Hunting season is underway. Whether you have a favorite hunting spot, looking for something different or are new to the area, there are free public lands you can gain access to when you follow a few simple steps.

I talked to Aaron Sims, the Game Warden and Public Information Officer for Texas Parks and Wildlife. He was enthusiastic about the public lands that are available right here in Lubbock County for hunters.

Sims said: "The Public Hunting Lands Program is an excellent hunting opportunity for traditional hunters that may want to change it up, but also for non-traditional hunters that may not have hunted at all and want to get out there and see what it's like."

"The Public Hunting Lands Program has been established since 1987 but more so in recent years, specifically in our area, there's more lands available for the public to hunt then ever before," Sims explained.

He said there's an interactive map on the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department website that allows you to pick out where you want to go and what you want to harvest -- whether it's deer, dove or quail.

You need to have your hunting license, "...but also you purchase an additional $48 permit and this allows you to utilize those public hunting lands throughout the entire year for every species that you want to go out there and try to harvest, for just $48 and that's for an entire year, so that's a good deal," Sims told me.

Every land on the map is species specific, he explained. He described the process of the survey box and how helpful it is to Parks and Wildlife.

"There's a survey box that you check in at, and you park at a designated location," Sims said. "You enjoy the hunt and at the end you actually fill out a little survey saying what you saw, how many did you get and you put it in the little box and we use that data to help manage that land better."

He said any legal means or methods can be used to hunt. Archery is definitely one that has been picking up more interest lately.

He said that for any animal, a hunting license is required. Even youths can hunt, and a youth license is only $7.

Youths don't need a fishing license until they turn 17, he explained.

Sims also described some areas that are currently being underutilized as well.

Regarding safety, he said: "There is a blaze orange requirement for certain animals."

He also pointed out the importance of the Hunter Education Course that you need to take.

There is also a Limited Public Use Permit for $12 for the year that allows you to utilize these public lands for wildlife photography, hiking and even camping in some places.

The permits run from September 1st to August 31st -- just like your hunting license.

For more information, there's a free Outdoor Annual App you can download on your phone. You can stop by the Parks and Wildlife office for further information as well.

There are free Outdoor Annual books available at local sporting good stores that sell hunting licenses. Additionally, there is a toll-free number to the Austin office: 1-800-792-1112

Happy Hunting!

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