea to keep his cams from getting stolen. So if they are leaving their cams up and taking ours down, that's BS.

[Texas Grown]

Cameras are subject to the same rules as is any other equipment left unattended on ACE lands, unless approved by the project manager. That is why some ACE projects allow certain items to be left all season by a hunter, pending the project hunting program, which has to be approved by the district office in Ft. Worth. But most ACE projects don't allow such. And follow the ACE code of abandoned property. Just like tents, campers, cars, bicycles, or any other items left on ACE properties, is subject to confiscation without a permit for such/permission.


Got to remember, ACE is a different Federal entity than USFS, or any other Federal WMAs/preserves. They all have their own rules. Especially individual ACE projects.

[Wile E.]

I have it from Austin directly that cams are only allowed to be out for 24 hrs at a time. Yes, that seems impractical but that's the rule at Grapevine. Not that I've ever left a cam more than 24 hrs of course... lol. Hide em well fellas

[Wile E.]

Originally Posted by troy_w_7

I just called and left a voicemail with one of the rangers for clarity (not sure if he's on this thread or not). I also have never known of that rule and can't find it anywhere online either. Only the rule with stands/blinds that are to be taken down at the end of each day which I agree with. But I don't understand that camera rule. It's a hunting tactic, it doesn't hurt any vegetation or wildlife, doesn't stake claim to areas.

It's actually a pressing issue for me because one of my cell cams came up missing when I went out yesterday afternoon. It was there yesterday morning and took pics and sent to my phone. When I left the hunt in the morning, it was only me and the rangers at the parking lot and they were going back in to find more stuff as I was leaving. When I came back for the afternoon hunt (only truck in the parking lot) it was gone. I know someone else could have taken it but circumstantially seems like they got it.

Also, a few weeks back I came across this cam that I assumed was the Corp office. Either that or a hunter came up with a good idea to keep his cams from getting stolen. So if they are leaving their cams up and taking ours down, that's BS.

I bet that's legit, they do conduct surveys from time to time. They corn for those too, was there bait near it? As far as fairness goes, welcome to government dealings

[troy_w_7]

I spoke with Austin this morning and the rules are no 'property' left longer than 24-hours. Trail cams fall into that category, so they'll clean them out of there. Reason being, lots of guys leave them out and they essentially become trash. I can respect that logit. I don't know why anyone would willing leave trail cams out and never pick them up.

And he did confirm the camera I found was theirs. Put out to monitor illegal activity. I did not see any corn in front of it.

[Double-AA]

So who's going up to the office to ask for their taken gear? I'll probably avoid that step and count it as a loss. Anyway, thanks for letting us know, I guess!

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[georgiaboy151]

I tried to avoid areas where I saw a camera, but like it was mentioned earlier it doesn’t stake claim to an area. I couldn’t get away from them, in 2 days of hunting I saw at least 7 cameras, no telling how many saw me. If you’ve got a pic of a bald guy with a big red beard, it’s me. I ended up seeing a 4 point fork horn that was 1 point away from riding home with me. I saw 3 does that were moving through quick and never got a shot.

[Ducknbass]

What I like is the fact that it sounds like the rangers are looking for them. So driving around on atvs in hunting area looking for cameras claiming to be cleaning up trash. Wonder how much real trash they drive past?

[JD81]

Originally Posted by Ducknbass

What I like is the fact that it sounds like the rangers are looking for them. So driving around on atvs in hunting area looking for cameras claiming to be cleaning up trash. Wonder how much real trash they drive past?

It would be nice if they would publish some dates when they are doing that stuff with vehicles so we could avoid having hunts ruined, not necessarily for the compliance with the rules part but for trash pickups or brush cutting.

[SFAbowhunter]

Deer are finally starting to move on cam. I'll be back out in a week when we get a little cooler weather. Anyone finding any scrapes or rubs yet?

[hooligan]

Originally Posted by georgiaboy151

I tried to avoid areas where I saw a camera, but like it was mentioned earlier it doesn’t stake claim to an area. I couldn’t get away from them, in 2 days of hunting I saw at least 7 cameras, no telling how many saw me. If you’ve got a pic of a bald guy with a big red beard, it’s me. I ended up seeing a 4 point fork horn that was 1 point away from riding home with me. I saw 3 does that were moving through quick and never got a shot.

well you aren't supposed to leave cameras or stands up at grapevine anyways so if they did and they see you than it's their problem. Hopefully the rangers will have them by the time they come back to get them anyways

[JD81]

Originally Posted by SFAbowhunter

Deer are finally starting to move on cam. I'll be back out in a week when we get a little cooler weather. Anyone finding any scrapes or rubs yet?

No scrapes or rubs found but had a whole bunch of movement during the cold weather when I was out, all day long too.

[troy_w_7]

Originally Posted by SFAbowhunter

Deer are finally starting to move on cam. I'll be back out in a week when we get a little cooler weather. Anyone finding any scrapes or rubs yet?

I'm seeing plenty of rubs and have found about 4 scrapes. They are getting hit some but I expect them to hit them harder over the next few weeks.

[tward1604]

I just got back to the car. I’m convinced after two hunts out here that either (1) I’m a terrible hunter (hint, this is it) or (2) there aren’t any deer out here and all the previous threads saying so are true. If anyone wants to offer any help or advise I’d gladly take it. Pm is fine so it’s on public to the world and I’ll share where I’ve been trying and seeing nothing.

I did find a pretty good sized dead pig and a really nice scrap. Too bad the scrape is probably 30 yards from the road.

I know I need more than two sits to pass judgement but I’m not finding anything.

[SFAbowhunter]

Originally Posted by tward1604

I just got back to the car. I’m convinced after two hunts out here that either (1) I’m a terrible hunter (hint, this is it) or (2) there aren’t any deer out here and all the previous threads saying so are true. If anyone wants to offer any help or advise I’d gladly take it. Pm is fine so it’s on public to the world and I’ll share where I’ve been trying and seeing nothing.

I did find a pretty good sized dead pig and a really nice scrap. Too bad the scrape is probably 30 yards from the road.

I know I need more than two sits to pass judgement but I’m not finding anything.

Shoot me a PM. I’ll help you out. I have yet to see a deer on stand, but I’m bumping into some walking into different areas. Plus pigs too. I’ve been drawn 6 times since 2013.


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[Texas Grown]

Originally Posted by tward1604

I just got back to the car. I’m convinced after two hunts out here that either (1) I’m a terrible hunter (hint, this is it) or (2) there aren’t any deer out here and all the previous threads saying so are true. If anyone wants to offer any help or advise I’d gladly take it. Pm is fine so it’s on public to the world and I’ll share where I’ve been trying and seeing nothing.

I did find a pretty good sized dead pig and a really nice scrap. Too bad the scrape is probably 30 yards from the road.

I know I need more than two sits to pass judgement but I’m not finding anything.

Hunting "at will" public land in Texas is one of the toughest hunts you will find. Takes lots of scouting (scrapes, food sources, ect), observation in the stand, determining the best set (tree stand vs ground blind, ect) for a situation, and understanding what the critters do with pressure during hunting season. Most places don't have a very high population.


Consistency is key. Stay at it, and you will eventually score. Took me 8 years as a self-taught bow hunter for my first bow kill. No mentor or others to help me out. Made a lot of mistakes during that time. That was 30 years ago. But you might be more fortunate and do it in less time.


I'm 38 years public and counting.

[tward1604]

I’m nothing if not persistent. Probably well past the line of hard headed. I’m back in my saddle right now. It’s a little sporty in this wind too. Luckily for me in my excitement to get back up a tree I climbed up and started scanning. Heart skips a bear cause there’s a pig not 30 yards away. Unluckily for me it’s that same dead pig from yesterday morning. (See above post about being a bad hunter ��). Hey at least I got some strong cover scent down wind of me.

[rolylane6]

Originally Posted by tward1604

I just got back to the car. I’m convinced after two hunts out here that either (1) I’m a terrible hunter (hint, this is it) or (2) there aren’t any deer out here and all the previous threads saying so are true. If anyone wants to offer any help or advise I’d gladly take it. Pm is fine so it’s on public to the world and I’ll share where I’ve been trying and seeing nothing.

I did find a pretty good sized dead pig and a really nice scrap. Too bad the scrape is probably 30 yards from the road.

I know I need more than two sits to pass judgement but I’m not finding anything.

Don't discount that scrape just because it's close to the road. Sometimes those areas are the least hunted/pressured. While going deep is a good plan, sometimes the most overlooked areas are the close ones folks walk right past. And deer don't mind cars driving by.

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[LukeDuke]

Originally Posted by tward1604

I just got back to the car. I’m convinced after two hunts out here that either (1) I’m a terrible hunter (hint, this is it) or (2) there aren’t any deer out here and all the previous threads saying so are true. If anyone wants to offer any help or advise I’d gladly take it. Pm is fine so it’s on public to the world and I’ll share where I’ve been trying and seeing nothing.

Your profile pic suggests you may be sandbagging a just a bit...that's a nice buck!

[tward1604]

Originally Posted by LukeDuke

Your profile pic suggests you may be sandbagging a just a bit...that's a nice buck!

That buck was the largest stroke of luck known to man. I shot him on some permission property. I got in the stand and shot him seven minutes later. It only took me something like 15 years of bowhunting to kill a deer with my bow.

See above post about being a terrible hunter.

But thank you for the complement!

[JD81]

Originally Posted by tward1604

I just got back to the car. I’m convinced after two hunts out here that either (1) I’m a terrible hunter (hint, this is it) or (2) there aren’t any deer out here and all the previous threads saying so are true. If anyone wants to offer any help or advise I’d gladly take it. Pm is fine so it’s on public to the world and I’ll share where I’ve been trying and seeing nothing.

I did find a pretty good sized dead pig and a really nice scrap. Too bad the scrape is probably 30 yards from the road.

I know I need more than two sits to pass judgement but I’m not finding anything.

Sending you a PM

[JD81]

I was out yesterday and had a group of 5-6 does come by but they weren’t quite close enough for my 11 year old boy’s crossbow skills haha. There is a big old mature one, pretty sure the same one from last year that gave me fits, that is the **** smartest deer I’ve ever seen. She made us out in our brush blind from 50 yards through all kinds of thick cover between us.

Now only if a legal buck would come walking by one morning…

[ArcheryAssassin]

Well. We can thank Joe F Biden for this crap. This is off of 35 section between 377. You guys have to deal with this crap this season. These illegals walking around while yall hunt. Machetes and clubs in hand. It's not like anyone will do anything about it I'm sure so you guys may wanna consider packing a little something extra. Our country is F ed. Get out and Vote this week please.

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[ArcheryAssassin]

Originally Posted by Double-AA

So who's going up to the office to ask for their taken gear? I'll probably avoid that step and count it as a loss. Anyway, thanks for letting us know, I guess!

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Good way for them to blacklist you next year

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