I need some advice

[Bowhuntamistad]

Go hunt a bunch of exotic does and mix in public land hunts. You will come out way ahead in knowledge and meat.

[MasterOfNothing]

Thanks for everybody's input. I appreciate it.

[TA_Fab]

I know this is easier said than done but I’d look for a new lease. You say you don’t really know anyone who hunts so being on the right lease you’ll make some good hunting buddies. I enjoy going to camp and sitting by the fire with friends as much as the hunt. On the other hand if that’s not really what your looking for and are more concerned with shooting a nice buck I’d do day hunts / guided hunts. Good luck!


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[cj_sandman]

I agree with the others that said run from your lease(s).

Try talking to some folks that are already on a good place, and then see if someone will take you as a guest and after a while if a spot opens up maybe they’ll let you know and you can get on.

It’s almost like dating.

What are your skills? Can ya grill? Build stuff? Play poker? lol.. I’m sure someone on here will bring you along as a guest!

[STX_Shooter]

I’m in the same boat, but I only pay $800 year round 2.5 hours from home. The lease is way overcrowded. The reason I stay is the group of guys help each other out, there’s been times my senderos are cleared and my cabin cleaned for me if I can’t make it to often. But I haven’t seen a buck there in years only on camera. Even at that they’re little trash bucks. A few spikes have been killed the last few years but plenty of hogs have been trapped.

[STX_Shooter]

I’ve honestly been thinking about taking a break from deer hunting. I can fish more and concentrate on dove hunting I guess. I enjoy being out there bs’n at the camp after a unsuccessful hunt but is it worth it. I know $800 ain’t much but there’s other costs per trip.

[MasterOfNothing]

Thanks for everyone's advice. It definitely helps. I'm very thankful and grateful that although it's been a tough couple years at least i was able to take some animals during that time.

[Tbuddyandroby]

I would say to find another lease. If your asking if you should leave, and find that many negative things about the lease, you've pretty much answered yourself. I've been where you are. Spend alot of money on a lease, get settled in, make some friends, but the lease itself sucks. I'm on a new lease this year, and pretty excited about it. No dogs, roads are good, the deer are managed, nice camp off the highway, and there seems to be no drama.
Some questions to ask when looking:
Is this a year-round lease?
How are the roads?
What are the limits on game, and How do you manage your deer heard?
Do you run dogs for hogs (my last lease did, and through bow season...)
Is the lease gated and Stay locked?
Is there a camp; water, electricity?
Some people like "beer leases." I do not, and ask.
How many acres?
How many people per acre?
How many stands am I allowed?
Are there limits on hogs (My last lease had a 3 hog limit because they ran dogs...)?
Do you have issues with thefts?

I hope this helps a little, and Good luck in your search!

[stickemhard3]

I'd suggest meeting up with that lease connection you have for lease 1 & 2 and kick him square in the shin as hard as you can. If you want to aim a little higher and more center mass, that would be acceptable too.

[Snowflake Killa]

You don't have any friends that hunt? Me personally if I wasn't on a deer lease with all my friends I wouldn't hunt anymore.

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[Rick]

you can definitely find better places, I would not pay 2K for what you describe. There is a lot of time before next season, and we are just getting to the time of year that lease spots will be opening up, so keep your eyes open for opportunities. Even if it takes a year to find a better place, it will be worth it

[dbaio1]

Leases are hard to find but in the price range of the $8K you have been paying I would say your options will be more plentiful than most.

Good luck

[JLivi1224]

As mentioned I would get out and keep looking. The leases you mentioned are beyond overcrowded.

[Terry]

Run

[Slick8]

Run from your current leases and method of finding them.

As said above a decent South Texas lease will be more than you're paying. A really good one will triple that.

For what you're paying you can go on some really nice management hunts and or hill country exotic hunts.

I know it's going to be a drive for you but if you want to stay in your budget you're going to likely need to drive north...way north.

It's the same for most of us, many drive 2-5 hours with some driving 6-9 hours. Just hard for you as you're driving through some great country to get to some more affordable country.

I'm not saying you can't find them in south Texas but you need to look for larger pastures with large neighbors to start with.

Best of luck.