Just got back from a DIY Panhandle hunt. The birds are there, but in BIG flocks, not small groups. They were somewhat difficult to decoy as gun shy. As normal, if you find the water you will find the birds. I had a hard time locating the Sandhill Cranes. The farmers had really good crop production this year. I have never seen so many pheasants. The grass is extensive and tall. It seems like there was more cotton production this year and less corn.

Thursday - 3 Canadians , 1 Mallard Drake , 3 Pheasant.
Friday - 2 Mallard Drakes , 3 Pheasant.
Saturday - saw 19 Whitetail, 1 stick buck, 1 forky, 1 massive 12 point - decided not to shoot. He was chasing a doe.

I have a 6 year old Yellow Lab and she did fantastic on both waterfowl and pheasant.

You don't need a guide. About 50% of the landowners I contacted gave permission to hunt. It is best to talk to the folks in town to locate the owner(s). I met one gentlemen at an Allsups who looked like a local, and he had phone numbers for all of the land owners of the areas I had scouted - seeking permission to hunt. They all said okay. I think if you can meet them face to face your chances are better, but a friendly phone conversation works too.

Thanks for the info and post.

Did you you get any pics?

You harvested 4 waterfowl your first day, 2 your second... and you say you don't need a guide?? Ummmm huh??

Most of the cranes are usually south of Lubbock on the salt lakes by now. First time all the playas north of Lubbock freeze real good they head that way.

I don't think that guides are any guarantee.

And I got my limit of pheasant each day.

Yes, that is correct. You do not need a guide. I don't have to shoot a limit to enjoy hunting. It is all about the hunt to me, not the kill.

Like I said, I could have killed a super nice buck, but decided to pass.