Permit season, any luck?

[DuckHunt]

This is the time of year that calendars are scanned and vacation days are locked in for the upcoming hunting season. Anyone else having any luck in your permit draws?

I just found out I was successful in both of my draws for permit hunts back in Arkansas. In both cases it is a bit bittersweet. The dedicated archery season where I hunt in Northern VA is really only 28 days in length starting the 1st Saturday in October. Because it is so limited, I typically carry archery gear during the preceding month when there is a doe only gun season open. This gives me 8 full weeks to focus on archery. In late September I had already planned a 11-day trip to Arkansas to chase a mixed bag of bass, catfish and squirrels which wipes out two of my archery weekends.

The October permit hunt is on excellent big buck land that is highly cherished. Unfortunately, that kills another archery weekend for me.

Then the November permit hunt falls dead center of the five most important days to be in the woods where I normally hunt in VA. I'll be trading peak rut days at home for a chance at a big timber ghost.

Looks like I need to start banking up sleep and money now because it's shaping up to be a season short on both of those.

[Boo]

You have good problems to have!

[AJ01]

I got an email from Texas Parks and Wildlife that the annual "draw hunts" are now open to apply.
I usually apply to about 5 or 6 of these each year.
Mule deer and Pronghorn up in the Panhandle.
Sambar and Axis near Corpus Christi.
Nilgai down in the southern tip near Brownsville.
And Aoudad, Fallow and Axis in the Texas hill country.

Then there are some "Lifetime Hunts" for Desert Bighorn, Oryx and Gemsbok.

If anyone is interested here's the website:

https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/public_hunt_drawing/

[Carnivorous]

I'm in for.
Our annual muzzleloader hunt early November.
Additional deer seals will be on sale here in Ontario July 10th.

2 deer a year is just about perfect for my protein needs...

[DuckHunt]

Mule deer and Pronghorn up in the Panhandle.
Sambar and Axis near Corpus Christi.
Nilgai down in the southern tip near Brownsville.
And Aoudad, Fallow and Axis in the Texas hill country.

I know Louisiana advertises itself as a Sportsman's Paradise and the waterfowl rich bottomlands in East Central Arkansas where I grew up is about as close to paradise as it gets for an outdoorsman. But I'm always in awe and the sheer range of game animals available to the folks in the great state of Texas. There's a whole lot of options for hunters from javelina to Aoudad.

It's tough to not be a little jealous.

[IronNoggin]

Missed on Elk & Sheep.

Drew Rifle Moose in the rut in a Buddy's zone. He knows that area very well and will be helping me to find one.

Looking forward!
Nog

[AJ01]

Mule deer and Pronghorn up in the Panhandle.
Sambar and Axis near Corpus Christi.
Nilgai down in the southern tip near Brownsville.
And Aoudad, Fallow and Axis in the Texas hill country.

I know Louisiana advertises itself as a Sportsman's Paradise and the waterfowl rich bottomlands in East Central Arkansas where I grew up is about as close to paradise as it gets for an outdoorsman. But I'm always in awe and the sheer range of game animals available to the folks in the great state of Texas. There's a whole lot of options for hunters from javelina to Aoudad.

It's tough to not be a little jealous.

I will admit it, I'm probably a little spoiled when it comes to hunting! It's nice to hunt African Plains game without leaving the state.
And there are numerous opportunities to hunt exotics on land owned by TPWD. You just have to apply and hope you get drawn.
You can also choose an Outfitter; however, those can be a bit pricey!!

Texas is unique. It's a land of great opportunities for those who love to hunt and fish.
Therefore, I know I'm blessed!!

[wheelsquad]

My dad and I each drew CO 1st rifle elk bull tags. It's in an OTC unit for other seasons, but not our particular season (was a low point draw). Heard it can get crowded but the terrain is pretty easy for me to get around on, which I can't say for most mountain areas. Will be our first western hunt.

[AJ01]

My dad and I each drew CO 1st rifle elk bull tags. It's in an OTC unit for other seasons, but not our particular season (was a low point draw). Heard it can get crowded but the terrain is pretty easy for me to get around on, which I can't say for most mountain areas. Will be our first western hunt.

Congrats Tyler!!!
Colorado...man, it used to be spectacular, but I haven't been in years.
We went every year until the folks from Cali moved in!

Hunting was the primary reason.
We hunted between Gunnison and Montrose 90% of the time.
Excellent Mule Deer and Elk.
Don't know where you guys will be, but... GOOD LUCK!!!

It's addictive!!!

[wheelsquad]

My dad and I each drew CO 1st rifle elk bull tags. It's in an OTC unit for other seasons, but not our particular season (was a low point draw). Heard it can get crowded but the terrain is pretty easy for me to get around on, which I can't say for most mountain areas. Will be our first western hunt.

Congrats Tyler!!!
Colorado...man, it used to be spectacular, but I haven't been in years.
We went every year until the folks from Cali moved in!

Hunting was the primary reason.
We hunted between Gunnison and Montrose 90% of the time.
Excellent Mule Deer and Elk.
Don't know where you guys will be, but... GOOD LUCK!!!

It's addictive!!!

We'll be just west of Gunnison actually, Unit 62 in the Uncompahgre National Forest.

[AJ01]

You guys will be in a really good location.!!
It's official... I'm jealous!!

I look forward to some great pics and a good write up!!
Congrats once more on getting a tag!!

[elkaholic]

I got lucky after no success on an archery bull tag here in AZ. I used my legal exomax crossbow. Beast to use spot and stalk.sitting a blind or stand at a tank was useless.
Mainly due to excessive atvs. Guides side-by-side etc.yrs past, maybe several a day but last yr it seemed like non stop from 3am till dark.someone around every turn.

Luckily I drew a muzzleloader cow tag this Oct. Should be a good hunt

That is after 15 days of crossbow hunting season in Northern Wisconsin. On private. 100 acres. We are enting a Cabin on a private lake with musky. Pike bass crappie etc. 3 weeks of crossbow deer here in Aug

Turned 71 so a lot of the diy hunts are kinda getting harder each passing season . 15 days archery bull diy last yr. Changed my way of hunting.

[AJ01]

I got lucky after no success on an archery bull tag here in AZ. I used my legal exomax crossbow. Beast to use spot and stalk.sitting a blind or stand at a tank was useless.
Mainly due to excessive atvs. Guides side-by-side etc.yrs past, maybe several a day but last yr it seemed like non stop from 3am till dark.someone around every turn.

Luckily I drew a muzzleloader cow tag this Oct. Should be a good hunt

That is after 15 days of crossbow hunting season in Northern Wisconsin. On private. 100 acres. We are enting a Cabin on a private lake with musky. Pike bass crappie etc. 3 weeks of crossbow deer here in Aug

Turned 71 so a lot of the diy hunts are kinda getting harder each passing season . 15 days archery bull diy last yr. Changed my way of hunting.

Sounds like a solid plan to me!!
I wish you great success in all of your adventures!!

And ELK... at 71 you're just getting started!!!

[Hi5]

I got drawn for Manitoba archery elk, 26 August to 15 September. It's good for bull, cow, or calf. I have a crossbow permit, so I should be good to go. I'd better make this one count as an addition to my good memories bank while I can still climb a tree, because time is running out. I'll be 80 in December.

[elkaholic]

An any elk tags are a great draw!! Good luck