McGee Creek Wildlife Management Area
By: Buddy Prather, Biologist at McGee Creek, Atoka and Stringtown WMA’s. Phone: (580) 346-7664.
Area Description:
McGee Creek WMA
covers 10,000 acres of southcentral Atoka County of the southeastern Oklahoma.
Located 11 miles east of Stringtown on Greasy Bend road, terrain within the
WMA ranges from steep to moderately steep. Vegetation consists of oak-pine
association. The average precipitation of the area is about 52 inches annually. Game Species of Interest:
Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in low number.
Deer: White-tailed deer exist in good numbers but are highly sought after.
Turkey: Eastern wild turkey are present in good numbers but are highly sought after.
Rabbit: Cottontails are present in fair numbers.
Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat and raccoon are available.
Dove: Low numbers are present during annual migration.
Waterfowl: A few wood ducks and mallards can be found on McGee Creek Lake.
Squirrel: Fox and gray squirrels are present in good numbers.
Nongame Species of Interest:
Bald eagle: Eagles winter on nearby Atoka and McGee Creek lakes.
Owls: Numerous species exist. The Screech owl is the most abundant.
Other: Numerous nongame bird species exist, providing birders ample watching opportunity.
Description of Fish and
Wildlife Management Practices:
Approximately 50 acres of wildlife habitat plots are maintained and
planted annually. Each year approximately 1/3 of the area is controlled burned
on a three-year rotation.
Camping
and Facilities:
One designated primitive camping area is offered on the area. Additional
camping and cabin rental can be obtained through the McGee Creek State
Park (580) 889-5822 while both lodging and restaurants are available in Atoka
and McAlester. The Atoka City Hall can be reached at (580) 889-3341.
Fishing Opportunities:
Through stockings of Florida
largemouth bass, McGee Creek lake is one of Oklahoma’s top lakes for springtime
trophy bass. Catfish and crappie are also good at certain times throughout the
year.
FOR A MAP OF THE AREA CLICK HERE.
McGee Creek WMA - Outdoor
Oklahoma Magazine Article (March/April 2004)