We just learned that we're losing our deer lease in Wimberley this year. Well, we're getting priced out of it - we did have a choice to stay on, with much more limited access, and a 75% price increase. So, yeah, we're losing our lease.
We've leased this piece of property for 7 years, and it's an amazing spot. Year-round availability, cabin with electricity, river access, and a decent amount of deer, pigs, and turkey. We've even taken a few exotics. This has been a home away from home for the 3 of us hunting the property, along with our families, and we're heartbroken to lose it.
For what we got, this lease was relatively affordable, and looking at the few current lease listings I've seen at double or more the price, I believe it will be near impossible to find a place we'll be able to afford. My dad is retired and on a fixed income, and I'm not willing to hunt without him.
So, we move forward. Sure, we'll keep our eyes out for a new lease, but I want to have a plan to continue hunting. I'd love some thoughts and input from those of you who are able to hunt somewhat regularly without a lease. Here are some of my thoughts:
Any other ideas?
Please note - I'm not complaining. We have been blessed with the opportunity to be on some awesome leases over the past 30+ years. While I'm disappointed we won't be able to stay on the current property, I am thankful for the time we've had there.
We've leased this piece of property for 7 years, and it's an amazing spot. Year-round availability, cabin with electricity, river access, and a decent amount of deer, pigs, and turkey. We've even taken a few exotics. This has been a home away from home for the 3 of us hunting the property, along with our families, and we're heartbroken to lose it.
For what we got, this lease was relatively affordable, and looking at the few current lease listings I've seen at double or more the price, I believe it will be near impossible to find a place we'll be able to afford. My dad is retired and on a fixed income, and I'm not willing to hunt without him.
So, we move forward. Sure, we'll keep our eyes out for a new lease, but I want to have a plan to continue hunting. I'd love some thoughts and input from those of you who are able to hunt somewhat regularly without a lease. Here are some of my thoughts:
- Texas state draw hunts - we put in for quite a few each year, and can simply apply for more.
- Stand-by for draw hunts - we do this from time to time, may try for more
- Public land hunts - I know nothing about this but may be time to explore
- Make connections with friends and acquaintances who may have opportunities to day or cull hunt
- "Pay to play" hunts - I'm not terribly excited about this option, but it's there if we want it
- Out of state hunts - it may be too late for this year, but look into getting some points started out of state. Any good over-the-counter tags still exist?
- Out of country hunts - Dad keeps talking about driving to Canada to shoot bears. I'd love to hunt moose some day.
- Fish more - I live in Rockport and miss a lot of time on the water when I'm hunting.
Any other ideas?
Please note - I'm not complaining. We have been blessed with the opportunity to be on some awesome leases over the past 30+ years. While I'm disappointed we won't be able to stay on the current property, I am thankful for the time we've had there.
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