Texas Hunting Leases
One of the factors that makes hunting in Texas different from most other states is that approximately 98% of the state’s huntable land is privately owned. As a result, most Texas hunters obtain access by leasing hunting or trespass rights from private landowners. Public hunting opportunities are available, but free-access areas can be limited and heavily used. In many other states, hunters have broader access to publicly owned land. In Texas, however, finding the right private lease is often an important part of planning a successful season.
Since launching this website in 1998, I’ve learned a great deal about Texas hunting leases, hunters, and landowners. One of the questions I hear most often is: “When is the best time to look for a new lease?”
The short answer is: anytime you do not already have one.
You never know when the lease that fits your group’s needs will become available. Many hunters begin their search immediately after deer season ends. However, relatively few leases are advertised at that time because many current hunters have not yet notified their landowners that they plan to leave.
Although new lease listings become available throughout the year, activity often increases just before and shortly after spring turkey season. Available listings typically continue to grow through October and November. Later in the year, both landowners and hunters may also be more open to negotiating lease terms, prices, and amenities. Competition can be lower as well, since many hunting groups have already committed to a property.
For these reasons, May through October is often one of the best periods to find a new Texas hunting lease.
Be Ready When a Lease Opens
A good hunting lease can move quickly, so preparation matters. Consider the following before beginning your search:
• Agree on priorities within your group. Make sure everyone understands what the group requires in a lease. For example, a property without turkey habitat may not be a good fit if a member of your group is primarily interested in turkey hunting.
• Have funds available. Ideally, collect at least 50% of the total lease cost from your group in advance. When the right property becomes available, being prepared to make a reasonable offer can help secure the lease before another group does.
• Set realistic expectations. Discuss budget, location, game species, acreage, amenities, and hunting goals with everyone involved. A trophy-quality lease in the South Texas Brush Country, for example, will generally cost substantially more than a basic hunting lease in another region. A group member expecting that type of opportunity for $800 per year may limit the group’s options considerably.
• Monitor listings consistently. Visit DeerTexas.com regularly and check the “Hunting Leases” page for newly posted opportunities. When you find a listing that interests you, call the landowner rather than relying only on email. A direct phone call is often faster, more personal, and more effective.
• Choose a decision-maker. Appoint one trusted member of the group who has the flexibility to respond quickly, inspect a property on short notice, and make decisions on behalf of the group. This person should understand game sign, know what to look for in a hunting property, and be able to act without waiting for every member to be available. Good leases are limited, and waiting until the weekend to visit a property may mean someone else gets there first.
Respect the Land and the Agreement
Once you have secured a Texas hunting lease, make sure every member of your group understands and follows the landowner’s rules, along with all applicable Texas game laws.
The quickest way to lose a lease is to violate the landowner’s expectations or break the law. Before signing an agreement or paying for access, ask the landowner about property-specific rules. Confirm whether ATVs are permitted, where vehicles may travel, whether camping is allowed, how gates should be handled, and any other requirements that could affect your group.
If off-road travel is allowed, avoid driving through the middle of pastures whenever possible. Use established roads or travel along pasture edges to minimize damage to grass, livestock areas, and the property itself. Always leave gates exactly as you found them unless the landowner has instructed you otherwise.
A Better Lease Search
With realistic expectations, a prepared hunting group, and a respectful approach to landowners and their property, you can greatly improve your chances of finding a quality Texas hunting lease.
I’m confident you’ll be pleased with the service provided here. In fact, I stand behind it. See my guarantee at the bottom of the Home page.
Best wishes this season and every season—and, as always, good hunting!
Scott Thrash
DeerTexas.com, Inc.
