TP&W Draw Hunts - primary use

[CTR0022]

Wish this site had a poll option because this topic is perfect for that.

Had a quick question for everyone that puts in for the Texas draw hunts.

A) Do you use the hunts as the primary opportunity for you to hunt?

Or

B) Do you use the hunts just as an option to have a chance at top tier hunts: like the mule deer, pronghorn, top tier whitetail hunts, gemsbok, bighorn sheep, and so fourth.

I put in for the draw hunts every year. I have never put in for the hog category, or antlerless only category. I have COE land and Type II land that I know very well and can typically get on both fairly easily. I just dont really want to go on a draw hunt for hogs or does. And now that I have 8-11 points in many categories I'm only applying for top tier hunts. No way I'm wasting those on a sub par hunt.

I imagine there are alot of people that have leases, or hunt other public land and typically only put in for the top tier hunts which makes those hunts that much harder to draw.

[Johnny44]

I put in for them to get a camping spot for the length of the hunt. Its nice and peaceful. I never get harassed by park personnel because “they don’t want you there anyway”.

[Aggiebush]

B. I put in for a chance to go to a new place and hunt animals that I wouldn't typically get a chance to hunt for. We used to put in for almost every category, but I only put in for the top tier hunts now. That way, if we are drawn, it is a special hunt and something I don't want to miss.

For my son's youth hunts, I will be a little less selective, as I want to give him the best chance to take an animal. He has only killed a couple of deer and a lot of hogs, but nothing of any real quality yet. Plus, it gives us a chance to spend time together in new areas that he hasn't been to or hunted.

[ctom87]

both. I don't have a lease, probably won't for a few more years. I've won 2-4 hunts a year for the three years I've put in for them.

That said, I have a criteria for what I'm interested in hunting, how far away it is, what the success rate is, etc etc.

[BlessedVeteran0305]

I use mine and my sons for our main opportunity to hunt. Mainly just to get some deer meat in the freezer. Haven't been drawn yet but one of these days. Just another hunting season without being able to fill the freezer with deer meat.

[1sickLT1]

It's just an option for me. I typically have a hunt(s) scheduled for the season and I apply for draw hunts around any plans I already have.

[tdwinklr]

mainly to hunt different places. If TPW keeps changing things up and minimizing hunt days, I'll quit applying/going.

[matvxr]

Just an option. We apply for around 150 hunts a year and get lucky if we draw 1. However, if we draw 1, we go and make it happen.

Fun to hunt something/somewhere new.

[bowhntrmatt]

B.

I used to apply for a lot more, but now that I’m like 10 years into trying without a single pick, I’ve narrowed it down to the more premium places so I don’t throw points away on a place with no opportunity.

[Texans42]

I look at TX same as the other 11 states I apply in. extra opportunity for a change of scenery. I have MD lease and WT lease so the MLD tag use instead of license is nice.

odds wise about like being a NM NR

[jshouse]

i only put myself and my sons in for what i consider to be the premium hunts on dates that we can make work.

[lunatic'hunter]

A and a new place to go.

[fish4food]

Just an option. We apply for around 150 hunts a year and get lucky if we draw 1. However, if we draw 1, we go and make it happen.

Fun to hunt something/somewhere new.

Geez!!! Those are some poor odds! Hope your luck turns around.

[Welding Teach]

I only apply for my sons youth hunts, we don't have a lease.

I only apply for hunts that fit around his baseball schedule!

[Heath]

B

I am looking for a harder to draw whitetail area and then mule deer and/or exotics. I do not put in for antlerless, hog, etc.