Wheeler County?

[DennisB]

I've got a lead on some acreage in Wheeler County that I may be able to hunt.  Thing is, besides driving the 5 hours to get there (which I don't mind), I'd like to know what anyone may have to say about the hunting around there... varmints? p-dogs? hogs?
Tnx,

[Dee]

Are you talking about east of Pampa?

[DennisB]

Dee:  Yep--I'm just not sure what part of the county.  The owner of my old lease (in Stephens Co.) bought some acreage in Wheeler County a few years ago that he's yet to see--got it from his sister.  Long story, but he gave me the OK to check it out and hunt it if I wanted...  I'm gonna get the property specifics in the next week or so, but was just curious what may be up there.     

[Dee]

Grass! Lots and lots of grass. Antelope, coyotes, and probably prairie dogs. Any canyons could have some big deer in them, if you have access to the canyons. It's pretty isolated from the rest of the world. Thought about moving there once.

[DennisB]

Dee-  Thanks for that--I think he said it was something like 206 acres--probably not a prime antelope patch unless its on a trail or something.  Long distance 'yotes and Pdogs, now, that could be fun.  I've driven back and forth through Amarillo on I40 many times over the years, so I didn't expect to be hanging a tree stand and sitting in it with a 30-30.   I'll just have to get up there and check it out and let ya know.  Thanks again.

[TXSPIKE]

There are some places in the county between Mobeetie and Wheeler that has a lot of scrub oak brush and some really nice bucks are killed there each year.A tripod stand  or a ground blind might be the way to go.

[DennisB]

UPDATE:  Turns out that this parcel is loaded with whitetails.  A buddy and I just spent 4 days out there and had a ball.  Weather was clear every day and temps ran up to mid-day highs of mid-60s to light frost overnight.  Lots of deer moving about between the windbreaks and winter wheat fields.  Charlie took a nice 7-pointer Sunday evening and I managed to bag a 9-point late Tuesday evening. (See below)  Learned a few things, too, mainly that I have GOT to get a decent range finder.  Those rolling plains can make "guestimating" ranges an iffy deal.  Charlie brought a Yardage Pro.  He took his buck at 202 yards; mine, well, "346" was the last range I remember Charlie calling before taking the shot.  Also, those tent-style ground blinds are great, but the cheap "tent stakes" that come with them are worthless in the sandy soil and winds of the plains.  You really, really need good shooting sticks too--those zipper windows offer no support and I'm glad I picked up a good pair for this trip.

[markc]

Congrats on that buck.  Thats a long shot.  What were you shooting if you don't mind me asking?

[DennisB]

Thanks, Mark.  I was using a pre-64 Model 70 in .270 Win.  Dad bought it in San Antonio in 1949.  I "inherited" it early a few years ago when he became too frail to get out much anymore.  It's sighted in 3" high @ 100 yards with handloaded 130 grain Partitions; I put the crosshairs just at the top of the back and touched the trigger. 

[Mohawk]

 Nice buck, Dennis. And nice shot.