EAST TEXAS HOG DOGGERS FORUM

Ok, so it's hard enough finding good spots that produce hogs on a regular basis. It's also hard enough to get some people together to do a hunt like I'm wanting to do. So this is just a little heads up. I want to take a "vacation" and get some of the people that I've met from this site together and run some public land over in East Texas. Who is down? and is it ever worth driving over to do with a group? What do I need to have besides orange to hunt these properties? and ect? Any info, or interest is wanted...

Thanks guys,
Ryan Shelton

Stay away from MY public land!! Them are MY hogs in there!!!  >:D  ;D

LOL! I've been talking with redneckrob, tejashogslayer, and a few other people on trying to get a hunt together... Figured since that is your neck of the woods you would lead us to em...  ;)

Last time I went to the land im familiar with, there was not much sign... plus all the land around it now is the steel mills and its a big fine when you get caught in there... My uncle has been working there for years and told me they have put out cameras and have giving out several tickets from tresspassing and destruction of property...  :-\

on all three of those pieces of property???

No, just the public land around me that i talked to you about before...

If it's anywhere close to the LA line I'd be up for meeting some of you guys from TX.

That sounds like a fun weekend! I would def be down for something like that.

Well TW, I think that was a type 2 that is only able to be hunted when ya'll went. These other spots are supposed to be open year round. I was talking to Robert about it, and he thinks that it would be a good time. BA-IV, sounds good to me man. Any tips on which one of those to hit? And Kelton, I knew you might be interested...  ;) I have just met a few guys on this site, and keep talking about getting a hunt together... So this would be a good ice breaker. Any more information that anyone else has on these three spots would be appreciated too.

I think I am more interested in hunting the Sabine National Forest by the Toledo Bend Reservoir...

Not type 2... The spot im talking about is year round Corp land..  ;)

Well, sounds good. We'll run that one too! LOL! I just really want to get a big hunt together with some good people...

http://www.fs.fed.us/outernet/r8/texas/recreation/hunting.shtml

Sabine nation forest is about 6 1/2 hours away from me but it would def be an experience!

 near the LA, Ar. line is wright patman which has pleanty of hogs, SHNF i thought was off limits to dogging. on the NF land the state minimum of hunter orange is required but only during hunting seasons which shouldnt be any at this time. go to the coe website for the dallas region and it should give you a list of all COE land and the requirements. I have it on PDF. i will see if i can post the info, but if not i will try n get you the site for CoE land.

National

 here is the link for CoE land. it should say what it required for each lake/land listed in the dallas district.
http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/cgi-bin/rcshtml.pl?page=Recreation

 here is the FAQ for Corp Land
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hunting Program
1. What are the requirements to hunt on Corps of Engineers lakes?
Hunters are required to comply with the Corps of Engineers requirements and all state and federal hunting laws. Hunters are advised to call or write to the individual Corps lake offices for specific hunting requirements for that lake.
Residents: While hunting, persons 17 years of age or older must carry on their person: (1) a valid State of Texas hunting license; (2) a valid driver’s license or personal identification certificate issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety; and (3) a valid Corps of Engineers hunting permit (if required).
Non-residents must carry on their person: (1) a valid State of Texas hunting license; (2) a valid driver’s license or personal identification certificate issued by the agency in their state or country of residence that is authorized to issue driver licenses or personal identification certificates; and (3) a valid Corps of Engineers hunting permit (if required).
2. What is a Corps of Engineers valid hunting permit?
A Corps of Engineers hunting permit is required to hunt at many of the lakes listed in the Lake Information section of this guide. A hunting permit is a document issued by the Corps at the respective Corps of Engineers lake offices. The permit is valid only at the lake office where issued and authorizes written permission for a hunter to hunt on Corps managed land. A permit is valid only when used by the individual named on the document, while hunting in the proper area(s) and during the proper open hunting season. Failure to comply with permit conditions, or violation of state hunting regulations on Corps land, will result in revocation of the permit and loss of hunting privileges for up to two years at all Fort Worth District lakes where hunting permits are required.
3. Why do some projects issue permits and others do not?
14 lakes in the Fort Worth District currently require some type of Corps of Engineers hunting permit. The permits are necessary for a variety of reasons including prevention of overcrowding, improvement of public safety, separation of incompatible users, better management of the wildlife resources, or to offer special opportunities.
4. How do I obtain a Corps of Engineers hunting permit?
Corps hunting permits are issued at individual lake offices and are valid only at the lake where issued. Hunters are advised to call or write to Corps lake offices to obtain hunting information, maps, and permit applications. Hunters who are required by state law to complete a Hunter Education training course must present proof of course completion and, if 18 years or older, will be required to sign a Corps of Engineers Waiver of Liability statement. Persons age
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12-17 are eligible to obtain a permit, but can hunt only under the immediate supervision of an authorized supervising adult accompanying them at all times.
5. What are the hunter education requirements?
The State of Texas requires every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born after September 2, 1971, to successfully complete a Hunter Education training course. The basic hunter education information available on the TPWD website can be found at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_education/required.phtml. The minimum age of certification is 9 years. If you were born after September 2, 1971 and you are:
- Under 9 years of age, you must be accompanied*.
- Age 9 through 16, you must successfully complete a hunter education course, or you must be accompanied*.
- Age 17 and over, you must successfully complete a hunter education course; or purchase a “Hunter Education Deferral”, and you must be accompanied*.
Hunter Education Deferral (cost: $10) Allows a person 17 years of age or older who has not completed a hunter education program to defer completion for one year. A deferral may only be obtained once and is only valid until the end of the current year. A person who has been convicted or has received deferred adjudication for violation of the mandatory hunter education requirement is prohibited from applying for a deferral. Take the course by August 31 of the current license year and receive a $5 discount. The one-time Hunter Education Deferral is available at license vendors and went into effect September 1, 2004.
*Accompanied means: By a person who is at least 17, who is licensed to hunt in Texas, who has passed hunter education or is exempt (born before September 2, 1971), and you must be within normal voice control. Proof of certification or deferral is required to be on your person while hunting. Note: Certification is not required to purchase a hunting license.
6. What minimum age restrictions are in effect on public hunting areas?
Corps Non-Permit Lakes: No age requirement.
Corps Permit Lakes: Any person with a valid hunter’s education certificate may hunt at a Corps permit lake under the following conditions:
a. Persons under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a “permitted” adult 17 years of age or older.
b. Persons 17 years of age and older must sign the Corps of Engineers Waiver of Liability statement and show proof of a valid hunter’s education card to the lake office or proof of exemption, e.g. state drivers license, to obtain a valid hunting permit.
7. How much does it cost to hunt on Corps of Engineers property?
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At this time the Corps does not charge a user fee to hunt; however, some lakes charge an administrative fee applicable to the hunting program. Somerville Lake charges an administrative fee for a permanent (season long) waterfowl blind permit. Lake Georgetown and Wright Patman Lake charge Special Activity Fees for hunting and ATV access permits. These fees are lake specific. For more information, see the specific lake section in this guide or contact the lake office.
8. Are the seasons, bag limits, application times, and time limit the same as in State Regulations?
The State of Texas sets the bag limits and seasons. However, the Corps of Engineers may further restrict any of the above in an effort to better manage the resources. Hunters are advised to call or write to the individual Corps lake offices for specific hunting requirements.
9. Can I build a blind or have a tree stand?
All lakes allow temporary non-bark penetrating portable tree stands, as well as temporary free-standing blinds such as towers, platforms, tent-style, and natural blinds. However, each blind, regardless of use, must be completely removed from the land or water upon completion of each hunting day or as specified at individual lakes. All blinds must have the hunter’s name, date of installation, address, and phone number written legibly and placed at the entry point of the blind in a conspicuous location. If proper identification is not present, the structure may be impounded and/or removed.
Natural blinds may be constructed by gathering loose and/or dead vegetation. Cutting of grass, shrubs, trees, or any other vegetation is strictly prohibited except at Georgetown, Grapevine and Lewisville Lakes, where live cedar up to 4 inches in size may be cut for use with no stub greater than 2 inches remaining above ground.
Temporary blinds for deer or waterfowl do not require a fee. A limited number of permanent (season long) waterfowl blinds are allowed only at Somerville Lake; however, hunters must obtain a special lakeshore use permit from the Somerville Lake Office to install these blinds. Refer to the information on Somerville Lake for specific requirements.
10. Are there weapons and/or means and methods restrictions on public hunting areas?
The “Means and Methods” restrictions as required under state law apply to all Corps of Engineers hunting areas with the following additional requirements:
a. Hunting or shooting within 600 feet of homes, developed parks, roads, fishing piers or platforms, farm and ranch yards, outlet structures, emergency spillways, or other areas is prohibited unless otherwise stated or posted.
b. Pistols are prohibited.
c. Buckshot (any shot size large than #2 shot) is prohibited anywhere on government
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property. Buckshot is prohibited due to increased public safety concerns. Shotguns with rifled slugs are allowed when hunting deer and feral hogs except at those lakes which restrict deer and feral hog hunting to archery only.
d. Crossbows may be used in accordance with state law when hunting deer and feral hogs unless prohibited at specific lakes.
e. Muzzleloaders: Muzzle-loading shotguns may be used at any lake which allows the use of a conventional legal shotgun as defined by state law. Muzzle-loading rifles may be used only at Lake O’ the Pines, Town Bluff, Sam Rayburn, and Wright Patman Lakes as stated in the Lake Information section of this guide.
f. The use of conventional center-fire or rim-fire rifles is prohibited at all lakes, except Lake O’ The Pines and Wright Patman Lake as stated in the Lake Information section of this guide.
g. The use of pellet, BB, or any other type of air gun is prohibited at all lakes.
h. Archery equipment for bow fishing must comply with TPWD regulations
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/pwd_lf_t3200_1559/ and will not take place within 600 feet of homes, developed parks, roads, farm and ranch yards, outlet structures, emergency spillways, or other areas.
11. Must I wear hunter orange?
Corps Non-Permit Lakes: No, but the proper wearing of hunter orange is highly recommended for hunter safety. Please refer to the information for Sam Rayburn Lake for specific requirements on wearing hunter orange.
Corps Permit Lakes: Yes. Hunters (and anyone accompanying the hunter) must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material (144 square inches on both chest and back) when hunting and are also required to wear some type of orange head wear. Hunters exempt from this requirement are: persons hunting deer/turkey/feral hog during the archery only season and persons hunting turkey, waterfowl, or migratory birds (except dove hunters during concurrent hunts for quail).
12. What vehicle restrictions are in effect on Corps of Engineer areas?
The operation of all vehicles, including, but not limited to, motorcycles, all terrain vehicles (ATV's), bicycles, automobiles, trucks, and any other vehicles (see CFR Title 36, Section 327.2 (a) for vehicle definition) off authorized roadways is prohibited. Exception: ATV permits are available at Wright Patman Lake.
Vehicles must be parked on Corps designated areas or along roadsides on Corps property without blocking the passage of other vehicles or gate openings. Parking on other public roadways is at your own risk and contacting local law enforcement is recommended. Access to
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the interior of designated hunting areas is authorized by foot or boat only.
13. Are there any special allowances for individuals with disabilities?
Persons with permanent walking disabilities (a disability that permanently prevents walking) may apply for permission to enter a hunting area by means other than foot. The applicant must present a physician’s certification of that condition to qualify for vehicle use inside a hunting area. Site managers have the discretion to approve or deny any application based on natural resource protection, safety or other concerns. If approved, a special event permit specifying time and duration of hunting availability may be issued to the disabled person. Additionally, site managers have the option to allow the use of crossbows for persons with an upper limb disability to hunt deer and turkey only during the “Archery Only” Season as defined by TPWD and any lake specific seasons. An upper limb disability is defined, as a permanent loss of the use of fingers, hand, or arm in a manner that renders a person incapable of using a bow and documentation, as described above, is required.
14. What authorized (legal) game may be hunted on Corps of Engineers lands?
The only authorized game allowed to be taken is those game species listed in the “Legal Game” section for each lake. Hunting game species not listed in the information guide is prohibited, including species such as rattlesnakes, skunks, crows, English sparrows, grackles, coyotes, javelina, etc. Note: Possession of manual or electronic varmint calling devices, baits or lures is prohibited while hunting.
Sport chasing is allowed for raccoons, foxes and coyotes only, except where prohibited under the Lake Information section of this guide (Aquilla & Waco Lakes). Possession of a firearm, archery equipment, or any other weapon while sport chasing these animals is prohibited. Possession of calling devices, baits or lures is prohibited while sport chasing the animals.
Dogs may be used to hunt rabbit, squirrels, game birds, and migratory game birds in compliance with TPWD regulations. The use of dogs to hunt deer is prohibited.
15. May I target shoot on Corps of Engineers lands?
Shooting for practice or at targets is prohibited. Discharging any weapon (including archery equipment) is allowed only during authorized hunting activities and only during the attempt to take game.
16. May I trap animals on Corps of Engineers lands?
Trapping is prohibited. The possession of traps, snares, baits, tranquilizers or scent lures are prohibited for use on Corps lakes.
17. Who enforces the hunting laws and regulations on Corps of Engineers lands?
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State and Federal Game Wardens, as well as local law enforcement personnel, enforce the state and federal hunting laws respectively. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Rangers implement the regulations and safety requirements of the Corps of Engineers hunting program at each lake.
18. Is baiting allowed on Corps of Engineers hunting lands?
A hunter may not hunt migratory birds with the aid of bait or on or over any baited area. Contact the site manager of a specific lake for information on using corn to bait deer or other game animals. Note: Hunters are responsible for knowing whether an area is baited or not.

Thanks for the info Charles. This should be very helpful

 im gonna call he angelina, davey crocket and sabine NF offices and get some more info for you. i could not find the site again that i downloaded the pdf file for CoE lakes in the dallas district but i can email it to whoever may want it. it has all the info on permits, atv use, allowed game and mean of hunting the game and what are it is in.

Man, I'd really appreciate that... I'm at work, so calling around isn't an option... LOL! You're more than welcome to join us when we can finally get this thing together...

 where exactly or a closer generalized location are you wanting to try to make an organized hunt? knowing the zoomed in area will make it easier to get ahold of the right people for the correct info so we dont get caught with our pants down. i know the angalinna NF near sam rayborn has a lot of land and I know as of summer of 2010 it was doggable on the east side of the lake. i know wright patman is dogabble, but there are a lot doggers in that area and the majority of the places, you need a boat bc atvs are not allowed untill after the hog is caught/killed

LOL! I really haven't gotten that far yet... The SNF looks big too, and I figured we could pitch a tent and hunt both since they are right there next to each other. Any suggestions of where we should make camp?

 depending on the laws, we could pitch camp on the shores of the se side of rayburn on a finger and be mins by boat or possibly tck to either forest, but it also depends if that is a wildlife management area for both forests. there is mills creek park of san augustine park with boating distance or even powells park with in angelina. i think i still have a couple maps of angelina. i will look around or have my wifes mom get a map for each forest. 

Just remember very few corp lakes allow dog hunting and most hunting ends in march or april.We still got my lease to run ryan and an hour and a half east is the national forest.HDM lives out that way to our place in shelby co. is loaded with hogs trying to get neighbor to allow access which i dont think will be a problem.The hogs are all over the blackberries and plums this time of year out that way so maybe luck will be on our side for a change might even have my ribs healed up by then.

I know people who dog Sabine National Forest and catch hogs. Sounds fun keep us posted. I may be up to it.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

Charles, let me know what you find out. If we could find a place in the on one of the banks in between the two places that would be ideal. I have no experiance putting together this type of hunt, and I am open to anything that you can find out.

Robert, I am down for that too buddy! Like I said, just let me know, if you can, a couple weeks in advance and we'll do work!

And thanks Boone823, I hope that this will all work out. Sounds like it could be some fun.

I figure everybody can drop their best dog, and we'll have a few split bays.. but in the end, I think that we will prevail! LOL!

 ryan, sam rayburn lake is corp land and game and legal hunting methods are as outlined in the tx parks and wildlife manual or website. that means yr round doggin is legal, but gotta make sure we dont wander into a wildlife management or permit required area. wright patman is open yr round for doggin. also let it be known that both federal and state game laws and wardens apply. i was not able to call the NF offices. i was tryin to get things lined for some sort of job. i will call mon, or another member can call if they would like and post their findings.

man this seems to be alot of work lol but i am def gonna be down! ill bring whatever i need, i can get my hands on a v bottom boat i got dogs, i got a 4 wheeler, tent Ryan you figure out the rules and tell me what i need and ill be there i am very excited about it as long as we can plan it on one of my weekends off i dont have kids or wife so i can go whenever lol! You just say when and ill will be there to slay some hogs ill bring my best dog n a catchdog! i just wanna go for the experience. I am actually extremly excited about this deal!

Sabine national forest has a lot hogs I live an hour from there and I also deer hunt out there the only thing u need to hunt there is orange and I know a bunch of places that had hogs around it during deer season and they have a nice campsite right off the lake and a restaurant and gas station real close but here's my number if you interested in going down there I would be glad to go and show You around down there 9036924375

Well many hands make light work... I'm thinking middle to end of April. So it will be pretty hot by then, but there probably won't be as many people out because of that. We like running in the summer, but you just have to be smart about it. Lets get this together and do it!

 well if hunting sabine means wearing hunter orange, i guess thats cheap enough. the logistics of anyting is a lot of work. we handle logistics all the time no matter what we do, especially hunting. it takes planning. ryan, pm me you number if you dont wanna post it for the public and i will call you about coordinating this thing. it would be nice if some1 on here that lives near there could do some scouting for food, lodging price if any and fuel prices and where the nearest boat ramp is that would allow us to be able to hunt both sabine and angalina nf.

 ok, I got just got off the phone with a lady at the angelina nf and she said ALL rules apply to hunting the sabine nf aswell. NO hunter orange required, dogs are allowed, camping ONLY in designated area, NO atvs except on designated roads, but NOT on the trails.
 I dont know what other info is needed, but if you have questions, post them and i will look the law up and answer, or make a few calls and find a law reguarding the question and post if.

All is good news Charles... Now it sounds like all that we need to do is find a spot to make camp, and to set a date. I was thinking around end of April, like the 20th. Hunt night of the 20th, morning and night of the 21st, and ride out (maybe after a morning hunt) on Sunday the 22nd. I don't know the area, so I have no clue where we should make camp.

 ryan, google brookeland, tx and you can see both angelina and sabine nf. brookeland is on the edge of sabine nf and if you move the map to your right, it will open up to the lake and there are several parks nearby that would allow access to both forests.

LOL! I'm starting to get excited now buddy! LOL! I can't believe all of that is public land!!! That spot looks really good. Good location. So next question is where exactly are we going to pitch camp? and what date?

You might want to do it pretty quick before all the people close to that area read all this good info and run all of the hogs out!!  :-X

LOL! Funny stuff... With all that land, and with the hog pop being what it is, I think there is plenty to go around in there buddy. We've been known to putting down 11 miles on a walk hunt, and I don't think this will be any different. Will you be joing us T.W. Slimdawg?  O0

Let me know when exactly you decide to do it, and ill see what i can do..  ;)

 by forest regs, camping is authorised in designated camp grounds or parks. there 3-5 parks all with in a couple miles of each other. print a picture, hang it up and throw a dart at it. which ever park is nearest the dart, thats the 1 to make camp at. i dont know bout the rest of yaw, but i would rather have a primative camp site with just a spiket for running water. can always take a shower in the lake or baby wipes.  ;D ;D

LOL! I'm down to camp, but I'm taking the wifey so we'll see how far I can push this thing. LOL!  >:D We've been camping plenty of times, but this will be OUR first hunting trip together. So I'm pretty excited to see how it all turns out.

Lol, set the date! Sounds like there are enough parties interested to hit it from all sides and clean the place out. LOL

I'm trying to get off of work now, so wish me luck...

Let me know what dates you have planned !!




That way i can go hunt it the weekend before!!!  >:D  ;D

LOL! I'm thinking there might be a few people from the board show up. This might turn out to be pretty fun guys! Looking forward to it. I just got it approved so it's on... well, that's if the wifey can get it approved now too.  ;D As of right now, April 20th is the date. We will be leaving really early friday morning to get there... Brookeland it is I guess, and Charles, since you did most of the research you pick the spot we'll be camping.  ;) Thanks for that btw buddyl.. Now I'm pumped!  ;D

 the camp spot should b a group agreance. who ever is going, please throw in your ideas of camp places. i got an 8ft bed, a boat and a 4wheeler trailer to sleep on, it wouldnt be the first time using the tck and boat.  ;D camp site may need to be adjusted to account for winds on the lake and wave swells. i dont know about the rest of yaw, but im not to partial to being thrown and bounced around on an unfamiliar lake and not knowing where the boat lanes stumps are. i kinda dont want to tear the lower unit out off my motor. reaching out the any1 on this site or friends to members on this site. how bad are stums and swells from moderate winds on rayburn between mills creek park and rayburn, and powell park? actually the qestion from those going should be. how many would hunt both nf or would yaw prefer to stay on just sabine of angelina only? its a group effort to ensure a good time is had by all, not just 1 or 2.

I'm personally more interested in the SNF more than the other... Looks bigger and more piggy...  ;D but that's just me... LOL! I'm down for whatever. 

SwampHunter just made me think of this, but since 4 wheelers can only be used for retrieval purposes... does anyone have a couple horses they could bring...? This would make it a lot easier on draggin hogs out, if we get any...  >:D ;D

I also just got off the phone with the reservations place for Mills Creek Park. It is reservation only... WE'd have to know the number of tents and people going to make the res. So Charles, I don't know if you had another place in mind, but it would be good if there is somewhere that you can just pitch a tent and go. Mills Creek Park is more uppidy... LOL!

OK. Angelina may be different than SNF so I called Sabine since this is where I would rather hunt. The section in between ANF and SNF from brookeland to hemphill is what I want to hit hard. I called SNF and they said that Willow Oaks Campground is first come first serve. Dogs and Horses are ok, and dogs just have to be on a leash. $4 a night per tent (on the honor system) and $2 a day per car. +31° 12' 39.61", -93° 44' 1.55" that is the gps for the location of Willow Oaks. This seems to be the best option after doing some research, IMO, for us doggers. I would like to know who all is coming, but doesn't matter that much because my wife and I, and probably JoeTBH and JeffreyTBH are going to go give em he!!... So whos coming with me???? LOL!

Hunting in the national forests and grasslands can be a rewarding experience and U.S. Forest Service officials remind hunters of guidelines designed to make their hunting trips safe and enjoyable.

All hunters and those accompanying them must wear daylight fluorescent orange at any time when hunting, except when hunting fur-bearing or predatory animals at night or when hunting turkey or migratory birds. A minimum of 400 square inches of fluorescent orange must be visible (144 square inches on both the chest and back, and a daylight fluorescent orange cap or hat).  

All those camping or hunting in the Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine or Sam Houston National Forest or the Caddo National Grasslands must camp in designated campsites or developed recreation areas during general gun season.

Hunters using the wildlife management areas (WMAs) must have the annual hunting permit to hunt deer, turkey, small game, waterfowl and feral hogs.

Wildlife management areas in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas include the Alabama Creek WMA in the Davy Crockett National Forest, Bannister WMA in the Angelina National Forest, Caddo WMA in the Caddo National Grassland and the Moore Plantation WMA in the Sabine National Forest. The entire Sam Houston National Forest is a wildlife management area.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Official Hunting Guide and the Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet, regulations vary in different locations. The annual booklets are issued to individuals who obtain a WMA permit, and the booklets list rules for national forest lands within the WMAs.

Hunting antlerless deer on the national forests in Texas is conducted only within WMAs and only by permit. [Read more]

The regulations for legal species, weapons, season dates and bag limits are issued by the State of Texas on a county-by-county basis. Regulation booklets are available where hunting licenses are sold and at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offices. The rules in this guide are general in scope. More detailed, local rules and regulations may be obtained from the district ranger’s office.

“It’s the hunter’s responsibility to know the regulations and game limits while hunting in national forests and grasslands,” said Chris Crain, U.S. Forest Service patrol captain. “Hunters should check bag limits for the county where they are hunting and refer to this year’s hunting booklets for information to avoid citations. No baiting for wildlife or hunting over baited areas is allowed on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.”

Crain also said only portable deer stands are allowed in national forests and grasslands and are limited to 72 hours in one location. To prevent damage to trees, the stands must not be nailed to trees. When hunters fail to remove their deer stands, it causes damage to forest land and creates an expensive, time-consuming cleanup.

Vehicles should not be parked near gates or in areas that would impede traffic and block roads. Also, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is restricted.  There is one designated OHV trail on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas and that is the Multiple Use Trail located in the Sam Houston National Forest.

Visitors to the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors, but it is most important that visitors return home safely.

What kind of terrain is down there ? Swampy ? I just wondering if it be to boggy for horse to be able to move around good ?

There are cut out trails for ridding, so I bet it isn't too bad down there. But I do not know for sure... If you have questions, cause I am in same boat you are, give them a shout and share your findings.

Sabine National Forest
5050 Hwy 21 East
Hemphill, TX 75948
(409) 625-1940

Im interested

Lol! That what I wanted to hear! You know you wana let ol superman show out with Fred! Lol! Come join in brother!

he will be ready.

 ryan, if i am not in kuwait by then, im down for it.

Good stuff Brian!!! Hope you do come with man. and Charles, I sure hope you get to come after all that planning and research you did for us! If you do have to go back, keep your head down over there!  8) You working over there, or enlisting again?

you fellars better bring some runnin dogs and a hoss.theres n atvs aloowed on natinal forest that im aware of.been huntin it sicnce i was as tall as a bow legged grass hopper.

 im contracting, but jobs are evidently scares even though there are 100s of job postings. if to broken down to go back in and with the military doing a RIF (reduction in force), they are putting people out from early retirement to people that just want out. since there are no atvs allowed, does anybody have a balloon wheel type dolly that will also turn into a cart? that can be used to take hogs out instead of tryn to drag them 100s of yds or take a hand limb saw and cut a 2-3" diamiter sapling down and tote them out on the shoulders.

The dogs I'm bringin should be able to go the distance... question is am I? LOL! I talked to the park this morning and they said that horses are allowed to hunt. So that's better than nothing. if/when we get some to bring out, if someone brings a horse then we'll use that to drag. If not, sapling it is... LOL! I am also pretty sure that atvs can be used to retrieve game... I will call again about that.

 i just got off the phone with both angelina and sabine nf people and they said NOOOOO atvs are allowed, not even on roads used by the public to traverse/commute through the forest. i guess its horse and boots then.

Well I aint scared... Horses should be fun anyways, and we walk every hunt to begin with anyways. So thats easy enough. I wish I had some horses to bring along, but I'll help out with everyone elses if I can. I just don't understand now because I talked to the lady yesterday at SNF and she said for retrieval... I'm wondering if we should call the GW to get this in concrete, and KNOW the rules from a ticket perspective. Seems different people you talk to you get different rules. LOL! you know? I don't have time today at work, well right now anyways to call em up, but I need to. So who all is coming???

I know where there are some good places to hunt on davy crockett national Forrest but I called about a place over on lake Livingston that was corp land and they told me it was off limits for running dogs.

Well I called SNF and dogs are all good. Willow oaks is about te best place I found for what we are trying to do.we can hunt the whole forest over there except the LA side of the SNF because it is WMA.

 a state game warden cant change or give permission to use atvs on federal land, unless its an emergency of life, limb or eye sight but if it came to that, i would take a ticket for getting some1 to safety. according to the sabine, she said up and till about 5yrs ago, atvs were allowed but so much land was being tore up and certain plants were dying, they outlawed them. if you can get some1 at the sabine office to give you permission in writing and then mail the original and fax a copy, then we would be good. when i called, i ask specificly for retreaval purposes only and was told NO. get it in writing and we are golden.

i know on DCNF you cant use fourwheeler for nothing so i can imagine all but you should not hvae a problem with a horse most of the forest is big woods not all the clear cut stuff

I'm not going to worry about calling the GW until we get into a situation that we need their help with. For now, since we have alreadyd called ANF and SNF I think we have our angles covered. I'd rathere not have them lookin' to get after us for some reason or another. I looked into DCNF and it just isn't as big as SNF. I figured since the SNF and ANF have good size lakes, and the SNF goes to both lakes south of Hemphill... that should be where we post up. I am just guessing here (and looking at google maps), but my guess would be that is where the hogs are at. If we make a long run and don't get any out of there then we'll move camps. I don't mind not having a 4 wheeler, and am used to walking, so any horses that come are apprciated. I'm going to carry my hatcket with me on this trip incase we need to make some poles to carry game out if/when we get em. I do not know the area and anyone with knowlege of the area would be welcome to join us. So all is coming?

Me an the gf , an prolly a buddy or 2 will make it down there

That's what I'm talking about!!! Who eles is coming??

 i will, but if a job overseas comes up, im jumpn on the first thing smoking

OK! I am for sure going out there! Who is in on this thing still?

what is the final date for the hunt and how long ya plan on being thier

April 20th through the 22nd... We might make a hunt sunday morning, but I doubt it... Have a 4.5 hour drive back home.

If I have the money I'm going to try to come I'd like to hunt with some new ppl And it sounds like fun

Cool deal! I know a few of us will be there... Some wont be hunting, but I will be!!!  ;D

If I have the money then me and the girlfriend will be there for sure, I'm always down to go huntin.

Ive got orders with the National Guard here in LA on those dates or I'd be there.

I’m new to the area so I would enjoy meeting some local hunters and chase some pigs. I have a horse, some hog dogs, and live in NE LA So I can make it to some of the listed places easy enough. Any dates being tossed around yet?

Ohh I see the dates... I'm in.

BA-IV, sorry to hear that... we'll have to get together later on and make a hunt man. I'm pretty excited about this trip... first hunting trip together with my wife, and I haven't had a vacation in 2 years. Willow Oaks is where we will be. I don't know how many people will be hunting with us, but it sure seems like a few. I'll be getting there around 9-10 A.M. and trying to find a decent spot to post up at. My number is 903-268-3470, so when you get close give me a shout and I'll let you know where we are at. tents are 4 dollars a night, and cars are 2 dollars a night. Take 87 south out of Hemphill for 11-14 miles, turn left on Willow Oak Rd. I'm looking forward to meeting a few of you, and having a good time with no problems. Keeping everything civil, and enjoying the beautiful state of Texas is what this trip is all about to me and mine. I have never seen this side of the state before. I've been over to AR, and up to OK, but i've never been in South East Texas before, and I've never been to LA, so this should be interesting.  ;D

I wish y'all the best of luck and hope y'all catch some studs.

 i just looked at the place on google earth and it looks like it could be good. anybody bringing a boat or just gonna try n drive as far as possible n then get out n walk?

Well, the way I saw it... we should just be able to unload at camp. LOL! We won't have to walk far at all to get into some thick stuff. I'd like to try and cover a lot of the ground in between the two lakes. I would like to think that because of the heat starting to rise, they would be close to water or there in between. I'm no whisperer though, so.... LOL!  :laugh: A boat would be cool though. We'd have to get out of state hunting licences though to hunt in LA right?

well thats the law, but if you dont get caught, what can it hurt?  ;D im not sure with the lake bordering both states, but i would venture to say yea. i wasnt refering to taking a boat to the la side. there is a thick stand of timber thats just a lil ways from the boat ramp headin east north east hugging the northn shore from the ramp. it doesnt look like any way to get back there by vehicle, just on foot or horse.

Well at this point budd, I'm just wanting to get the hell out of here and be in the woods for a weekend!!! LOL! I need a vacation so bad is ridiculous!

Ok... Anyone who is watching this thread please share your input. I have been informed that there is leased land within the SNF and very close to where we are camping; and that they do not take trespassing (even by mistake) lightly... I was also told that these leases will shoot dogs. I wanted to put this info out there, so that everyone knew what possibilities were. I guess that is a chance everywhere you go. I am going to try and get a hold of a GW to see if they could meet me there and show me around, or at least shoot the chit with him to find out where NOT to be.. If there is any more information it would be greatly appreciated if put on the table. I would hate to not be able to make this trip because of this… but I did not realize that it was possible for land to be leased inside of the SNF…

hell ryan i didnt know you even went hog hunting you can come to wolfe city and camp in my back yard and we will go hunt ;D

Lol! Funny guy! I would have liked to be with y'all yesterday, but Haden's doing the family thing. Blake said y'all got a decent boar... And if u wana run this week we can?

lets go this is the last weekend ill be able to hunt got rodeos book untill the end of july if im not running hogs im getting ran over by bulls

 ryan, who all is showing up to the hunt this coming weekend, or is still on?

I'm not entirely sure right now. My Wife and I, and JeffeyTBH, JoeTBH and one other possible board member. So bring ur orange and come on! We'll be there Friday morning...

Youve got nothin to worry abt, the lake is only a foot low, wont be bad at all


"the sun is shining somewhere in texas" -Jason Boland

 99% sure i aint gonna make it fri. i split my pitman arm on my tck yesterday and part wont be here till fri.

Charles, sorry to hear that buddy. Thanks for the help getting info together though. Its appreciated.

My self and the crew are still plan on going... txhogsanddogs said he will probably make it... and IDK who else now...? Few people have backed out, and we're sorry to hear that. Either way it should be a good time though.

Anyone else gona join us?

I just got off the phone with the GW, and he told me a few spots to go run on. One of which he said the biggest hog he has ever seen was taken off of 3 weeks ago. He said that there isn't a lot of doggers that frequent the place, and that we should be good as long as we stay away from the Moore Plantation. So I am super excited, and ready for a weekend in the woods! Do Work and Make chit happen!!!  O0

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Well we made it! hit me up if you're coming! 903-268-3470

the moore plantation is right in my neck of the woods im not home right no but i can probably give you some goods public land to hunt there are you in sabine county and where are yall camping at

Call me at 2147093045

Call me at 2147093045

H.Wilson has been a huge help as well thanks man. Well meet up soon! Bad weekend, hopefully going to turn out ok. Going an hour south on87 to make a hunt with locals on a 8600 ranch in the morning.

Hey man no thanks needed always ready to help a fellow grunter hunter good luck to y'all