Return to the Wetlands - Hackberry Flat
To movie goers, this famous phrase inspired a dreamer to create a refuge for the restless ghosts of baseball's golden age. For those who remember the massive flocks of waterfowl that once winged across the skies of southwest Oklahoma's Tillman County, it has inspired visionaries to restore one of the state's most
glorious natural treasures.
That treasure is Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area, a 7,120-acre wildlife oasis located southeast of Frederick. With the generous help of many partners, the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation has restored the legendary wetland to provide refuge for the restless wings of the prairie's waterfowl and recreation for people craving the outdoors.
Whether you want to enjoy the solitude offered by a fiery sunrise over shimmering wetlands or have your heart race with the anticipation of thousands of doves descending on a sunflower field, Hackberry Flat can satisfy your desires. After one visit, you'll be thankful to be blessed by such a place.
Old newspaper articles from the Frederick Leader (circa 1903-1909) document the historic effort to convert Hackberry Flat into farmland.
Hackberry History
When pioneers arrived on the plains of southwest Oklahoma a century ago, they encoutered clouds of waterfowl so thick that they darkened the skies over Frederick. At times, the noise from the birds winging overhead was deafening, and the noise created by the calls of so many species lasted from dawn until dusk. Initially, the area's abundant wildlife and rugged landscape drew the attention of one
of America's most famous outdoorsmen, President Theodore Roosevelt. He visited and hunted near Hackberry Flat in what was known as the "Big Pasture.”
In the early 1900s, local residents using hand shovels and mule teams drained the area by constructing a massive ditch, some four- miles long, 20 feet deep and 40 feet across. The layers of silt were fertile, but farming the flood-prone landscape proved exceedingly difficult.
Since then, we've learned that wetlands are not only extremely beneficial to wildlife, but they also serve as natural environmental purifiers. Unfortunately, Oklahoma has lost two-thirds of its wetlands to agricultural,
industrial and residential development. The restoration of Hackberry Flat represents a significant effort to reclaim lost ground, so to speak, while reclaiming an important part of our natural heritage.
No wonder Hackberry Flat has been described as one of the most significant wet lands restoration projects ever completed in North
America .And it's a natural treasure we can all enjoy.
Key Funding Partners
North American Wetlands Conservation Council
The Williams Companies, Inc.
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Wildlife Restoration
City of Frederick
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
Bureau of Reclammation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Phillips Petroleum Co., Inc.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Tillman County Commissioners
First Southwest Bank
Pioneer Trucking Company
Wildlife Forever
Arrow Trucking Company
Oklahoma Station of Safari Club
International
Oklahoma City Sportsman's Club
U.S. Geological Survey
Hunting
Since the area is a wetland, all shotgun hunting at Hackberry Flat is restricted to federally-approved non- toxic shot only.
Dove: The area offers some of the best dove hunt- ing in Oklahoma, maybe even the country. On a good day, you'll see thousands of doves. If you're coming during the opening week of the season, plan ahead -area motels fill up quickly.
Waterfowl: Duck and goose hunting is perhaps Hack- berry Flat's best draw. Southwest Oklahoma is known by serious waterfowlers as one of the nation's best-kept hunt- ing secrets. Countless mallards, pintails, teal, Canada geese and other waterfowl descend on Hackberry every fall.
Sandhill Cranes: The wingshooter's big game, sand- hill cranes use Hackberry and the surrounding agricultural fields throughout the fall migration. For first-time crane hunters, fully-equipped guides are available who hunt near Frederick.
Rabbits & Quail: There are so many rabbits here that some days you can see dozens just driving through the area! Quail hunting is also good at Hackberry Flat. An excellent mixture of upland cover and agricultural cropland produces habitat for both quail and rabbits.
Birdwatching
Hackberry Flat is a premier destination for birders. More than 120 species have been identified during surveys, with such rare and uncommon species as the black- necked stilt, stilt sandpiper and snowy plover being seen. Sheer numbers of birds make this area stand out as one of the best anywhere.
Birding Tips
Early morning and late evening are when birds are most active, so plan your birdwatching accordingly. Be sure to bring bug spray, a good pair of binoculars or spotting scope and a selection of good field guides. From any viewpoint you can observe a mosaic of wetland habitats, making the area unique among birding destinations. The Frederick Chamber of Commerce can provide information on area birdwatching tours. Contact the Chamber at 580/335-2126 for more information.
Visiting Hackberry Flat
With restoration complete, the Department now manages the area to provide opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Individual wetland units will be seasonally flooded, providing both migrating and resident wildlife with prime habitat. Most of the area will be open to public hunting, while some portions will be designated as refuge areas available for birdwatching and educational uses. Already nationally recognized for its outstanding hunting and birdwatching, Hackberry has something to offer both user groups.
Getting There
From Frederick, go south of town one mile on Hwy. 183, then turn east on Airport Road and go three miles. Follow the blacktop road south and go four miles. Watch for area signs, and enjoy!
For More Information
Hackberry Flat Area Manager 580/335-5262
(Kelvin Schoonover)
Wildlife Department's Southwest Office 580/529-2795
Frederick Chamber of Commerce 580/335-2126
Lawton Area Chamber of Commerce 580/355-3541
Altus Chamber of Commerce 580/482-0210