But I stay out of the woods during shotgun season for deer.

That brings out the real yahoos. Fortunately, it only lasts 2 weeks.

people can use it year-round? Sounds like a good compromise.

but just as the warden warned, some blowholes decided to romp through the woods with their dogs, including one dingbat snowbird with 2 Afghan dogs which shitted mightily on public trails. He of course bitched that he couldn't let his dogs fly-buzz the countryside while hunting-only was clearly posted. Our new "nature-lovers."

public trails should never be closed for the benefit of one specific group! We all know state game agencies depend on tag sales for their salaries... Hunters seem to think that what they call "game" are theirs alone (to kill). The reality is wildlife belongs to all of us and those of us who choose to look for and watch *living* wildlife should have just as much access to these areas (and living, thriving wildlife) as do so-called 'hunters'...

Sam Houston Nat'l Forest & others don't shut down access.

A number of state (TX) management areas and parks do shut down for special hunts (usually draws), but not during the general seasons. These areas and parks are funded through special fees (exceeding the cost of a hunting license), and other taxes on ammo, motorboat fuels, guns, etc. Birders, fishers, mountain bikers, etc. pay no special fees & taxes for using these lands. I think the present system is more than fair for everyone. Where the problem lies is in having too little land for public access. What lands (at the state level) are available for use are funded on the very thin backbone of mainly hunters.

Fortunately, many birders in Texas realize the essential role hunters play, and raise little objection, many buying hunting licenses with no intention of ever hunting.

NOTE: Special Draw Hunts last 3-5 days, and may be scheduled only one to four times a season, which in Texas can run over over 70 days, depending on species.