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: From Bristow: 10 miles south on State Hwy 48. Numerous tracts and access points along the Deep Fork River.

From U.S. Interstate 40: Exit 217, 15 miles north on State Hwy 48.

Game Species of Interest: 

            Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in fair 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 WMA Map - best general purpose map, pdf format (8.5x11)

Deep Fork WMA Map  - interactive map with aerial photography available

Regulations: Seasons on public lands section of hunting regulations