New to Dallas!

[m8hunter]

Hey guys newbie here,

I just moved to Dallas and was hoping to get into the shooting/ hunting scene here. I used to shoot traditional a fair amount when I was a teen. Now 25, it has been more than a few years but I'm dying to get back into it, and this seems like a great time.

Any locals around? Good clubs? My biggest struggle (like most new people) is finding a place to hunt. Any suggestions?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Wudstix]

Nothing money can't solve.  Texas is big into leases and pay to hunt.

[KentuckyTJ]

Welcome from Kentucky!

Find a club and meet some guys. Good way to network!

[BAPilot2]

Like Wudstix said... Nearly all the hunting here is via leases.  You can do day leases, season leases, or year round leasing.  It all depends on the depth of your pockets.

There is not a whole lot of public land available.  Go to the Tx Parks and Wildlife website and you can find info on public lands available.  Also, they offer a drawing system which, if drawn, grants access to additional hunting opportunities.

As for clubs... Are you in Dallas, or one of the surrounding / mid-cities?  In Mansfield we have a club that hosts monthly 3D archery shoots (30 targets, and as much practice as you want).  $10.00 for non club members.   There's also a club in Fort Worth that puts on some good shoots as well.

Howdy... And welcome to Texas!!!

[MR BILL SHORTY]

       

[Caughtandhobble]

Welcome Brother... Best advise that I can offer is try to contact MeanGene, Gene is a world class shooter/ hunter, on top of being a world class fellow.  

[yth-mnstr]

Welcome to Dallas.  I shoot 3d over at cinnamon creek near Cabelas in ft. Worth, but don't do much Bowhunting around here...mostly way up in OK where I'm from originally.

Lots of good shooters and trad guys around DFW. Google Traditional Bowhunters of Texas. They have quite a few shoots in that area, but the shoots won't start until after the first of the year. Also, check out Cowtown Bowmwn in FTW. They host the first big trad shoot od the year, the Cowtoen Winter Traditional shoot, at the end of Feb.

As far as hunting goes, there is some public hunting, but not na lot. Most efverybody leases land to hunt in TX.

Welcome to the Gang!

[bowhuntingrn]

There's a fair bit of Corp of Engineer land around Lake Texoma (about an hour north of metroplex). Only problem is a lot of hunter's too. Finding a spot that is not overrun is the trick. Some very good quality animals though if you can get on one. Might want to check out Denton County Archers and Collin County Bowhunters. Both host yearly TBOT shoots and have a pretty strong Traditional crowd from what I understand. Welcome to Texas!

[TexasKing]

Irving Bowhunters, pretty central location. Beautiful course.
Yearly membership though.
Like everyone else said about hunting, it's pay to play.
Contact me if I can be of help.

[m8hunter]

Thank you all for the warm welcome and helpful advise!
I learned very quick that this area is pay to play. My pockets are not empty but far from full. Day leases seem ok, but pricy and most seem to want to stick you in as stand near a feeder, some have fences and so on.

From what I researched public land is fairly scarce and very crowded (some hunters not as bright or respectful as you kind folks). The drawings sound like they are sure worth a shot though! And maybe there are a few gems left if I look hard enough.

I would love to find some decent land and split a lease with a few good friends/hunters, however I am not all too familiar with the land nor do I have anyone to split it with at this moment. Everyone I talk to has had the same lease with the same group or within their family for years.

I will definitely look into those clubs. I am sure with a bit of due diligence I will have great hunting for years to come.  

Thanks again guys! Please feel free to keep the great advice coming or to shoot me a personal message. Eager to learn and to take my first big game animal!

[James Ligon]

Welcome to Big D!  If you would like to check out Irving Bowhunters, go to  www.IBATX.org.

James