Texas drawn hunts

[Dude Briggs]

I just sent in my application for the Texas public land draw hunts and I was wondering how many of you have sent applications and who has been drawn. And if you did get drawn how was the experience. This is my first time to try this so I dont know what to expect.

[The Manager]

I know there are several people on here who have been drawn. I have ever been drawn but hopefully will be in the future. Good luck!!!

[30-30]

Expect good things!

Draw hunts are fun! I've been drawn for Possum Kingdom SP, Richland Creek, Old Sabine Bottom, and a couple of others. In most cases, you are assigned a "compartment" of a few hundred acres, and the area staff will give you a general idea of where to set up within your compartment. How likely you are to get drawn depends entirely on the area that you apply for. If you apply for an area with an 80% success rate, don't expect to get drawn very often. I usually apply for the areas with a 15% - 30% success rate. You would be surprised how many people shoot and miss or can't recover animals. I've found that if you stay aware, hunt long hours, watch the wind, keep scent free, and shoot well, you are more likely to score than the success rates suggest. Obviously, a couple of scouting trips will help you know what to look for in terms of deer sign, and it will give you a general idea of the topography, deer population, ease of access, etc. Good luck! Hope you get drawn.

[Dude Briggs]

That sounds pretty awesome. Do they just call and tell you that you've been drawn. I hope to get a chance.

[DrBob]

They will send you a letter if you get drawn. Then you need to respond to confirm that you will be there.

My kids have been drawn for youth hunts twice and had a blast both times. The park rangers really take care of the kids. I only have great things to say about the youth hunts.

Unfortunately, I have applied every year for several years and have never been drawn myself. Maybe this year!

Good luck!

[Dejashoot]

This year will be my 10th year putting in for the drawing. Maybe this year I'll get picked!

[bmac]

There are two ways to get the hunt

1. Draw, if you dont get drawn this year you will build preference points in that category for next year.

2. Go stand by, you can sometimes call ahead and see how many people didn't pay so you know haw many standby spots are available.

I have hunted like this for years and have reasonble luck

[Texwild]

This will be my third year to aply. I have not been drawn yet but I keep accumulating points. Good luck.

[bmac]

If you want do draw put in for the places with the most positions for the least # of applicants. Chaparral is one that everybody wants to hunt and you will try for years and years. Old Sabine, Richland Chambers, Gus Enging, and Summerville are easier to draw for in my opinion

[ken]

That sounds pretty awesome. Do they just call and tell you that you've been drawn. I hope to get a chance.

You get a card for most hunts but they called me in 2005 when I was drawn for pronghorn.

[Cuz]

I've been drawing for 20 years or more. Have had some great hunts!

[John P]

I hate to give you the bad news,but you probably want get drawn.You usually need preference points,so keep putting in every year to build them up.I put in for 5-6 hunt categories each year and usually get drawn for one.You can tell the odds real fast.How many permits are available and how many applied last year.

[coop2564]

Ive been drawn many times but been doing it for many yrs. Its depends on the area u r choosing as to how often u will draw.

[jgard]

i have put in for them and have done the youth hunts they are a blast cant wait thinking about going standby on a couple as well

[Buck]

I've put in for the draws for five years. Been drawn for Black Gap for archery mule deer, Brazos Bend SP for gun deer,Hill Country SNA for gun deer, Gus Engeling spike@doe, Chaparral javelina, twice at JD Murphree for gators.And James Daughtre for a youth spike@doe hunt. Some where sucessful some not but all where fun.