I have been living don in Athens in Henderson County but just go offered a new job in Amarillo. I am a retired navy chief and teach NJROTC and couldn't pass on it. I'm originally from CO so that puts me closer but I have no clue what to expect in the way of hunting and fishing there. I am looking at all the normal sources of info but was wondering if any members can give me some info and tips. I like to take a doe or 2 a year for meat and like to get into some bunnies and birds once in awhile. I was kind of looking at Lake Meredith but finding info on hunting it is a little sparse.

Any info or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Chief

Public draws will be good for you. Antelope around there, deer and aoudad over by Palo Duro and Caprock Canyon. Excellent Sandhill and goose around Lubbock, with reasonable guide prices.

Also expect some wild weather, spring time is dust storm time, also when they happen after a rain you will see mud fly. Don't forget to pack your chap stick.

Network as best you can for a lease or hunting access. Some great places near their but mostly large private spreads.

You will also have access to New Mexico fairly easy. Some great hunting in northern part.

Great base of operations for some good hunting. Meredith is a tough hunt. Better to pay for a good hunt than mess with all the orange vests. Good luck.

Lived out there while attending West Texas A&M University. Wasn't too much in regards to fishing that I found but if you are into hunting birds then you've found the promise land. I never had too much luck around Amarillo but if you head north of Hereford I had no problems getting access to hunt for cranes, geese, ducks, rabbits, songdogs, prairie dogs, ect. One old rancher told me after asking about hunting his property that he charges $10 for every prairie dog I missed lol I probably owe him A LOT of money. Anyway the best luck I had was just networking around with some old timers that live 30 min+ from Amarillo you should be able to find something. As far as Meredith I always heard it was a hard/ crowded hunt for a mule deer so I never tried but I have had friends have success out there with turkeys and whitetail just try to hunt the weekdays. Another thought is try to befriend some local waterfowlers, hunting birds tends to be more of a group experience compared to deer hunting and due to that it's often easier to find people that will let you tag a long. Just like anything else its all about who you know.

You'll think you landed on a different planet compared to Athens. Whole lot of flat going on. Lake Mackenzie is a hidden gem for fishing. Deer leases are hard to come by. Pheasant hunting can be good, and a good way to met other hunters or farmers is to go to one of the big charity pheasant hunts(Kiwana's or Lions Club) put on in the small towns.

Thanks for the replies. When it comes to Lake Meredith I am mostly interested in things like rabbits and birds. I do most my deer hunting down by Comanche these days and if I want a mulie I can always go back to CO to take one. Waterfowl/Cranes also interest me. It will be quite different that the Athens area but I grew up on the prairies of CO so am pretty familiar with hunting and fishing in flatter ground. Getting into some pronghorns would be cool too.

Cheers Y'All