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Posted: 9/16/2005 9:14:23 AM EST
I live near the sam houston national forest. can i just go out and shoot any where i want or are there specific places?
Link Posted: 9/16/2005 9:57:05 AM EST
[#1]
Link Posted: 9/16/2005 12:00:54 PM EST
[#2]
You may want to call the ranger's office in Huntville to confirm that shooting is not allowed.

I think they used to have a designated range during hunting season, and that may not even be allowed anymore either.

I spent about 3 hours driving around and looking for a good place to shoot this summer.  Once I finally found what I thought was a good place, a bunch of motorcyles came zipping through the woods in what would have been downrange.  Those woods are teaming with poeple, horses, etc even outside of the areas that are posted "no shooting".  I think that I later determined that shooting is not allowed except during hunting season, when I'm sure the woods are even more full of people.

Therefore, I'm resigned to suggest that you just find a local range or a friend with some land.
Link Posted: 9/16/2005 2:09:21 PM EST
[#3]

Quoted:
I live near the sam houston national forest. can i just go out and shoot any where i want or are there specific places?




The SHNF shooting area is now only open IIRC, October through the first of the year "to allow hunters to sight in their rifles."

They closed the site due to people leaving trash and stuff they were shooting.  I call partial BS on this reason because they never posted any rules for the area.

Anyone interested in helping with a campaign to have it reopened all year round?  It can be done.



CMOS
Link Posted: 9/16/2005 9:26:47 PM EST
[#4]
Is this the one near Shelbyville?
Link Posted: 9/17/2005 11:17:33 AM EST
[#5]
The SHNF's New Waverly range was NOT is a trashed shape at the close of the range in January. I took my son up for the last open day and have video showing the range was in good to excellent shape.

I have been target shooting in the SHNF over 20 years and am very disappointed that the U S Forest Service has seen fit to close this public land to us.  I will do anything I can do to assist in trying to get the range back open, whether to the general public or by annual paid permit. I do not object to an annual permit; such is required to hunt in the SHNF.

Other option is to go to anti-hunting groups like PETA and tell them we want to simply target shoot, but the Government wont let us shoot paper - only live animals - so I guess let the killing spree begin. Heck, they might just be on our side for once...  Apparently, if you have a valid hunting license and SHNF hunting permit, you can hunt  legal game and non game animals throughout the season / rear.
Link Posted: 9/17/2005 12:20:12 PM EST
[#6]
it's a shame, that's where my dad taught me to shoot, I've been going up there for over 25 years
Link Posted: 9/17/2005 3:45:37 PM EST
[#7]
i think lobbying would be a great idea.
NFA_Investments, you know that if we tell them that we will only shoot paper, then they will complain about the poor defensless trees that we had murdered. in my opinion, we should all buy permits to hunt, find a safe area, and the all hunt at the same animal downrange.if a ranger asks us we say, " we are hunters with hunting permits. we are currently hunting that ( insert animal in season here) behind the paper. " just my .02
Link Posted: 9/17/2005 9:10:04 PM EST
[#8]
Do we still need permits to hunt Chuvacabra pups in the SHNF?
Link Posted: 9/18/2005 12:48:44 AM EST
[#9]

I'm in
Link Posted: 9/18/2005 1:25:17 PM EST
[#10]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I live near the sam houston national forest. can i just go out and shoot any where i want or are there specific places?




The SHNF shooting area is now only open IIRC, October through the first of the year "to allow hunters to sight in their rifles."

They closed the site due to people leaving trash and stuff they were shooting.  I call partial BS on this reason because they never posted any rules for the area.

Anyone interested in helping with a campaign to have it reopened all year round?  It can be done.



CMOS






sure.... I'm in. although, whatever you do, don't let me do the talking..... I'm profane and have little patience for politicians and "authority" figures.
Link Posted: 9/18/2005 1:25:56 PM EST
[#11]

Quoted:
The SHNF's New Waverly range was NOT is a trashed shape at the close of the range in January. I took my son up for the last open day and have video showing the range was in good to excellent shape.

I have been target shooting in the SHNF over 20 years and am very disappointed that the U S Forest Service has seen fit to close this public land to us.  I will do anything I can do to assist in trying to get the range back open, whether to the general public or by annual paid permit. I do not object to an annual permit; such is required to hunt in the SHNF.

Other option is to go to anti-hunting groups like PETA and tell them we want to simply target shoot, but the Government wont let us shoot paper - only live animals - so I guess let the killing spree begin. Heck, they might just be on our side for once...  Apparently, if you have a valid hunting license and SHNF hunting permit, you can hunt  legal game and non game animals throughout the season / rear.






the US Forest Service has no dick
Link Posted: 9/18/2005 1:52:31 PM EST
[#12]
I thought it was open Sept - January.

Link Posted: 9/19/2005 3:25:09 AM EST
[#13]
Okay, I'm going to begin finding the names of the people in the Forestry Service that made the closure desision - and their superiors.

When I have some info I'll start a new thread.  This will require you guys to write a few letters, make a few calls, - and get at least 3 other friends to do the same.

I'm going to propose that the area be reopened with the rules posted on a highly visable sign (which we *may* offer to fund).

More later.....

CMOS
Link Posted: 9/20/2005 12:31:33 AM EST
[#14]

Quoted:
Okay, I'm going to begin finding the names of the people in the Forestry Service that made the closure desision - and their superiors.

When I have some info I'll start a new thread.  This will require you guys to write a few letters, make a few calls, - and get at least 3 other friends to do the same.

I'm going to propose that the area be reopened with the rules posted on a highly visable sign (which we *may* offer to fund).

More later.....

CMOS




I have also been interested in shooting there. I met a fellow at 'the gun emporium' in conroe that says he shoots there every year. I do not know where the hell you go to shoot there though. I fully support any effort to reopen it if it has  been closed.

Link Posted: 10/4/2005 3:11:55 PM EST
[#15]

Quoted:
Okay, I'm going to begin finding the names of the people in the Forestry Service that made the closure desision - and their superiors.

When I have some info I'll start a new thread.  This will require you guys to write a few letters, make a few calls, - and get at least 3 other friends to do the same.

I'm going to propose that the area be reopened with the rules posted on a highly visable sign (which we *may* offer to fund).

More later.....

CMOS



I somewhat remember when this happenned and was shocked that there was not more opposition to the closure.  I wrote a letter to the man that was responsible for this at the time and got no response.
If I remember correctly the man's name is Glen Donohue.  It's been a while now and am not 100% sure of the name but I am fairly certain that the name was Donohue.  I'm definately not sure of the spelling.
Let me know what you dig up and I will help out if I can.

After thinking about this again the man's name might have been Donaho.  I just am not sure.
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 5:16:28 PM EST
[#16]
You guys should check out Michael Bane's Blog.  Michael is a great gun guy who happens to be the host of the shooting TV show "Shooting Gallery".  He has written in his blog lately about a similar situation with the park/forest service near his home in Colorado.  At last count I think he had them on the run trying to cover up what they did in closing the range.  Check through the blog archives (all of it good gun stuff) to see the details, and maybe drop him a line for advice.
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 5:57:38 PM EST
[#17]
While I may never get to the SHNF to hunt/shoot I will help.
Here just north of Fort Worth we have the LBJ National Grasslands. 20,000+ acres that is " limited to shotguns, muzzleloaders and archery." No centerfire rifle or pistol, no rimfire. When I was young we used to go out there all the time to hunt/shoot. The Caddo National Grasslands, 17,000+ acres, is even more restrictive.
I really chaps my ass that I can't take my kid out to shoot a .22, and can only hunt from November 1 through February 28. National parks should be open to recreation by anyone, not just a few that hike, ride horses, etc.
We do need a movement here in Texas. We have so little public land that any that is restricted really hurts.
I'm in.
Jim
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 7:00:52 PM EST
[#18]

Quoted:
The SHNF's New Waverly range was NOT is a trashed shape at the close of the range in January. I took my son up for the last open day and have video showing the range was in good to excellent shape.


I was there as well on the last day it was open.  A park ranger showed up and was talking to us about all the work they were going to have to do to clean up "this mess".  There were a couple mounds of what used to be computer monitors and a couple small propane tanks, but not a whole lot of stuff sitting out there.
Link Posted: 10/5/2005 12:09:25 PM EST
[#19]
  Ill put my 2 cents in. Ive shot in the SHNF before and Im sure its the same spot. There was alot of trash about, old fridge,propane tanks you name it. The next time I went different trash. It seems Bubba is to fuckin cheap to pay the dump fee so he just goes anywhere to dump his shit off. I cant blame the forest Rangers. I looked at Texas Vet propertys before and the same shit,A Dump!! I love  texas but we sure have alot of ignorant fat fuck'in backass Bubas down here in S.E Texas.
Rant off:
Link Posted: 10/5/2005 6:16:03 PM EST
[#20]
We must act now!!!!!!!!!!!!

We need this open for the 3rd annual New Years Eve Full Auto Blow out.
Link Posted: 10/7/2005 7:35:18 AM EST
[#21]
wow, you can hunt in the SHNF?  Where do I go apply for a license?  and when does hunting season begin?

thanks.
Link Posted: 10/7/2005 8:31:27 AM EST
[#22]
Mark,

You can hunt.  We're talking about the part that USED to be dedicated to plinking.  

CMOS
Link Posted: 10/7/2005 9:46:16 AM EST
[#23]

Quoted:
Mark,

You can hunt.  We're talking about the part that USED to be dedicated to plinking.  

CMOS



thanks, I just was never sure what guide lines you had to follow to hunt out there, especially since there would be a lot of other hunters at the same time.

The few times I went to the plinking range I enjoyed it.  I hope we're allowed to start going back some time soon.

-mark
Link Posted: 10/10/2005 12:18:22 PM EST
[#24]
So again what is required there to hunt?  And what are the rules about where to go to hunt when you get there?
Link Posted: 10/10/2005 12:24:04 PM EST
[#25]
Link Posted: 10/10/2005 12:47:36 PM EST
[#26]

Quoted:

Quoted:
So again what is required there to hunt?  And what are the rules about where to go to hunt when you get there?



During deer season you must camp in the designating hunting camps in order to hunt there.

If you're just day hunting you can pretty much go on in.

There are deer there, and by a few days into the season they're pretty freaked out.




Where is the best place to, to park and then be close to your truck so you don't have to haul back a big ass buck.

I'll have to admit, I went hunting with my grandfather when I was between 9 and 13, I don't remember much, and I know nothing about how to clean the dear.  Would I be in over my head?

btw, when does deer hunting season start?
Link Posted: 10/10/2005 3:15:21 PM EST
[#27]
MM,
SHNF is big, so there is no 'best place.'  You also do not have to worry about shooting a 'big ass' buck.
 
Sounds like you need some help, or you will be in over your head.  There is a hunting license and a public hunting permit to purchase.  There will be rules and regulations for Texas, and special rules for NF lands.  If possible I would (based on your posts) find an experienced friend to hunt with.

Bow season is October.  Gun season is Nov-Dec, with bits and pieces of Texas extending into later/other times.  

My own experience in SHNF is disappointing.  I drove toward what looked like a public landfill, only to find out that it was trash left by "hunters" from opening day at a designated campsite.  I was there mid-week, but still saw many others decked out in blaze orange.  Also, although it says 'National Forest' it is festooned with roads, trailers, and houses.  Be very sure of your location and what lies beyond.  

The best hunting I have had on public land in Texas is during bow season, because there were so few others in the woods/swamps.  I would not recommend early November, due to the crowded conditions.  Wait for bad weather and hunt in the rain.  If it drops below freezing there will not be many others hunting, relatively speaking.  Black powder also has some separate seasons which might help thin out the hunters.

Your best bet for quality public hunting is to pay $$$ to get in on the drawings.  Anywhere in Texas (mostly west of IH-35) that is public land and has good hunting has been put into the pay/drawing category.  If you purchase an Annual Public Hunting Permit you will get a booklet with the info.  

You might also look at feral hogs in the eastern forests outside of deer season.  Or make friends with someone who owns land...  
Link Posted: 10/10/2005 5:20:56 PM EST
[#28]
From www.fs.fed.us/r8/texas/recreation/sam_houston/hunting_on_samhouston.shtml


SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL FOREST WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
Annual Public Hunting Lands Permit: $40.00. Anyone possessing a centerfire firearm, a shotgun with shot larger than #2 steel and #4 lead or a muzzleloading firearm or bow and arrow with broadhead hunting point.  Limited Public Use Permit: $10.00. Is determined by the caliber of gun which is anything smaller than centerfire or having shots smaller than #2 teel or #4 lead.

No Buckshot Allowed.

Permits may be obtained at:

County Line Grocery in Maynard
Nixon's Superette in Punkin
Clint's Supermarket in New Waverly
Conroe, Cleveland, Huntsville and Livingston Wal-Mart Stores
Must be 17 years old or older or accompanied by an authorized adult.

Only need a permit if you are hunting.

It is an offense for a person to be under the influence of alcohol or to consume alcoholic beverages while engaged in hunting activities, or to publicly consume or display an alcoholic beverage while on public hunting lands.

Requirements for wearing hunter orange have been revised to require that all persons within the hunt area at a time when hunting with firearms is permitted, must visibly wear a minimum of 400 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange material with orange headwear and 144 square inches appearing on both chest and back, except for:

· Persons hunting furbearing or predatory animals at night

· Persons hunting migratory birds

· Persons hunting eastern wild turkey

It is an offense to camp or construct an open fire except in a designated campsite during deer (archery or firearm) season.

It is an offense to operate an ATV anywhere other than on designated ATV trails.

It is unlawful to harass anyone lawfully engaged in hunting.

It is an offense to bait any wildlife on public hunting lands.

The discharge of a firearm for target shooting in other than a designated target practice area is an offense.

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