Wister Wildlife Management Area
By: David Robertson, Biologist at Wister W.M.A. Phone: (580) 421-7273.
Area Description:
Wister WMA covers 35,500
acres of central Leflore and eastern Latimer Counties in southeastern Oklahoma.
Located around the 7,000 acre Wister Reservoir, along and either side of Hwy. 59
and 271 south, south of the towns of Wister and Heavener. The area is a mixture
of river bottoms, upland and foothills. Bottomland consists mainly of Oaks and
other hardwood species. Upland sites are a mixture of small fields of native
grass, greenbrier and sumac. Foothills consist of post oak, hickory and pine.
The Poteau and Fourche Maline Rivers run through the east and west portions of
the area and offers a good example of bottom land hardwoods floodplain. The
average annual precipitation for the area is about 50 inches.
WMA Driving Directions:
Independence Entrance – From Heavener: 5 miles west on Independence Rd.
Conser Landing Entrance – From Hodgen: 5½ miles west on Conser Rd, 1 mile north on CR4695.
Potts Landing Entrance – From Wister: 2 miles east on U.S. Hwy 270, 2 miles south on Glendale Rd, 1 mile west on Potts Mt. Rd.
Britton Bottom Rd Entrance – From Wister: 2 miles east on U.S. Hwy 270, 1½ miles south on Glendale Rd, 1 mile west on Britton Bottom Rd.
Pocahontas Rd Entrance – From Wister: 2 miles west on U.S. Hwy 270, 1½ miles south on 295th Ave (CR149), 1 mile west on Pocahontas Rd, turn west at “Y” and continue ½ mile to WMA sign.
Cedar Creek Rd Entrance – From Wister: 9 miles west on U.S. Hwy 270 (½ mile west of Fanshawe), ¼ mile south on N4550.
Waits Ln Entrance – From Wister: 6 miles west on U.S. Hwy 270, 5.2 miles south on U.S. 271, at
4-way intersection go ½ mile east on CR154 to community of Summerfield, 2.7 miles south and east on Summerfield-Reichert Rd, north on Waits Ln. Rd at WMA sign.
Falls Hole Ln Entrance – From Wister: 6 miles west on U.S. Hwy 270, 5.2 miles south on U.S. Hwy 271, at 4-way intersection go east on CR154 for 1.2 miles to Falls Hole Lane and WMA sign.
Game Species of Interest:
Deer: White-tailed deer are present in good numbers but are highly sought after.
Turkey: Eastern wild turkeys are present in good numbers but are highly sought after.
Waterfowl: Ducks are usually present in good numbers during the annual migration.
Rabbit: Cottontail and swamp rabbits are present in good numbers.
Squirrel: Fox and gray squirrel are present in good numbers.
Furbearers: Bobcats, coyotes, raccoon, beaver, skunk, opossum, river otter and fox are available.
Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in low numbers around agricultural fields.
Dove: Dove may be present in small numbers during the annual migrations.
Black Bear: Present, low numbers, hunting allowed.
Nongame Species of Interest:
Bald and golden eagles: Found on area during winter months (November - February).
Description of Fish and
Wildlife Management Practices:
Planned control burning of 2,000 acres
annually, strip disc, food plots and brush hog 500 acres annually,14,000 acres
control grazing operation. Management efforts focus on maintaining openings,
controlling woody vegetation to improve existing habitat for wildlife species
present.
Camping and Facilities:
Primitive camping sites are offered throughout the WMA Two concrete boat ramps
are available on the Poteau river portion of the WMA Modern camp sites and
cabins are available at nearby Wister Lake State Park. Wister Lake State Park
can be reached at 918-655-7756.
Fishing Opportunities:
Good fishing opportunities exist at the 7,000 acre Wister Lake, particularly for
catfish and crappie. The Poteau River above Wister Lake is also a good area for
springtime runs of sand bass (white bass).
Maps:
Wister WMA East Map - best general purpose map, pdf format (8.5x11)
Wister WMA West Map - best general purpose map, pdf format (8.5x11)
Wister WMA Map - interactive map with aerial photography available
Wister/Coal Creek Wetlands Development Area
Wister/Fourche Maline Wetlands Development Area
Information on the lake and surrounding area
Area map courtesy of US Army Corp of Engineers
Regulations: Seasons on public lands section of hunting regulations
For additional
information and area attractions:
Kiamichi Country Tourism
1-800-722-8180
Heavener Chamber of Commerce
501 West First St, Heavener 74937
(918) 653-4303
heavenercofc@leflorecounty.com
Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department
Post Office Box 52002
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-2002
(800) 652-6552 or (405) 521-2409
www.travelok.com
Poteau Chamber of Commerce
200 South Broadway, Poteau 74953
(918) 647-9178
Talihina Chamber of Commerce and Ouachita National Forest
Interpretive Association
900 Second St, Suite 12, Dept 03,
Talihina, OK 74571
(918) 567-3434
www.talihinacc.com
vera@talihinacc.com