Top Hunting Places in Plano, Texas
Texas is a hunter’s paradise, and Plano, Texas, though known for its suburban charm, serves as a strategic launchpad into some of the best hunting destinations in North Texas. Whether you're seeking white-tailed deer, wild hogs, dove, turkey, or exotic game, the regions surrounding Plano offer diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. In this comprehensive guide, we highlight the top hunting spots near Plano, ensuring your next hunting trip is both rewarding and memorable.
Best Public Hunting Lands Near Plano, Texas
Caddo National Grasslands (Ladonia and Bois d’Arc Units)
Located just under two hours northeast of Plano, Caddo National Grasslands are a hidden gem for deer, squirrel, rabbit, dove, and feral hog hunting. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this public land allows walk-in hunting and offers over 17,000 acres of prime habitat.
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Hunting Types: Archery and firearms (seasonal restrictions apply)
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Wildlife: White-tailed deer, feral hogs, doves, squirrels
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Permit: Texas Public Hunting Permit required
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Lake Ray Roberts Wildlife Management Area
Only an hour’s drive from Plano, this WMA offers 11,000 acres across Cooke, Denton, and Grayson counties. It’s a favored location for bowhunters, especially during white-tailed deer and feral hog seasons.
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Hunting Types: Archery-only for deer
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Wildlife: Feral hogs, deer, dove, rabbit, waterfowl
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Bonus: Access to waterfowl blinds near wetlands
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
Located in Sherman, just over an hour from Plano, Hagerman NWR allows seasonal deer hunting via lottery draw and is a birdwatcher’s paradise during the off-season. It’s ideal for controlled hunts in a well-managed environment.
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Hunting Types: Archery-only, permit-based
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Focus: White-tailed deer and feral hogs
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Access: Limited by draw hunts, ensuring low-pressure hunting
Top Private Ranches for Hunting Near Plano
Triple A Ranch – Whitewright, TX
A short drive from Plano, Triple A Ranch offers guided deer, dove, and hog hunts in a well-managed, high-fenced environment. This is a great option for family-friendly trips or corporate hunting experiences.
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Hunting Types: Rifle and archery
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Specialties: Trophy whitetail, axis deer, dove
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Lodging: On-site cabins with meal options
Rafter F Hunts – Celina, TX
Just 30 minutes from Plano, Rafter F Hunts provides semi-guided hunts for deer and hogs on their family-owned ranch. Known for their affordability and flexibility, this ranch isperfect for beginners and experienced hunters alike.
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Hunting Types: Stand hunting, spot and stalk
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Target Game: Feral hogs, whitetail deer
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Pricing: Competitive daily and weekend rates
Prairie’s End Hunt Club – Gainesville, TX
Located about an hour from Plano, Prairie’s End offers a first-class upland bird hunting experience. With fully guided pheasant and quail hunts, dog handlers and field transportation, it’s the top destination for upland game lovers.
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Game: Pheasant, chukar, quail
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Features: European-style driven hunts available
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Extras: Corporate packages and youth hunts
What to Hunt Around Plano: A Seasonal Breakdown
Spring Hunts
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Rio Grande Turkey: Peak in March and April
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Feral Hogs: Year-round, but spring green-up provides great cover for stalking
- Predators: Coyotes and bobcats are active during the off-season
Fall Hunts
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White-tailed Deer: Archery starts in October, general season in November
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Dove: Early September brings thousands of mourning and white-winged doves
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Teal and Ducks: Early teal in September, full duck season later in fall
Winter Hunts
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Feral Hogs: Cooler temperatures offer ideal conditions
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Waterfowl: North Texas wetlands host mallards, pintails, gadwalls, and more
Regulations and Licensing in Texas
Before you head out, ensure you're compliant with Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations:
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Hunter Education: Required for anyone born after Sept. 2, 1971
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License Types: Resident, non-resident, youth, senior, combo licenses available
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Permits: Some areas require additional permits such as the Annual Public Hunting Permit (APH)
Helpful Tip: Download the Texas Outdoor Annual app for the latest hunting seasons, bag limits, and regulations.
Best Gear and Rifle Cases for North Texas Hunting
When hunting near Plano, tactical mobility and weather resistance are key. We recommend:
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Soft rifle cases for quick access and vehicle storage
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Rain gear and layered clothing for unpredictable North Texas conditions
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Binoculars and range finders for open grassland or spot-and-stalk hunts
Bring a cooler for game retrieval and a GPS device when navigating remote public lands.
Family-Friendly and Youth Hunts Near Plano
Several organizations promote safe and educational hunting experiences for younger Texans:
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Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP): Offers guided youth hunts for deer, turkey, and more
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LLELA (Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area): Hosts limited public hunts and environmental education
These programs are ideal for introducing kids to the outdoors in a safe, mentored environment.
Tips for Planning Your Hunting Trip Near Plano
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Scout early – especially for public lands like Caddo or Ray Roberts.
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Book in advance – Private ranches fill up fast during deer and dove season.
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Practice your shot – Plano has several top-tier ranges like Elm Fork Shooting Sports for pre-hunt tune-ups.
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Check local weather – Texas weather changes quickly. Dress accordingly.
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Pack light but smart—only take what you’ll use, but include essentials like headlamps, spare batteries, and a first-aid kit.
Conclusion: Plano Is Your Gateway to Prime North Texas Hunting
Plano’s location puts you within reach of top hunting destinations across North Texas—from sprawling public lands to exclusive private ranches. Whether you’re chasing your first buck or bagging your limit of dove, North Texas hunting near Plano delivers adventure, variety, and unmatched outdoor experiences.
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