Area Description:

Ouachita WMA covers 212,000 acres of the Ouachita National Forest Lands in southeastern Oklahoma. The area is managed cooperatively between the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the United States Forest Service. The area is located in southern Leflore county approximately 10 miles south of Heavener, Ok. on Highway 59. Located in the scenic, mountainous, oak-pine forest, the area’s primary species is deer and turkey, more than 400 acres of food plots are planted annually for these species.

The Talimena Scenic Drive cuts the area in half running along the top of Winding Stair Mountain from Highway 271 to the Arkansas line. This drive offers many scenic vistas to pull off and enjoy the view. Some camping is available along the drive and at the Cedar Lake Camp ground.

Game Species of Interest:

Deer: White-tailed deer are present in good population, but are highly sought after.

Turkey: Eastern wild turkeys are present in good numbers but are highly sought after.

Squirrel: Fox and gray squirrels are present in good numbers.

Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat and raccoon are available.

Nongame Species of Interest:

River-Otter: Otter’s are present in the Black Fork Creek and Holson Creek drainages. No hunting or trapping allowed.

Bald Eagle: Generally have a large population of eagles that winter on or around the WMA.

Black Bears: Good population of Bears. No hunting allowed.

Description of Fish and Wildlife Management Practices:
Approximately 400 acres of food plots are planted annually, 20,000 acres prescribed burned, and about 800, 1/4 to ½ acres ponds on the area , to help all wildlife species with food and water. There are three larger bodies of water, (Cedar Lake, Crooked Branch, Boney Ridge) that are managed for fishing.

Camping and Facilities:
There are many primitive camping sites on the area, and two sites at Cedar Lake and Winding Stair Vista that have modern facilities. The area also has two shooting ranges, one on the south side, off Hwy. 63, and one on the north, off Hwy. 59

Fishing Opportunities:
Fishing opportunities for bass, catfish and sunfish exist at Cedar Lake, Crooked Branch, and Boney Ridge.

FOR A MAP OF THE AREA CLICK HERE.

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
www.poteau.org

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

PLEASE CONSULT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA GENERAL REGULATIONS AND PUBLIC LANDS RESTRICTIONS IN HUNTING REGULATIONS.