Texas Panhandle Waterfowl & Sandhill Crane Hunt
Private Trip
Active hunting
Guided waterfowl and Sandhill crane hunting on private Texas landTwoday minimum hunts for groups of 212 huntersPeak season opportunities from October through January
There's something special about waterfowl hunting in the Texas Panhandle that keeps serious hunters coming back year after year. David Morris Outfitters has dialed in this experience to focus on what really matters – putting you in the right spot at the right time when the birds are moving. This isn't your typical duck blind setup where you're hoping something flies by. We're talking about a hands-on guided hunt where daily scouting drives every decision, from blind placement to timing your morning departure.
This hunt operates on a 2-day minimum because that's what it takes to really capitalize on bird movement patterns in this region. Groups from 2 to 12 hunters work best for our setup, giving everyone room to work without overcrowding the blinds. Your guide starts each day before dawn, checking wind direction, weather fronts, and where the birds roosted the night before. Meeting times typically fall in those early morning hours when most folks are still in bed, but that's when waterfowl are most active. The private managed land we hunt gives us flexibility to move with the birds rather than being stuck in one location hoping they show up. Weather plays a huge role here – a good cold front pushing through can make all the difference between a slow morning and non-stop action. Your guide monitors conditions constantly and adjusts plans accordingly. Some days we're setting up in flooded fields where cranes are feeding, other days we're positioned along flight paths between roosting and feeding areas. The beauty of this system is adaptability – we go where the birds want to be, not where we think they should be.
The Texas Panhandle terrain gives us distinct advantages for waterfowl hunting that you won't find in other regions. Wide open spaces mean you can spot bird movement from miles away, and the agricultural landscape provides consistent food sources that draw both ducks and cranes. We use a combination of layout blinds in fields and traditional blinds near water, depending on what the scouting reveals each morning. Shot opportunities typically range from 20 to 40 yards, so your gun setup needs to handle both close decoying birds and those passing shots when birds are moving between areas. Bring a reliable semi-auto or over-under that cycles well in cold conditions – morning temperatures can drop significantly during peak season. Steel shot is mandatory for all waterfowl, and we recommend 2¾-inch shells in BB or BBB for cranes, with smaller shot like 2s or 3s for ducks. The key technique here is patience and reading the birds. Cranes are incredibly smart and will circle multiple times before committing to decoys. Your guide will call the shots on when to take birds and when to let them work closer. Calling is handled primarily by your guide who knows the local bird behavior, but don't hesitate to ask questions about technique – most guides love sharing knowledge with hunters who want to improve their skills.
Sandhill Cranes are the crown jewel of this hunt and what sets Texas Panhandle waterfowl hunting apart from anywhere else in the country. These birds are massive – standing nearly four feet tall with wingspans reaching seven feet – and they're incredibly challenging to hunt successfully. Cranes are notorious for their wariness and intelligence, often circling decoy spreads multiple times before deciding whether to commit. What makes them so exciting to hunt is their unpredictability combined with their impressive size. A mature crane can weigh up to 12 pounds, and when one folds at 35 yards, you know you've accomplished something special. Peak crane hunting runs from late November through January when northern birds push down through the flyway. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times when cranes move between roosting areas on water and feeding areas in agricultural fields. They're extremely vocal birds, and their distinctive trumpeting calls can be heard from miles away. The meat is outstanding – often called the "ribeye of the sky" – with a rich, beef-like flavor that's completely different from duck or goose. What really gets hunters excited about cranes is how they work decoys differently than other waterfowl. They'll often land well outside your spread and walk in, or they'll make multiple passes at different altitudes before finally committing. This behavior creates extended opportunities but also tests your patience and shooting skills. The combination of their size, wariness, and unique behavior makes successfully harvesting a sandhill crane one of the most rewarding experiences in waterfowl hunting.
David Morris Outfitters has built a reputation in the Texas Panhandle by focusing on what serious waterfowl hunters want – consistent opportunities at quality birds in prime habitat. The combination of private managed land, daily scouting, and flexible hunt strategies gives you the best shot at filling your tags during peak migration periods. This isn't a budget hunt where corners are cut – it's designed for hunters who understand that quality costs more but delivers results. With season running from October through January, you have multiple opportunities to time your hunt with weather patterns and bird movements. The 2-day minimum ensures you get a real feel for the hunting and aren't at the mercy of one bad weather day. Groups of serious hunters who want to focus on the hunting without distractions will find exactly what they're looking for here. Make sure you have your Texas hunting license and required permits sorted out before arrival – there's nothing worse than missing hunting time dealing with paperwork. The cold-weather gear requirement isn't optional either – Texas Panhandle mornings can be brutal, and staying warm directly impacts your hunting success. This hunt books up during prime dates, especially when weather patterns look favorable for good bird movement. If you're ready for a top-rated waterfowl experience that focuses on sandhill cranes in some of the best habitat in the country, reach out to David Morris Outfitters and get your dates locked in before someone else takes your spot.
Sandhill Cranes are impressive birds standing 3-4 feet tall with 6-foot wingspans that create quite a sight coming into the decoys. These big grays prefer shallow flooded fields and playa lakes throughout the Panhandle, feeding on waste grain and invertebrates. October through January brings massive migrations through our area, with peak numbers usually hitting mid-December when cold fronts push birds south. What makes crane hunting special is the challenge - they're smart, wary birds with sharp eyes that can spot trouble from way out. When you do connect, you've got excellent table fare that tastes more like beef than poultry. The key is staying still and letting them work the spread naturally. These birds talk constantly, so learn their calls and don't be afraid to work them vocally as they circle.
Lake Fork