A Local Look at “Right-Size” Land in Robertson and Leon Counties

Deer season is right around the corner, and every year, the same question comes up: How much land do you really need to hunt?

There’s a long-standing myth that you must have at least ten acres to legally hunt in Texas. Not true. The state doesn’t set a minimum acreage requirement for hunting on private land. The real key isn’t how big your place is—it’s how well it’s set up.

In Robertson and Leon Counties, some of the most productive hunting tracts aren’t the massive spreads—they’re those “right-size” properties with the right mix of cover, water, and access. They hunt big without demanding big-ranch maintenance or cost.

What Makes Land “Hunt Big”

• Habitat Variety – Deer love edge. A mix of hardwoods, brush, and open ground creates natural feeding and travel corridors.
• Water Sources – Ponds, creeks, and seasonal draws are magnets for wildlife. Reliable water keeps animals close, especially through dry spells.
• Food Sources – Natural browse is important, but supplemental food plots and feeders turn a good tract into a great one.
• Quiet Access – Internal trails and lanes let you move quietly to blinds and feeders without spooking deer.
• Neighboring Land Use – What’s beyond your fence line matters. Backing up to large ranchland limits hunting pressure and encourages steady movement of wildlife through your property.

Hunting in Robertson and Leon Counties

Robertson and Leon Counties sit in the heart of the Post Oak Savannah—rolling oak woods, creek bottoms, and river valleys that make for prime whitetail habitat. It’s the kind of landscape that produces heavy deer, steady hog populations, and strong turkey numbers year after year.

The town of Normangee, tucked into northern Leon County, even calls itself “The Deerest Place in Texas.” It’s a fitting nickname for a community surrounded by productive hunting land and a long tradition of outdoorsmanship. From Franklin to Flynn, Marquez to Normangee, this region consistently turns out quality deer and loyal hunters season after season.

Robertson County’s combination of bottomland timber and upland pasture gives hunters plenty of variety, while Leon’s hardwood ridges and draws provide natural funnels for deer movement. With smart management and light pressure, even smaller tracts here can produce big results.

Real-World Example: “Right-Size” Hunting Land on FM 1940

The two tracts we just listed south of Franklin off FM 1940 are a perfect example of how smaller acreage can still deliver big-ranch performance. Both back up to a 600+ acre ranch, giving you a natural buffer and steady wildlife traffic across your back fence.

Tract 1 – 19 Acres, Farm to Market 1940, Franklin, TX
Fully hunt-ready. This one includes deer stands, a water meter, a creek bed, a pond, and established trails for quiet, easy access throughout the property.

Tract 2 – 19.66 Acres, Farm to Market 1940, Franklin, TX
A clean slate with freshly cut interior trails, ready for food plots, feeders, or your future cabin site.

Combine them and you’ve got nearly 39 contiguous acres of mixed hardwoods and open ground, paved road frontage, utilities nearby, and a big-ranch backdrop that keeps game moving naturally.

The Bottom Line

A great hunting property isn’t measured by acreage—it’s measured by potential. The right layout, access, and neighboring buffer can make a mid-sized tract hunt like a much larger ranch.

With opening day coming fast, the best “right-size” properties—especially those backed by big ranchland—tend to move quickly. These FM 1940 tracts are ready to go, just in time for the season.

Want a closer look before opening weekend?
Private, guided tours are available now for both tracts—or combine them for the full 39-acre setup.

📞 James Hammond, Realtor
817-525-0851
1825 Realty Group – Keller Williams Brazos Valley
TREC #706375