Texas Hunting Goes “Big Time”
Saturday, August 11th, 2007Guess what I got in the mail today? The hunter’s version of a “Wanka Bar” gift certificate. All I have to do is redeem it and I could win some of Texas hunting’s crown jewels. My letter from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department outlined the details for this year’s Big Time Texas Hunts. At $10 apiece, they are the opportunity to experience the “hunt of a lifetime” for those who win.
Last year, over 78,000 hunters took at shot at the prizes. The big prize, The Grand Slam, offers hunting opportunities for Desert Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer and Pronghorn Antelope. Other hunts include Exotics, Bird Hunting, Waterfowl and Gator hunts.
In 2007, the state grossed nearly $800,000 and spent about $422,000 to provide the hunts. The Grand Slam sold 18,771 chances, the Whitetail Bonanza sold 19,565, a few others just under 10,000 with Texas Gator Hunt at the bottom with 3,381 chances sold. The value of the Texas Grand Slam could easily pass $60,000 and all of the trips include guides lodging and meals.
The hunts go on sale with hunting and fishing licenses on August 15th and you can buy as many chances as you like. Its not a bad idea to just round off your combo license purchase with a few of these. You never know!
