ANTE UP

Texas hunters may want to invest a few extra bucks their game this year and get anted up for the Big Time Texas Hunts draw. Some premium hunting trips are up for grabs. Plus, some valuable bonus gifts were added to the menu this year.

BTTH is the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s version of the Texas Lotto. Difference is, you don’t buy chances to win cash.

Instead, you buy chances to win top shelf hunting trips for all sorts of wild game. The trips include guide service, lodging, food, on-site transportation and, in some cases, taxidermy. Some of the packages even allow winners to bring along a buddy or two to join in the experience.

Each chance costs $10 if bought through a license retailer or $9 each if purchased online. Be aware there is a $5 administrative fee for online purchases.

The deadline for entry is Oct. 15. There is no limit on the number of chances that can be bought. Winners will be announced within two weeks.

BTTH is a cash cow that supports Texas’ wide range of public hunting and conservation programs. Currently in its 29th year, the program has raised more than $22.7 million since its inception. The money used in a variety conservation projects including WMA food plots, hog traps, brush control, public hunt camp expansions, hunting blinds and more.

“We are extremely excited to continue offering hunters an affordable chance at once-in-a-lifetime hunting opportunities and raising important wildlife conservation funding at the same time,” said Kevin Mote, TPWD private lands and public hunting program director. “Revenue generated from the sale of BTTH entries provides funding for wildlife habitat work, improves the quality of public hunts and covers the cost of next year’s hunts.”

Around since 1996, BTTH launched with only one hunt — the Texas Grand Slam. It has been growing ever since.

This year’s menu includes hunts in 10 different categories for a variety of game including white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, aoudad, pronghorn antelope exotics, alligator, mule deer, feral hogs, ducks, geese, doves and turkey. Multiple winners are selected in some categories, while others have single winners.

The four bonus gifts to be awarded this year, according to TPWD: * Custom-fitted boots made from the alligator harvested during the Gator Hunt. The boots are valued at $2,000.

* The winner of the Premium Buck Hunt will receive a 6X6 foot portable deer blind, valued at $825.

* Winner of the Big Time Bird Hunt takes $500 of the ammunition of choice.

* Winner of the Trans-Pecos Aoudad Adventure wins a $500 hunting clothes package from Los Cazadores.

Here’s the rundown on BTTH packages on the menu, according to TPWD: * Trans-Pecos Aoudad Adventure: The winner and a non-hunting guest will go after a free-ranging mature ram in the Chihuahuan Desert. The guided, 3 1/2 day hunt includes food and four nights lodging.

* Texas Grand Slam: One winner for four different hunts for big game animals including prized bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, mule deer and pronghorn antelope. Only 2-3 bighorn hunting permits are offered each year on state land. The trip includes food, lodging, taxidermy, guides and allows for a non-hunting guest.

* Big Time Bird Hunt: One winner for three different bird hunting trips. Included are two afternoons dove hunting with up to three hunting companions, goose and duck hunting on the Texas Coast and a spring turkey hunt with one hunting guest allowed.

* Exotic Safari: One winner will hunt gemsbok and scimitar-horned oryx along with one hunting guest. Includes food and lodging at the Mason Mountain WMA lodge, guides and taxidermy. Hunters must use modern rifles that are .270 caliber or larger.

* Gator Hunt: One winner and a guest get the chance to take one trophy alligator and enjoy an early season teal hunting at the J.D. Murphree WMA. Professional guides, gator hide removal and an airboat tour are included. Hunters may use bow and arrow or hook and line.

* Nilgai Antelope Safari: One hunter and a hunting guest will go after a nilgai bull on private land near Raymondville in South Texas. Includes food and lodging for three nights and guides.

* Ultimate Mule Deer Hunt: One winner and a hunting guest will hunt on Yoakam Dunes WMA in the Panhandle. Lodging and meals provided.

* Premium Buck Hunt: One winner and a hunting guest will have the opportunity to hunt mature bucks on the Myers Ranch in West Texas. Include guides, food and on-site transportation.

* Whitetail Bonanza: Five winners and hunting companions will hunt quality bucks on a Texas ranch or the Chaparral or Matador WMA units. Includes food and lodging and guides.

* Wild Hog Adventure: One winner and three hunting guests will hunt feral hogs on a private ranch in southeast Texas. On-site transportation provided.

For more information or to buy chances online, check out tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/btth/.

Matt Williams is a freelance writer based in Nacogdoches. He can be reached by email, mattwillwrite4u@yahoo. com.