Best Places to Hunt in Texas for Landowners
Texas has become a hunting destination that draws people from across the country. The state holds around 4 million whitetail deer alone, plus all kinds of exotic species, long hunting seasons, and you rarely deal with crowded public land since most hunting happens on private property. When you own land in Texas, you control your hunting experience completely. Skip the hassle of competing for public land spots or hoping your name gets drawn for limited tags.
HRC Ranch helps buyers find Texas hunting ranches for sale in some of the top hunting areas. These regions offer different terrain, game species, and price points so you can find land that matches your hunting goals and budget.
1. South Texas Brush Country
South Texas produces more trophy whitetail than anywhere else in the state. The dense mesquite and thorny brush creates perfect cover for deer to reach maturity, and the sandy soil grows big-bodied bucks with impressive antlers. You will also find good populations of feral hogs, javelina, and Rio Grande turkey throughout the region.
This thick brush country works well for both low-fence and high-fence hunting operations. Many serious land buyers target this area because it combines excellent hunting with strong long-term investment potential. Land prices run higher than remote areas but the hunting quality and appreciation potential make it worthwhile for many buyers.
2. Texas Hill Country
The Hill Country offers some of the most diverse hunting in Texas. Whitetail deer are abundant, but you will also find free-ranging exotic species like axis deer, blackbuck antelope, and various sheep and rams. The rolling terrain covered in live oaks provides perfect habitat for mixed-game hunting.
This region is popular for people wanting both great hunting and a place to build a weekend retreat or retirement home. Properties tend to be smaller than in other parts of Texas, but the scenic value and proximity to cities like Austin and San Antonio keep demand strong. Many small-to-medium hunting ranches come available throughout the Hill Country.
3. San Angelo Area
San Angelo offers a good balance of hunting quality and affordable land prices. The mix of open pasture and mesquite-covered ridges supports healthy populations of whitetail, hogs, turkey, dove, and quail. This area works well for first-time rural buyers who want decent hunting without paying Hill Country prices.
The terrain is less dramatic than the Hill Country but still provides good hunting opportunities. Access to amenities and hunting supply stores makes this region practical for people who want to hunt regularly without being too remote from town.
4. Menard County
Menard County combines good hunting with some of the prettiest scenery in Texas. The rocky hills and flowing creeks create perfect habitat for whitetail, turkey, and dove. This area offers a strong mix of hunting and recreational use, making it appealing for families who want land for multiple purposes.
Smaller ranch tracts often come available in Menard County, which works well for private buyers who do not need huge acreage. The scenic value adds to the appeal even when you are not hunting.
5. Coleman County
Coleman County offers excellent value for hunters who also want agricultural income potential. The blend of farm fields and hardwood cover supports good populations of deer, dove, turkey, and quail. This combination use approach appeals to buyers who want their land to help pay for itself.
Land prices stay more reasonable compared to the Hill Country, but the hunting quality remains solid. Many properties offer both cultivated fields and natural habitat, giving you flexibility in how you manage the land.
6. Ingram and Surrounding Areas
The Ingram area has become famous for high-density exotic hunting. Axis deer, fallow deer, blackbuck, and various rams and sheep thrive in this part of the Hill Country. The concentration of exotics makes this region attractive for hunters who want year-round hunting opportunities.
This area works well for weekend ranches or part-time ownership since it sits close enough to San Antonio for regular visits. The exotic populations provide hunting opportunities outside of traditional deer seasons.
7. Lubbock Region
The Lubbock area offers completely different hunting from the rest of Texas. Goose, sandhill crane, whitetail, and mule deer hunting takes place across vast open plains. This region appeals to hunters who prefer long-range shooting and upland bird hunting.
Properties tend to be larger and less expensive per acre than Hill Country land. The hunting lease potential can be strong if you do not plan to live on the property full-time, providing income to help offset ownership costs.
8. Brady
Brady sits in the heart of good hunting country with rolling hills and creek systems that support whitetail, hogs, turkey, and various exotic species. This area appeals to hunters who want the low-fence experience and people seeking a rural lifestyle.
The terrain offers variety from creek bottoms to hilltops, giving you different hunting scenarios on the same property. Many properties around Brady balance recreational hunting with hobby farming opportunities.
9. Eldorado
Eldorado provides access to some of the more unusual hunting in Texas. Aoudad sheep, elk, whitetail, and predator hunting takes place across the West Texas terrain. The open country provides excellent glassing opportunities and long-range rifle hunting.
This region appeals to buyers wanting remote properties or large acreage tracts. Some high-fence game ranches operate nearby, but plenty of opportunities exist for traditional low-fence hunting as well.
10. Quanah
The Quanah area offers outstanding upland bird hunting along with deer and hogs. Quail, turkey, and dove populations remain strong throughout this region of North Texas. The local hunting culture runs deep, and land prices stay reasonable for buyers getting started.
This region provides good entry-level pricing for North Texas properties while still offering quality hunting opportunities. The combination of upland birds and big game gives you variety throughout the hunting season.
11. Chaparral Wildlife Management Area (Public Neighboring Land)
Buying land near the Chaparral Wildlife Management Area gives you access to both private hunting and opportunities for public draw hunts. This South Texas area is known for trophy whitetail and javelina hunting. The state-managed hunts are popular with experienced hunters who know South Texas hunting well.
Properties adjacent to public hunting areas often provide good value since you get the benefits of professional wildlife management nearby. The buffer effect can improve hunting on your private land as well.
Find the Best Hunting Land in Texas
Texas offers many great hunting opportunities, but owning land near these top regions gives you complete control over your hunting experience. You can manage habitat, control pressure, and hunt on your own schedule without depending on leases or outfitters.
If you are looking for land near any of these premier hunting regions, HRC Ranch can help you find a property that fits your goals for hunting, investment, or creating a family legacy. Good hunting land in Texas holds its value well and provides decades of enjoyment for you and future generations.