small properties.. remedy or waste of time?

Start on the downwind side and walk into the wind to give your dogs the best chance to find and catch quick. If the wind isn't right, try it another day.

Don't push your luck with property lines. I don't know about Texas, but archery season is coming up and you don't want to start making deer hunters mad. Try to find out everything you can about the surrounding properties. Get an aerial photo and make yourself familiar with your place and the surrounding property. Valuable information, that might keep you and your dogs out of trouble.

Walk one dog on a leash, and let one hunt. Sometimes younger dogs will check in more often and hunt closer, when the other dog is staying with you.