Public Hunting & Fishing
Gene Howe WMA Gives the Public 5,394 Acres to Hunt and Fish
Gene Howe Wildlife Management Area on the Canadian River is one of the few places in the Panhandle where the public can hunt, fish, hike, and camp.
The Gene Howe Wildlife Management Area sits along the Canadian River in Hemphill County and covers 5,394 acres. Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) acquired the first parcels in 1950 and 1951. The land is about two-thirds sand sagebrush/midgrass rangeland and one-third cottonwood river bottom. You can find largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, and bluegill in the water. Upland birds, waterfowl, white-tailed deer, mule deer, Rio Grande turkey, and feral hog are all present.
You need the right permit before you go. A Limited Use permit covers fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. An Annual Public Hunting Permit adds hunting access for dove, quail, and waterfowl in season. Drawn hunts (applied for through TPWD) cover big game like deer and turkey. Everyone must sign in at the check station before entering. Camping is primitive — bring your own water. Call the WMA at (806) 323-8642 or visit the TPWD site for current season dates and permit details, which change year to year.
Source to confirm: TPWD — Gene Howe Wildlife Management Area