Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area
By: Ron Smith, Biologist at Sandy Sanders and Altus Lugert WMA’s. Phone: (580) 471-3371.
Area Description: Sandy Sanders WMA covers 19,100 acres of Greer and Beckham counties in southwest Oklahoma. The area is located 26 miles northwest of Mangum and 26 miles southwest of Sayre. Sandy Sanders WMA is a unique area consisting of rolling to rugged terrain extending north from the Elm Fork of the Red River.
Quail: Bobwhite quail are usually present in good numbers but are highly sought after. Very few blue quail present.
Deer: White-tailed deer are present in fair numbers, mule deer in low numbers.
Turkey: Rio Grande wild turkeys are present in low numbers.
Rabbit: Both cottontails and jackrabbits are present with cottontails being more common.
Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat and raccoon are available.
Dove: Dove are usually present in good numbers during the annual migration.
Waterfowl: Ducks are usually present in very low numbers on ponds and river.
Nongame Species of Interest:
Black-tailed prairie dog: Present in small numbers, but hunting is not allowed.
Nongame birds: The area offers a diverse mix of prairie birds and other species found more commonly in wooded areas. Winter bird surveys yield a wide variety of different species.
Reptiles and Amphibians: Three species of rattlesnake are found on the area as well as many nonvenomous species.
Description of Fish and
Wildlife Management Practices:
Management efforts focus on producing native cover plants and wildlife
food plants such as ragweed and sunflower. Summer and winter food plots are
planted on the area. Near the headquarters and the Elm Fork River, food plots
are planted within trees rows and protected from grazing. Throughout the
remainder of the area, plots are either disked to stimulate native plants or are
planted to winter wheat. Three windmills and 13 guzzlers have been installed to
provide watering facilities for wildlife. The area also has many ponds that are
regularly stocked with channel catfish. Some stay full year round while others
are seasonal. Cattle grazing are used to increase wildlife food plants and
improve habitat conditions.
Camping and Facilities:
Ten designated primitive camping areas are offered on the
area. Both lodging and restaurants are available in Mangum, Sayre and Erick.
Fishing Opportunities:
Fishing opportunities exist at area ponds and creeks. Ponds are stocked
with channel catfish and some provide good bass fishing.
FOR A MAP OF THE AREA CLICK HERE.
Sandy Sanders WMA - Outdoor Oklahoma Magazine Article (March/April 2006)
For additional
information and area attractions:
Elk City Chamber of Commerce
1-800-280-0207
www.elkcitychamber.com
Erick Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 1232 Erick OK 73645
580-526-3505
erickcityhall@loginonline.net
Great Plains Country
114 South 9th St, Suite A Frederick OK 73542
580-335-5999
gpc@greatplainscountry.com
www.greatplainscountry.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
Sayre
580-928-3156
www.sayreok.net