I have hunted public lands for dove, ducks, deer, quail, hogs, javelina and it's been great!!! I would say it's very worth the effort and it takes effort in deed by way of researching and gaining as much inside info about the areas and units you plan to hunt.  You can definitely hunt on the weekend, in fact the is a book that shows all the dates available to hunt for the different areas and most are on the weekend. Some locations have great camping facilities and area for RV's and such, but i recomend checking out local motels, most are cheap.  There is a fee for hunting, usually not more then $100 deopending on what your hunting and usually the camp fee is waived for the hunt weekend.  Some locations work on assigend compartment area, where others like Aransas Wildlife Refuge allow you to scout and mark a location to hunt.  Some allow ATV's I would say that alot dont, once again you can get a book that shows all the units and restrictions such as ATV units allowed or not allowed, hope this info helps.  I will tell you to at least give it a try for more then one species and get your moneys worth that way!!!

Bob,you have a blue fox.Our camp fox makes the same noise every night and morning.Sounds like a doe snort but louder,usually 4-5 "barks".She will wake the dead some nights,territorial call or something.

Welcome Seth,

I just got back from there.  I drove up sat afternoon and left sat night.  There was no one else there the entire time I was there, at least not on the north side near monksville.  I saw a lot of good signs but no animals except one turkey.  I did run into a near by resident who told me of some activity near the bois d arc creek, and off of 2415 just north of the camp areas there.  But on the down side of that the local said that opening weekend is not the best time to go because a lot of people go down there and party and make a bunch of noise.  So good luck and just curious as to why you aren't trying the public areas around you.  Hope this helps some.

Just got back from a hunt in Ontario. I had asked earlier for suggestions on whether to use a compound or traditional. My decision was made easy for me.I got a 200lb bear on the last day but had to use a rifle. The outfitter had an awesome fishing camp and staff but we felt as if we were on a hunt of convenience. Meaning, that if our hunt was convenient for them while they were getting camp ready for winter lock down. I saw a small bear on the first day and not another one until 1:00pm on the last day. I wanted to get one with my bow but they were very limited on their bow stands. So as to not to have to eat a tag I went to a bait that only had a rifle stand set up. Yeah, I got my bear but not with a bow. Just another way to make lemonade out of lemons.

One thing that Tim didn't mention in the scent game is a good pair of boots...make sure that what you buy will not hold scent.  We're just about paranoid on that account...we hunt close-in too, and more than once when we've tried to take scent short cuts I've seen bucks refuse to cross my trail as long as 3-4 hours after I've walked it.  

We will spray our boots down with ordor elimination spray, keep them in a plastic bag, and not put them on until we're sufficiently away from our vehicle, camp, or whatever.  Even then, one of the first things we'll do when we put them on, depending on where we hunt, will be to either put more spray on the bottoms or find a cow patty to stomp in in, or cedar tree to rub our boot bottoms on...anything to diminish the scent. 

A couple other things: I'd learn that gun of yours inside and out.  Find a brand of ammunition your gun shoots well (try several different bullet weights/mfgrs).  Be sure to shoot at the ranges you plan on hunting  Learn how to clean your gun properly (there are some good videos on this website under the "Gun Talk "Section, here).  Also, be sure to practice at the maximum distance you're willing to shoot so you have a good idea how the bullet will behave.  Second, I'd try to put the best scope on your gun I could afford.  You want something that's reliable and clear, and you don't have to pay an arm and leg to get that.  Last, get some help on tracking and reading deer sign.  In public hunting areas that skill is critical. 

I really figured at least one person would take me up on this, make a little money for doing nothing.

I dont do drugs, or drink to much, I clean up more than I bring in.
and I can pay $20-$50 night for a nice shaddy spot

I dont even have to have a camp fire I can just use my gas grill on the camper to cook. and if it works out for you I could even let others know. think you could make $200/400 month just on leting others rent a privet spot for the weekend

Carl @ Gohouston.net

I agree Frank, our lease runs at $2,000.00 each there are 10 of us including my Dad. We hunt for the meat and antlers, BUT the main reason for all of us is the ability to get away from the city, have a cold one at camp and just set back, unwind and enjoy the outdoors.