Any answers would be great.

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!!!

Thanks for the help. Are the areas usually pretty crowded?

You can find all of the public lands listed in the APH handbook that they give you when you buy your public hunting license, and it will have all the info you need. If you haven't gotten it yet you can read it or download it here.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/public/lands/table_contents/media/pwd_bk_w7000_0112a.pdf

Or you can use the online locator map here.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/public/lands/maps/

Hope this helps, and remember that it will take some hard work and scouting to find you a place that isn't too crowded and can produce a good hunt. These places are what they are, public, so a lot of people try to find them. There are good hunts to be had if you put in the effort though.They do get crowded at times during holidays and season openers but most people go to the easy to get to spots. So if you venture off of the beaten path then that would be your best bet to find yourself a nice spot. Best of luck to ya, and good hunting!

Sounds like there a lots of opportunities for different game. I haven't been able to find a good dove hunting area in a few years and I've never been Pheasant or duck hunting. This looks like it could expand the possibilities. So do most people use pop up blinds or climbing stands or are there stands already there?

There are a few places that have duck blinds already built but they were built  by another person at most places so that person will be there to use them most of the time. It is first come, first serve though. There are also places that have drawn blinds for hunters taht are already there, and you draw for your positio that morning, but those aren't very abundant. A lot uf hunters use portable stands, or just make a temporary blind out of brush and stuff. You have to have a permit to build anything permanent and some places don't even allow it. There are a lot of oportunities but there are also a lot of people looking at these, so it takes a lot of work to find yourself a nice spot that most don't know about. Then, after some guys across the way hear you shooting all morning while they aren't, you better bet your butt they will come looking for that spot after your gone. Thats just the way it goes.

I could see that happening. So you pay your Public Hunting Permit fee, then you pay another fee for hunting at each location?

No not usually, once you pay for your public permit, that gives you access to all of the public hunting lands in Texas. I don't know where that $100 per location thing came from. Maybe it is like that at certain places if you camp there but I have never heard of it. I have hunted at many public lakes and lands around Texas and necer had a fee other than my public hunting permit, and a $5-$15 campsite fee. You can also look at Army Corps of Engineers website, they have some public hunting land on lakes and surrounding land that you don't even have to have the public permit for. Some you have to have a corps permit, but they are free, you just have to register so that it doesn't get overcrowded.

That sounds really reasonable. I hunt Bow, Crossbow and Rifle. Do you know if they allow Crossbow at the Archery only places?

I couldn't tell you man, I dont do any bow myself. Wish I could help you out on that one.

That's ok, you have been alot of help. So in your opinion is it something I could do by myself or do people usually go in groups?

I go by myself all of the time. Just be acreful for snakes, and If you are trying to wade into places to duck hunt make sure you know the water levels when you are on your own. It can be tough getting back to the truck with waders full of water and it being 20 degrees outside. Other than that just don't try and do anything to hard when by yourself, use common sense, and be respectful of the land and other hunters. You'll be ok. Best of luck!

You too. Thanks for all the help!!!

Sorry, I forgot to ask, do they have a station to clean the deer, do you do it in camp or do you have to take it home and do it?

Clean it where you shot it or drag it off a ways. It will take some time and effort to get good results on public land. Just remember, it is public. There is no private anything. It can happen somebody comes in and sets up within a hundred yards of you 20 minutes after daylight. Just move on and put in the effort to get away from those type of people.

Each piece of property has its own regulations for weapon usage, atvs, camping, types of game, etc. Be sure you are following the rules for the unit you are hunting. If you bring it in, bring it back out. Leave no evidence anybody was ever there. Work, work and more work is needed to get good on public lands. Yes it can get crowded. It can get very crowded at times. Go early and stay late. Be sure you can use a compass as GPS does not work well under heavy canopies. Keep notes and logs as to what you saw, time, temp, moon phase, conditions such as dry, last burn, food  available, terrain, nearby fauna, trails roads, you get the idea. Most importantly spend as much time in the woods as possible. I have hunted public land for over 30 years and still love it to this day.

GO CLIMB A TREE, TIM

Some good info, Thanks!