Question:
Looking to join a few others in either the Hill Country or Piney Woods
on a decent sized (~100 acres) lease. Would like to keep it under
$1200 a year. Need to have occasional guest privileges since my
stepson will be here once a year to join me hunting for a few days.
Barring an annual lease, I need a recommendation for a day lease for
over Thanksgiving weekend.
Answer:
Keep an eye on the classified adds in the larger city newspapers. This
time of year there will be some drop-outs and the leasers are wanting
to fill out their quota. Any price they suggest will be *per gun* per year.
My one experience with eastern Texas was a disaster. It was old
paper company clear-cut for the most part. 3600 acres with 25 guns
in their "Club". And I think I saw 3 deer that season.
In my experience a Hill Country lease will be more like a section(640 ac.)
And it will be limited to from four to eight guns. If you don't go on opening
week-end you'll likely never see any hunters other than your own family
group.
The particular lease I'm hunting now goes for $1300 per year. But it's me
and my grandson with a father and son pair from Tyler. There is a 20x24
cabin with electricity, and running water. Hot shower. Four double bunks.
This summer we installed an electric range my daughter gave us when
she bought a new one. We also built a ground box blind for myself because
I don't enjoy climbing any more. Best of all, you can be picky about what
you shoot. Let 'em go by till you find the one you want. That's Hill Country.
And don't forget that turkey season will be open at the same time. You'll
probably see flocks of them too.
