Deep Fork Wildlife Management Area

By: Bruce Burton, Biologist at Deep Fork, Okmulgee, and Heyburn WMA’s.  Phone: (918) 759-1816.

Area Description: The Deep Fork Wildlife Management covers 11,900 acres in southern Creek and northern Okfuskee Counties.  The area is a series of tracts of various sizes located along the Deep Fork of the Canadian River.  While a large percentage of the area is forested bottom lands, it also has numerous old fields, native prairies, and post oak-blackjack timber.  Annual rainfall averages 35  inches.

Driving Directions: Approx. 10 mi. S of Bristow on Hwy 48 along Deep Fork River. Numerous tracts and access points. No centralized area or HQ. Isolated tracts from near the Lincoln County line to the West through Southern Creek and Northern Okfuskee Counties to almost to Okmulgee County in the East. A map is a must to explore this WMA.

Game Species of Interest: 

            Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in good numbers but are highly sought after. 

            Deer: White-tailed deer are present in good numbers but are highly sought after. 

            Turkey: Rio Grande wild turkeys are present in good numbers but highly sought after. 

            Rabbit: Both cottontails and swamp rabbits are present in good numbers. 

            Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat and raccoon are abundant. 

            Dove: Dove are present in fair numbers.  This area is not in a major flyway. 

            Waterfowl: Waterfowl are abundant when water conditions are favorable. 

            Squirrel: Both fox and gray squirrel are common. 

Nongame Species of Interest:

            Bald Eagles: Commonly seen when waterfowl are abundant.

            River Otter: Present, but rarely seen. 

Description of Fish and Wildlife Management Practices:
Although small wetland areas are manipulated for waterfowl habitat, most of this area is not intensively managed.  Wildlife plots are planted annually. 

Camping and Facilities:
Primitive camping is permitted adjacent to county roads and access points, but there are no designated campgrounds.

Fishing Opportunities:
The Deep Fork of the Canadian River has abundant channel and flathead catfish.

For additional information and area attractions:

Maps

Deep Fork - East WMA Map - pdf format (8.5x11)

Deep Fork - West WMA Map - pdf format (8.5x11)

Deep Fork WMA Map

Regulations: Consult the Wildlife Management Area General Regulations And Public Lands Restrictions in the Hunting Regulations.

PLEASE CONSULT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA GENERAL REGULATIONS AND PUBLIC LANDS RESTRICTIONS IN HUNTING REGULATIONS.