Quick introduction from a new member

[Need_a_CheaperHobby]

Hello Y’all,

I just joined the group and thought it appropriate to introduce myself before I just started diving into conversation and questions.
I’m a Colorado born Texan (sometimes I try to make the argument I’m a Texas born Texan based on the 1836 map, but my wife will have none of it). I’ve always been an avid fisherman/hunter and am at the point in my life where I look back at what I didn’t know yesterday and cannot wait to see what I will learn tomorrow.

I’m joining the group because I enjoy “campfire” camaraderie even if it must be virtual or vicarious (which is probably why I like to watch Randy’s YouTube channel and listen to MeatEater Podcasts). I thoroughly enjoy western style hunting and consider myself relatively knowledgeable and successful with one exception. I have never shot an ELK!!! And it has not been due to lack of trying. This is the area I will probably be reaching out for help with the most. (I know what y’all are thinking…”Yay another Texan in the elk woods”)

I do have experience with public lands in CO,NM, and in Texas (that’s right, there is public land in TX! They even have drawn hunts like Western States) and will be more than willing to offer any insight and share my experiences. Please feel free to reach out should you have any questions or if you just want to BS about what we did/didn’t shoot/catch.

I’m excited to be here and looking forward to sharing experiences and great conversations.

Regards,
TJ

 

[Dave N]

Welcome!

 

[Need_a_CheaperHobby]

Thanks Dave!

 

[LopeHunter]

Welcome. There is public land and a tag draw system in Texas that has no cap on Non-resident tags.

I drew my tag for Devil's River exotics down in southern Texas and got an Aoudad ram a few years ago. Was a public land though assigned us to a compartment so limited what could hunt each day. Memorable free range hunt. I also drew alligator but a hurricane canceled that hunt. Also drew spring turkey though missed that hunt. The odds for drawing the tags are tough but obviously can be drawn and several hunts are in the late winter or spring when a lot of us are wishing we had a hunt right around the corner.

Devils River SNA EXO Auodad permit drawn

Here is a recap of what I learned on the public land, free range aoudad hunt in case someone draws this permit in the future and is looking for a primer. Roy the biologist at Devils River noted it takes about 1 1/2 days to get up to speed on this hunt. The hunt takes place from Noon on Day 1...

www.hunttalk.com

 

[PA deer hunter]

Welcome from Pa !

 

[ntodwild]

Welcome from Washington

 

[JdGoodhart]

Welcome from PA

 

[pabearhunter]

Welcome aboard.

 

[Need_a_CheaperHobby]

LopeHunter, That was an awesome write up on the Devils River Aoudad! If its valuable to the group i'll use your write up as a format and submit some of the hunts I've been drawn on. My Profile pic is from an Aoudad hunt I drew for Palo Duro Canyon Jan 2018.

There is a National Rec area at Lake Amistad that has public access as well but is archery only. There is no draw for this, just need a $20 use permit. Access run from Sept-Feb if you ever want to get away from the cold or extend your season.

https://www.nps.gov/amis/planyourvisit/upload/508-Hunting-Book-2018.pdf

 

[Need_a_CheaperHobby]

Lot of PA hunters on here. I used to hunt deer just north of the PA line in Horseheads, NY

 

[JdGoodhart]

Lot of PA hunters on here. I used to hunt deer just north of the PA line in Horseheads, NY

My family and I used to hunt Texas a lot when I was younger. Hunted the hill country outside on San Antonio near Freer and South Texas near Larado. Some great memories down there.

 

[Need_a_CheaperHobby]

My family and I used to hunt Texas a lot when I was younger. Hunted the hill country outside on San Antonio near Freer and South Texas near Larado. Some great memories down there.

 

[Need_a_CheaperHobby]

We have our little Axis Honey Hole just outside of San Antonio when we need to do some grocery shopping

 

[JdGoodhart]

We have our little Axis Honey Hole just outside of San Antonio when we need to do some grocery shopping
View attachment 103816

The first deer I ever killed was an Axis doe. Would love to hunt them again.

 

[WildWill]

Welcome aboard I like the user name. I actually drew my first Texas draw hunt last year Mason Mtn. deer hunt saw some exotics while there. Palo Duro canyon is a beautiful place with some amazing history.

 

[Madman]

Welcome

 

[Rzrbck918]

Welcome. I look forward to reading about some of your hunts.

 

[CB1]

Welcome from DFW. Looking forward to hearing about some of your hunts.

 

[Need_a_CheaperHobby]

Welcome aboard I like the user name. I actually drew my first Texas draw hunt last year Mason Mtn. deer hunt saw some exotics while there. Palo Duro canyon is a beautiful place with some amazing history.

WildWill, I’m jealous. Been applying for the Mason Mtn hunt for a while.

Hunting Palo Duro was amazing! The views and access alone were worth the hunt. The ram and ewe I took were just icing on the cake

 

[Need_a_CheaperHobby]

Welcome. I look forward to reading about some of your hunts.

Rzrbck and CB1, thanks for the warm welcome!

Thinking about putting a TX draw thread together for everyone to share their stories. I usually end up going on about 2 a year and taking some youths as well.