Top Hunting Places in Grand Prairie, Texas

April 30, 2025

Grand Prairie, Texas, nestled between Dallas and Fort Worth, offers a strategic and scenic location for hunters of all skill levels. Whether you're tracking white-tailed deer, aiming for migratory birds, or exploring exotic game opportunities, Grand Prairie's surrounding regions are teeming with accessible public lands and prestigious private ranches. Here's a comprehensive guide to the top hunting spots near Grand Prairie that should be on every hunter’s radar.

Loyd Park – A Hidden Gem for Archery Enthusiasts

Located on the western shore of Joe Pool Lake, Loyd Park is a haven for bowhunters. This area is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex but offers a surprisingly wild hunting experience. Known for its dense woodland and rich white-tailed deer population, the park allows archery-only hunting, preserving the tranquility of the natural habitat.

Game Available: White-tailed deer, hogs, small game
Best Season: Fall Deer season
Permits: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) permits required
Tip: Arrive early to scout the terrain—visibility is often limited by thick brush

Trinity River Greenbelt – Prime Spot for Hog Hunting

Just a short drive east of Grand Prairie, the Trinity River corridor provides hunters with fertile lowlands, and swampy woodlands. This area is notorious for its feral hog infestations, making it an ideal destination for year-round hog hunting.

Game Available: Feral hogs, raccoons, squirrels, and waterfowl
Access: Public land access via the TPWD public hunting program
Strategy: Use bait or set up near water sources during hot months
Highlight: Night hunting is permitted in certain sections with proper licensing

Cedar Hill State Park – Family-Friendly Wildlife Opportunities

A picturesque hunting ground, Cedar Hill State Park sits just 10 miles from Grand Prairie. While not as rugged as some of the wilder options, this park is excellent for beginner hunters and families looking for a more controlled environment.

Game Available: Doves, squirrels, rabbits
Season: Limited draw hunts for deer and turkey
Permits: TPWD limited draw hunt system participation required
Bonus: Great for combining a weekend getaway with a hunt

Elm Fork Shooting Sports Range – Tune Your Skills Before Hunt

Before heading into the field, many hunters choose to sharpen their shooting accuracy at the Elm Fork Shooting Sports Range in nearby Dallas. This range offers rifle, pistol, shotgun, and archery facilities.

Features: Sporting clays, skeet, trap, and 100-yard rifle ranges
Why Go: Practice ethically and improve hit rates for hunts
Nearby Game Ranches: Great option to prep before heading to high-fence ranches

Ray Roberts Lake State Park – Deer and Waterfowl Haven

Roughly an hour north of Grand Prairie, Ray Roberts Lake offers large parcels of public hunting land managed by the TPWD. It's a top destination for deer, duck, and dove hunters seeking scenic backdrops and open space.

Units: Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch Units
Game: Deer (archery only), ducks, doves, feral hogs
Hunting Tips: Scout during pre-season; wetlands flood early, attracting ducks
Permits: Annual Public Hunting Permit (APH) required

Private Ranches Around Grand Prairie – Where Luxury Meets Trophy Game

For those seeking trophy bucks or exotic species, the numerous private hunting ranches within 100 miles of Grand Prairie offer curated hunting experiences. These operations often provide lodging, meals, guides, and guaranteed game sightings.

Popular Ranches Include:

Squaw Mountain Ranch: Exotics, guided hunts, high success rates
Stone Creek Ranch: Premium whitetail deer packages
Red River Exotics: A wide variety of species from across the globe
Species: Axis deer, blackbuck, fallow deer, elk
Note: Pricing varies significantly—call ahead for day rates or package deals

Seasonal Hunting Events and Expos Near Grand Prairie

The Texas Trophy Hunters Extravaganza, frequently hosted in nearby cities, and smaller local hunting expos often set up in Grand Prairie's event venues. These are great opportunities to:

Meet outfitters and ranch owners
Demo new gear and technology
Attend workshops on tracking, scent control, and bowhunting

Licensing and Regulations – How to Stay Legal in Texas

Whether you're hunting public or private land, Texas law requires you to carry the proper licenses and adhere to game-specific regulations. Most locations around Grand Prairie require:

Hunting License: Resident or Non-Resident
Hunter Education Certificate: Mandatory for anyone born after Sept 1, 1971
Stamps: Upland Game Bird, Migratory Game Bird, Archery, and Muzzleloader endorsements depending on the species
Permit Programs: Annual Public Hunting Permit (APH), Limited Draw, or Landowner-signed forms

Stay updated via the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to ensure compliance.

Tips for a Successful Hunt Near Grand Prairie

To make the most of your hunting experience in and around Grand Prairie, consider the following:

Scout Ahead: Whether it's public land or a ranch, early season scouting gives a massive edge
Camouflage Smart: Match your camo to the environment—dense brush, open fields, or marshlands
Scent Control: Especially critical in whitetail country—use sprays and wash gear
Weather Watch: Cold fronts increase movement; plan hunts around temperature shifts
Local Intel: Talk to local hunters or bait shop owners for up-to-date game movement info

Final Thoughts: Why Grand Prairie is a Top Hunting Base

With its strategic location, rich biodiversity, and easy access to both public lands and elite private ranches, Grand Prairie stands out as one of North Texas’s best hunting bases. Whether you're bowhunting deer at Loyd Park, calling ducks at Ray Roberts, or chasing hogs along the Trinity, there’s something here for every type of hunter.

Plan smart, hunt ethically, and you’ll find Grand Prairie to be a hunter’s paradise.

Back to blog