Packsaddle Wildlife Management Area

By: Scott Parry Biologist at Black Kettle, Ellis County, and Packsaddle WMA’s. Phone: (580)515-2030

Area Description: Packsaddle WMA covers 19,659 acres, and is located in Ellis County 17 miles south of Arnett, Oklahoma on Highway 283.  Located in the mixed grass prairie, it is a mixture of rolling sand hills and wooded bottoms with the South Canadian River as its southern boundary.     

Uplands sites are vegetated with mixed grass species including big bluestem, indian grass, little bluestem, side-oats grama, and buffalo grass and brush species like shinnery oak, sagebrush, and sand plum.  Bottomlands are dominated by cottonwood, elm, and hackberry trees.  The average annual precipitation for the area is about 25 inches.    

WMA Driving Directions: From Arnett: 17 miles south on U.S. Hwy 283, 1 mile east on E0770 to headquarters on right (south).

Game Species of Interest: 

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

Deer: White-tailed deer are present in fair numbers. 

Turkey: Rio Grande turkeys are usually present in good numbers but are heavily sought after. 

Rabbit: Mostly cottontails, but an occasional jackrabbit may be found. 

Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat and raccoon are available. 

Dove: May be abundant during peak migrations around watering areas and weedy fields.

Waterfowl: Limited to two wetland development areas.

Nongame Species of Interest:

Least Tern: Can be viewed during summer months nesting and foraging on the South Canadian River. 

Lesser prairie chicken: Occasionally seen.
 

Description of Wildlife Management Practices:
Management efforts focus on producing native cover plants and wildlife foods such as ragweed and sunflower, although some small agricultural food plots are planted annually.  Wildlife watering facilities have been installed, including windmills, water guzzlers, and small ponds.  Cattle grazing is used to increase quail food abundance and improve brood habitat. Vehicle access is limited with few interior roads open to the public.  

Camping and Facilities:
Nine designated primitive camping areas are located on the area.  Both lodging and restaurants are available 17 miles north in Arnett and 22 miles south in Cheyenne.

No shooting range available. 

Fishing Opportunities:
Fishing opportunities exist at Lake Lloyd Vincent 30 miles northwest and Black Kettle Lake 15 miles south.  There are no fishing opportunities at Packsaddle WMA

Maps:

Packsaddle WMA Map - best general purpose map, pdf format (8.5x11)

Packsaddle WMA Map  - interactive map with aerial photography available

Regulations: Seasons on public lands section of hunting regulations

Packsaddle WMA - Outdoor Oklahoma Magazine Article (November/December 2006)

 For additional information and area attractions:
 

Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department
Post Office Box 52002
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-2002
(800) 652-6552 or (405) 521-2409
www.travelok.com