For me the shortest route is through Dallas and Austin, but only by 50 miles.
I'll be going I55 to I10 and over. Screw Dallas and Austin.
Houston can suck too, around rush hour on I-10. There are bypasses around Dallas & Austin, that are fairly painless. But I'd avoid Arkansas at all costs, especially if there's any snow or ice
If somebody wants to make a rest stop at my bachelor pad in Houston & share a ride to the hunt, they are welcome.
I've made the trip through Houston lots of times, I've only done the Dallas/Austin route once and I didn't like it. I'll stick with the way I know best.
Besides, I get to drive through Louisiana and I love Louisiana.
