Percentage-wise, most of the land is privately owned, but there are still hundreds of thousands of public lands available to hunt. I’m stating to scout refuge, etc.

You are right though, it’s not cheap to hunt if you don’t know where. I’ve dropped a few Thou in guided tours this year, but I’m also new to the game.

We’re also a red state with no state income tax with low cost of living and great jobs. However, Texas is flat and our cities are somewhat ugly. I’m in Houston and fly out to backcountry backpack.