Chapparal Dec. Archery Deer Hunt 2014

[Texas5o]

I got drawn (the first time ever) for Chapparal for the the Dec. bow hunt. I read where baiting is not allowed so that will be different than I normally hunt. I have hunted south Texas before so I'm somewhat familiar with the type of terrain. I'm hoping for some advice from people who have hunted here before on how to best hunt this area. For instance, what will likely be the primary food source for the does that time of year? Or, Is hunting water sources effective? (I'm sure that will depend on the amount of recent rainfall).
I'm very excited about hunting "the Chap" and want to make the most out of the experience (it has taken me 10 years of applying to get drawn). Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Huntindad]

Baiting is allowed at Chap.

Look for water. It is always a good bet. Look for trails going to water. Also look for drainages...low areas that are thick in brush.

Not a bad idea to corn a road a long ways and sit in a tower blind and see where he deer are crossing.

Take tripods to hunt from.

Hunt all day if you can.

Good luck.

[Texas5o]

Thanks for the advice. I called the field station there and was told they started allowing baiting a year or two ago. I was glad of that. I have always heard about this place and am really excited about the opportunity to hunt it.

[shaun5371]

I went a few years ago and we could use bait just not corn. It had to be protein pellets.

Take trail cameras and set up a few stands each. You can always move if you need too.

Hunt all day..

Good luck.

[Texas5o]

I do plan to take a couple game cam's; it'll be like hunting several spots at once, just not being able to shoot from all of them at the same time.

[SCREAMINREELS]

look forward to seeing you out there, you pulling a trailer? hotel? tent camping?

[Sideler]

The camp grounds they have are nice. Two restrooms and showers, fire rings and a few small carport style picnic areas. I'm not real big on tent camping but have enjoyed camping there, I think it has more to do with why I'm camping.
Big Bucks!!!!

[solocam_aggie]

Glad you made this post. I will be there the second hunt (Jan 7-11). Trying to decide what im going to do sleeping wise. Part of me wants to buy a good tent and do that, as I hope to start Elk hunting soon and could utilize a tent there too. But I will have my GF with me, and she is not too excited about the idea.

I cant wait to get down there!

[SCREAMINREELS]

Ill be tent camping with my buddy heater in the tent near a fire if they will allow them if any of the tbh guys want to come by for dinner after a hunt ill have my grill if they dont have one at the site.

[SCREAMINREELS]

Glad you made this post. I will be there the second hunt (Jan 7-11). Trying to decide what im going to do sleeping wise. Part of me wants to buy a good tent and do that, as I hope to start Elk hunting soon and could utilize a tent there too. But I will have my GF with me, and she is not too excited about the idea.

I cant wait to get down there!

Your not backpacking ...a good airmatress, pillows,and a heater go a long way. me and my wife camp alot and i had to break her in very softly when we started dating...i like backpacking she wouldnt go for that in the beginning

[hotrod3367]

shot my first and biggest buck on the chap in 1977, out of a two man tripod with my pops.. still my favorite memory. you wont be disapointed

[Texas5o]

At this point I plan on staying in a tent. I don't do a lot of camping but I'm sure I can handle it for a few days. If we do all get together around the fire (if allowed) I'll have my guitar with me. If anyone else plays bring yours too so I'm not the only one.

[SCREAMINREELS]

At this point I plan on staying in a tent. I don't do a lot of camping but I'm sure I can handle it for a few days. If we do all get together around the fire (if allowed) I'll have my guitar with me. If anyone else plays bring yours too so I'm not the only one.

Sounds like a plan. Im paying for my hunt thursday fingers crossed. Thats when my vacation gets approved. If not im going anyway saying im burned out and a risk. Never used that excuse but theyre required to let us off for a week lol. I do have a guitar but im more of a strummer

Anyone hunt the chap in the past have any hood advice or knowledge on the tent camping areas? Id it the same as the rv areas? Thi king ittl be chilly if electrics available imma tarp my tent a few times for insulation and throw in an electric heater.

[SCREAMINREELS]

Aeriel survey was done yesterday at the chap.. these pics were snapped.

Yall excited yet?

[solocam_aggie]

Dang Screaminreels!! Yes very much excited. If I get a chance at the middle buck I would die a happy man. Man that's a good buck