TPWD to abolish rifle season in some north texas counties?

[Bossbowman]

Saw this on another site, I too believe there is a good possibility of this occuring, and I would have no problem with it.

"I have a feeling, that with our rapidly growing population in all of the counties along and east of the I-35 corridor, we are going to see more counties either go to archery only, or close the season all together. I think we will see it within the next 5 years in counties such as Tarrant, Parker, Wise, Denton, Cooke, and Johnson. Grayson county already is archery only. This is just an observation on my part."

Don't be surprised if this happens in the next few years, states up north like ohio, wisconsin etc. only have a 5-7 day rifle season, yet their archery seasons can be 3 to 4 months long. Texas has one of the longest (maybe the longest) rifle seasons in the united states. From what I've been hearing the antler restrictions (which I totally support) are just the tip of the ice berg.

[tinman]

I have said for many years that this would be a great thing for both the landowners and the deer herd in this area. The "North Texas Bowzone" threads on TBH used to ruffle a few feathers but in all honesty it makes good sense for the areas listed and more of Northeast Texas.

Some areas would benefit due to the human population explosion as DFW sprawls. In other areas of NE Texas where deer populations are low, the deer herd would benefit greatly from the decreased hunting pressure...and it might give them some relief from near constant poaching in parts of this region.

The deer herd would definitely benefit and thus landowners could work together (since most properties are less than 500 acres by themselves) to form a co-op situation that would allow them to create a niche' market for bowhunters from around the world to hunt in the Texas Bowzone.

The publicland opportunities should also improve and make that APH permit more attractive as well.

I see few 'cons' to such a plan...but then I'm not a rifle hunter from NE Texas, I'm a bowhunter from NE Texas. :wink:

Could you post alink to the site where you found this info, thanks.

[Bossbowman]

http://www.hunterslounge.net/viewtopic.php?t=544