Eufaula Wildlife Management Area
By: J.D. Ridge, Biologist at Eufaula and McClellan Kerr (Robert S. Kerr portion) WMA’s. Phone: (918) 617-1113.
Area Description:
Eufaula WMA covers 48,614 acres in Latimer, McIntosh, Pittsburg and Okmulgee counties in east-central Oklahoma. A portion of that acreage is the Gaines Creek Arm. See also Eufaula - Gaines Creek Arm.
Eufaula WMA is comprised mainly of flood plain and river bottoms with some upland components. The majority of the area is located on the upper reaches of river and creek arms of Eufaula lake. Mixed upland hardwood timber and openings of grass, brush and old fields dominate the upland sites. Bottom lands range from bottom land hardwood species, such as pin oaks, to dense river bottoms of willow and cottonwood. The WMA is host to a number of natural wetland areas and sloughs as well as about 780 acres of wetland units. Located on lands adjacent to Eufaula lake, 3 major rivers flow through portions of the area. These include the Deep Fork river, North Canadian river and South Canadian river. The average annual precipitation for the area is about 42 inches.
Game Species of Interest:
Quail: Bobwhite quail are present but in very low numbers.
Deer: White-tailed deer are found throughout the WMA in varying concentrations.
Turkey: Rio Grande and Eastern turkeys are present, but not abundant and only in a few localized areas.
Rabbit: Both cottontail and swamp rabbits are found but cottontails are more common.
Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat and raccoon are available.
Dove: Dove can occasionally be found on the agricultural fields.
Waterfowl: Goose numbers are typically very low. Duck hunting is usually good depending on winter water levels. Duck hunting opportunities are typically concentrated on the river arms adjacent to the lake.
Squirrel: Both Fox and Gray squirrels are present in good numbers.
Nongame Species of Interest:
Migratory non-game species: Many shorebirds and other water birds can be seen migrating through in the spring and fall, taking advantage of the lake shore and other wetland areas.
Bald eagle: Eagles winter on Eufaula lake and can be seen on an occasional basis. There are also some year-round residents and an occasional nest site.
Other: Eastern Oklahoma has numerous other migrant seasonal avian visitors, such as various warblers, birds of prey and many others.
Description of Fish and Wildlife Management Practices:
Approximately 1,200 acres are farmed throughout the WMA through lease agreements. Crops grown vary from year to year and from field to field, but include corn, soybeans, milo and wheat.
Camping and Facilities:
A number of Corp of Engineers parks are located around the lake, providing camping and boat launch facilities. For information, contact the Eufaula Corps of Engineers project office at (918) 484-5135. There are also state parks and municipal facilities, hotels/motels and restaurants within easy driving distance of the WMA. Further local information can be obtained though the Checotah Chamber of Commerce at (918) 473-2070, the Eufaula Chamber of Commerce at (918) 689-2791, the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce at (918) 652-3331 and the Lake Eufaula Association at (918) 689-7751.
Fishing Opportunities:
Fishing opportunities abound on the WMA and vicinity. Many of the WMA access roads offer access to Eufaula lake and associated rivers and larger creeks. Most sought species include catfish (channel, blue and flathead), largemouth bass, white bass (locally referred to as "sand bass") and crappie.
Eufaula Wetland Development Units