I guess I've been lucky with my experiences hanging in northern MI and WI. I've been both in National Forest and MI state parks with very few other people around. So, I think I'll stay out in the middle of nowhere.
I guess I've been lucky with my experiences hanging in northern MI and WI. I've been both in National Forest and MI state parks with very few other people around. So, I think I'll stay out in the middle of nowhere.
There's probably an app for that....any of it
All that aside. We share this earth with all sorts. Some are great, some are not, and some are just so so. We started carrying a small trash bag with us last spring to gather trash we find....we're mostly in national parks (same problem just spread out more).
As for the state park personnel, they just haven't been educated yet and luckily members here have taken upon themselves to help educate those state parks that need a little help in that area....very diplomatically of course. We've come a long way with state parks in just over a year.
Basically, Texas has no public lands to speak of with the exception of Big Bend, and the patchwork national forests in east texas (100acres NFS next to 50acres private next to 20 acres NFS next to 50 acres private) and a previous poster was correct, don't go during deer season. regulated hunters camps only. Think alcohol gunpowder and a desire to shoot anything that moves.
The Texas State Parks are just that, Parks. With far too many visitors and the needed rules to govern them. Some parks should be shut down for a few years just to have the ground recover from the trampling and compaction.
It really is very difficult to find a place in Texas where you are allowed to just walk around. You know just being there.
Any place that is even remotely considered public is often trashed because the population has so few places to go.
Things got worse this year. Heretofore, restricted camping was only during Gun Deer Season, roughly the first weekend in November or last weekend in October until late December or early January.
This year, as a "convenience" they have decided that it will henceforth be 15 September---two weeks after the opeing of Bow Season---until 1 February, which is the end of Black Powder Season and a month after the end of Gun Season.
I can understand the danger to people moving around in the woods as dawn breaks, or those downrange when a shot is fired and misses its target when high powered center fire rifles are being used, but such dangers simply do not exist during Bow and Black Powder seasons. And they apparently decided that bow hunters are able to identify thier targets between 1 September and the 15th, but there after they become lethally inept.
It makes no sense. The only people this rule is a "convenience" for is the minimum wage bureaucrat who's job it would be to check the same freakin g website I do ti find out when Gun Season opens who now doesn't have to do it because they've closed the trails down 6 weeks prior to the event.
I have reconned over 30 of the Texas State Parks and actually camped in about 18 of them. Each is unique not only in geography but "house rules" and attitude.
Here's some quick thoughts...
"established campground" = rules. Each is a little different and I've not found a single one that would not allow hammocks. Some expect you to be only in the designated camp site, others allow more latitude as to where you hang. Very few look favorably on more than a few paces out of an improved site.
Some, even with primitive sites, require you to be in a designated campsite.
"So how do I know where I can camp and where I can't?" The best answer I can give is to ask. This is not one of those places where forgiveness is easier to get than permission. I've found that when I ask, and in the process explain the LNT techniques you mentioned, that I get a favorable response more often than not.
Unfortunately, Sarge is right WRT the National Forest. When the trails are open, and deer season is over, they are great. You can hike. You can camp off trails and beyond campsites. But when the the woods are full of bullets and beer, the options are less appealing.
The reason we had such a good experience at Fairfield Lake and why we use that for our Texas Fall Hang is that several years of "good neighbors following the park rules" has developed a positive relationship between park officials and hammock hangers and we were able to camp much farther off the official campsite than many places allow.
I share your frustration about the hordes and mess. It is because of folks like those that we see rules limiting the flexibility we desire. The other reality though is it's those hordes that are funding the parks and in a state with very limited public lands, we have to make the best of the options we have available. That's why I try to be polite, follow rules, and educate as I go.
Texas Fall Group Hang 2019
Looking back to last year to reminisce and forward to post Covid-19 hangs in 2021
Texas Hammock Hangers Facebook Group
I've looked into the Wildlife Management Areas, and I guess I should make a post about them soon. I'm not sure of the status of camping during deer season, but I do know that camping is allowed in most of them---although there are no "official" campsites or developed trails.
At present, it seems to be the best alternative to trampled campsites and mismanaged Federal lands.
I think you and I were posting at about the same time, so I didn't see this info.
Seems it's a bit differnt rule where you're at - Where I'm originally from and where I'm currently at now they basically just tell you when you're out during hunting season to "keep your wits about you and wear bright clothing. Don't go running around past the treeline during the early morning hours"
- Especially with a piece of white fur pinned to your bum... (just sayin...)
Sucks to be in your shoes in TX it right now it seems...
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WarriorHike.com
Which is why I like Uwharrie National Forest here in NC.
Dispersed camping is allowed - also fires. The only difference during hunting season is that they ask hikers/campers to wear bright cloths.
There are some restrictions on just where you can camp - like not next to the parking lot or trail head - so for the most part you can wander in and pick your spot.
Chances are if you think its a good camp site somebody did also and you'll find a fire ring of stones right near where you would want to put one.
A bunch of the NC Hangers will be at Yates Place this coming weekend.
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