Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge lies on the Big Mineral Arm of Lake Texoma, about eight miles northwest of Sherman. It was established on February 9, 1946, by Public Land Order 314, as an overlay on land the Department of Defense had bought for the Denison Dam project, and its stated purpose is to serve as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds. The main refuge covers 11,320 acres.

A town stood here first. Steedman was founded in 1880 and given a post office, and in 1909 it was renamed Hagerman for James Hagerman, a railroad attorney who helped bring the Missouri, Kansas and Texas through the community. The Handbook of Texas says the town was removed before the lake flooded the area, and a historic exhibit on it stands on the refuge.

Winter is the main season for waterfowl. The Handbook lists Canada, white-fronted, snow and Ross's geese, with mallards, pintails and green-winged teal, and the refuge reports more than 300 bird species overall, wading birds in summer, and habitat from marsh and bottomland hardwoods to Cross Timbers post oak in the west. There are over 9 miles of hiking trails and a Wildlife Drive along the lake shore. Tram tours run on weekends by reservation through the Friends of Hagerman, and hunting requires a limited-quota permit from Texas Parks and Wildlife.