Ozark Plateau Wildlife Management Area
By: Cherokee, Cookson, Sparrow Hawk, Tenkiller and Ozark Plateau WMA’s. Phone: (918) 683-1031.
Area Description: Ozark Plateau WMA consists of approximately 2,076 acres and is located approximately 2 miles east of Bell, OK in Adair County. Dense stands of oak-hickory timber on rolling, rocky, and relatively steep hills predominates the area. The average annual precipitation is about 41 inches. The WMA has been signed and is open for fall hunting seasons. Area use regulations can be found in the Oklahoma Hunting Guide.
WMA Driving Directions: Located 2 miles east of Bell, Ok. in southeast Adair County. Go east on Highway 100 from Stilwell, Ok. approximately 2.5 miles to the Bell Road. Turn south and go approximately 4.5 miles to Bell, Ok. The WMA is 1 mile south of the Bell School and 2 miles east on a black top road.
Game Species of Interest:
Bear: No season. Sightings are very rare, usually only transient animals.
Deer: White-tailed deer present in fair numbers.
Turkey: Eastern turkey present in low numbers.
Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat, gray fox, raccoon, skunk, and opossum are found on the area.
Squirrels: Both fox and gray squirrels are present in fair numbers.
Rabbits: Cottontail rabbits are available
Description of Fish and Wildlife Management Practices: The area was acquired to protect important habitat for the continued existence and recovery of the federally listed endangered Ozark big-eared bat and the gray bat. Therefore, the land is maintained in a natural state with little development. There are no food plots or timber management on the WMA.
Nongame Species of Interest: This is a foraging area for the Ozark big-eared bat and the gray bat. Area is rich in amphibian diversity including 11 species of salamanders and notably the Pickerel frog and Wood frog. Good location for observing migrating warblers in the spring and fall.
Camping and Facilities: Camping is not permitted on the WMA. Accommodations can be found in Stilwell. The Stilwell Chamber of Commerce can be reached at (918) 696-7845.
Fishing Opportunities: No fishing available on the WMA.
Hunting Opportunities: Consult the Oklahoma hunting guide for open seasons.
Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge - This new area is adjacent to the Ozark Plateau WMA. This area, too, is in the final stages of purchase and establishing regulations through the federal regulatory process. For additional information on this area please contact the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service office in Tulsa at 918-382-4507.
Maps:
Ozark Plateau WMA Map pdf format (8.5x11)
US
Geological Survey Map Geological Survey Branch - Norman, Ok - 405-325-3031
Big Round Mountain
Quadrangle - Cost $4.50 plus $2.50 shipping
Regulations: Consult the Wildlife Management Area General Regulations And Public Lands Restrictions in the Hunting Regulations