Now... I know that Texas ain't all bad. I'm only planning on being there about 14 months so won't really have time to "network" and do the good old boy thing. I know that only about 2% of the land is public. Everything else seems to be priced out of the "working man's" reach. I'm sure there are plenty of folks that will still let you hunt if you just find them and talk to them a bit.
Old Shooter,
I'll definitely find some time to take you up on that offer... I'll PM you in a bit. Thanks!
Old Fart,
Actually, since I am still an OK resident, as long as I'm on leave I don't have to pay for a license. Tags and stamps, yes. Hunting License, no.
Not a big deal either way. Looks like my kid will be going to school in Lawton this fall on an ROTC scholarhip (not definite, she may go to Stillwater). And we have access to a decent amount of land in that area that we can hunt for free. Some of it right down on the Red River. I'd rather not have to drive 7 hours to go hunting but at least I could hunt when we go up. I KNOW my wife will want to go up every other weekend or so for at least the first semester.
WilliamLayton,
Unwad the panties...
Although I wanted to go to Alabama, one of the reasons for the wife and kids to pick Texas is because we haven't lived there before. We lived in Alabama before. I can't wait to see the Hill Country up close. I've only driven through a time or two on the Intersate and there ain't much to see from there. I really want to go over to the Big Bend area too. I really need some seafood or at least some shrimp and crawfish... There ain't much difference between Sooners and Texans... 'bout the same as Michael and Lucifer... and in that order too.
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Rockbilly,
I'm REALLY hoping to get in a bass fishing club of some kind. I don't have a boat but am more than willing to fish "back seat" just for the chance to go. I belonged to a bass club in Montgomery years ago... that was a blast! Maybe Momma will let me buy a boat next year for a retirement present to myself. Ya' don't have to worry about me being a smart aleck to folks. Growing up in Oklahoma I come well equipped for talking farm, ranch, cattle and hunting. Got the Wranglers, Carhartts, Justins and hats too. Drive a Suburban (2), have horses (3), I'll buy an older pickup this fall if I can. I've found in the past that shiny trucks and nice clothes tend to open doors that you have to pay to go through. An older truck, faded jeans and a well broken in set of Justin ropers can open gates for free, especially if a kid is involved. Don't mind a bit of sweat equity to pay for some access either. It's been a while but I can probably still get around in a John Deere. I know how to stretch fence. I can push calves through a squeeze chute too.
Y'all take care, thanks for all the kind words and advice. Actually I can't wait to get there... I haven't been stationed on an AF base since 1999 so it will be interesting to say the least.
NGH