Top Hunting Places in Arlington, Texas

The city of Arlington, Texas may be famous for its sports stadiums and amusement parks, but it also offers an exceptional gateway to some of the best hunting destinations in North Texas. Whether you're an avid whitetail hunter, a duck-blind regular, or a newcomer seeking prime game lands, Arlington sits at the center of a rich ecosystem that caters to every type of hunter.

Hunting in Arlington, Texas – What Makes It Special

Situated between Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington provides quick access to an array of diverse hunting environments, from bottomland hardwoods to open prairie, and managed wildlife areas. The region benefits from regulated public lands, well-maintained private leases, and an abundance of wildlife, making it a haven for hunters across all skill levels.

Best Seasons and Game Animals in the Arlington Region

Arlington hunters can enjoy a wide range of game across seasons:

• White-tailed Deer (Fall & Winter)
  
• Dove (Early Fall)
  
• Wild Turkey (Spring)
  
• Waterfowl (Late Fall to Early Winter)
  
• Feral Hogs (Year-round)
  
• Rabbit & Squirrel (Fall & Winter)
  

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) provides annual updates on hunting regulations, which ensures wildlife sustainability and a healthy game population.

Top Public Hunting Lands Near Arlington

1. LBJ National Grasslands (Wise County)

Located just over an hour from Arlington, the LBJ National Grasslands offer 20,000+ acres of public land open to hunting. This terrain features rolling hills, grass fields, creeks, and hardwood pockets.

• Popular Game: Deer, turkey, dove, waterfowl, rabbits
  
• Permit: No special permit required for most game; consult TPWD for waterfowl or turkey permits
  

2. Ray Roberts Lake Wildlife Management Area (Pilot Point)

Roughly 90 minutes north, this WMA offers ideal conditions for migratory bird hunting, including ducks and geese.

• Popular Game: Waterfowl, dove, feral hogs
  
• Terrain: Wetlands, shorelines, dense thickets
  
• Access: Annual Public Hunting Permit required

Private Hunting Ranches Near Arlington

1. Cinnamon Creek Ranch (Roanoke, TX)

A short drive from Arlington, Cinnamon Creek Ranch caters to bowhunters and rifle shooters alike. It offers:

• Guided hunts
  
• Archery ranges
  
• Exotic game packages
  

2. Triple D Ranches (Cleburne, TX)

This family-owned hunting ranch about 45 minutes from Arlington offers trophy whitetail hunts, turkey hunts, and year-round hog hunting.

• High-fence and free-range options
  
• Lodging available for overnight hunts
  

3. DB Hunting Ranch (Near Austin, TX)

While slightly farther (approx. 2.5 hours), it’s a top destination for exotic game including blackbuck, axis deer, and fallow deer. You can book both guided and semi-guided hunts.

Feral Hog Hunting Opportunities

Texas is overrun with feral hogs and Arlington’s proximity to hog-dense counties makes it a hotspot for this invasive game.

• Night vision & thermal hog hunts are available with outfitters in Johnson, Parker, and Ellis counties.
  
• Some landowners even offer free or low-cost hunts in exchange for pest control.
  

Dove Hunting Near Arlington: Quick Day Trips

Sunflower Fields of Ennis, TX

Ennis is about 45 minutes south and home to vast sunflower plots that attract droves of dove.

• Season: Early September through October
  
• Gear Tip: Bring camo blinds and lots of shells—as fast-paced shooting is common
  

Venus Dove Leases

Just 30 minutes south, Venus offers seasonal day leases with great bang for your buck. Hunters often report bagging their limit in under two hours.

Best Outfitters and Guides in the Arlington Area

1. Red River Hog Hunts

Offers fully guided thermal scope hog hunts using AR-15s. Perfect for groups and corporate outings.

2. Texas Elite Outfitters

Specializes in whitetail and turkey hunts, offering weekend packages, meals and lodging.

3. Buck & Bass Ranch

Located southwest of Arlington, this guide service offers spot-and-stalk hog hunts, fishing combos, and exotic game tracking.

Regulations and Licensing

Before setting out, every hunter in the Arlington area must:

• Purchase a Texas hunting license
  
• Take a Hunter Education Course (for those born after Sept 2, 1971)
  
• Obtain specific permits for WMAs or special game like turkey and migratory birds
  

Licenses and stamps can be purchased directly through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Hunting Gear & Supply Stores in Arlington

1. Cabela’s – Fort Worth

A massive selection of rifles, ammo, optics, scent blockers and camo gear.

2. Academy Sports + Outdoors – Arlington

Great for last-minute buys and budget-friendly hunting accessories.

3. Texas Gun Experience – Grapevine

Offers firearm rentals, range testing, and even classes for beginning hunters.

Pro Tips for Hunting Around Arlington

• Scout early: Use Google Earth and TPWD maps to locate food sources and game trails.
  
• Go weekday hunting to avoid weekend crowds on public land.
  
• Always check wind direction for deer and hogs—scent matters more than camo.
  
• Hydration is critical during dove and early season bow hunts—temps can reach 90°F+.
  
• Use rail cameras on private land