Contacts
Area Details
Cherokee GMA consists of approximately 15,360 acres in southwestern Cherokee County and is located two miles south of Hwy. 62 at Zeb, Oklahoma. It is part of the Cherokee WMA which also includes Cherokee PHA.
The WMA is a mixture of uplands with scattered fields and small stream riparian areas. Numerous ponds dot the landscape. Oak-hickory timber on rolling hills predominate the area. Fields and meadows with native bunch grasses and brushy thickets are found throughout with several seasonal small streams bisecting the area. The main drainage is Greenleaf Creek, which runs east to west, and contains typical bottom land over-story such as: sycamore, elm, ash, hackberry, mulberry and pecan. The average annual precipitation is about 41 inches.
The management area is divided into a 16,000-acre Public Hunting Area (PHA) and a 15,360-acre Game Management Area (GMA). The PHA is generally open year round for legal seasons, while the GMA is open mainly for controlled hunts. Consult regulations for area use restrictions.
- Public Area Check-In: Non-residents must check in and out when accessing certain Oklahoma public hunting and fishing areas. There is no additional cost or limit on the number of check-ins.
- Deer Licenses: A 2 day waiting period applies to nonresident deer licenses purchased after the deer season has started. Licenses must be purchased at least 48 hours before hunting.
Area closed to all activities for controlled deer hunts:
Oct. 24-25, 2026
Nov. 7-8, 2026
Nov. 17-18, 2026
Closed Seasons
Same As Statewide Seasons
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
- Quail, Squirrel, Rabbit, Crow, Dove, Rail, Gallinule, Snipe, Woodcock, Duck, Merganser and Coot, Trapping
Closed from the opening day of deer archery season through deer gun season.
- Pursuit with Hounds for Furbearers, Predator/Furbearer Calling
Closed from the opening day of deer archery season through deer gun season and during spring turkey season.
- Turkey Spring, Youth Turkey Spring
One-tom limit; seasons combined, GMA and PHA combined.
Closed to all nonhunting activities from Oct. 1 - Jan. 31 and during spring turkey season.
No camping allowed.
From Ft. Gibson: 10 miles east on U.S. Hwy 62, turn south at the Finish Line gas station (S460), two miles to the Zeb entrance to area.
- Bear: No season. Sightings are very rare, usually only transient animals.
- Deer: White-tailed deer are present in good numbers throughout the area.
- Turkey: Rio Grande wild turkeys are present in good numbers.
- Quail: Bobwhite quail present in fair numbers.
- Rabbit: Both cottontail and swamp rabbits are found on the area with cottontails being the most common.
- Squirrel: Both fox and gray squirrels are abundant.
- Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat, gray fox, raccoon, skunk, opossum and mink are available.
- Dove: Dove are present in low numbers.
- Waterfowl: Limited opportunity. Restricted mostly to area ponds.
- Elk: Viewing opportunity only. Currently, no open season.
- Bald Eagle: Eagles occasionally winter along Greenleaf Creek.
Management efforts focus on improving the forage base for game species by controlled burning, mowing, strip discing, timber management and establishing agricultural food plots. Annually, 200-300 acres (100-150 food plots) are planted on the area. Ponds are scattered throughout for wildlife watering. Those holding water year around are stocked with bass, sunfish and catfish.
One designated primitive camping area is found in the PHA. Lodging is found in Tahlequah and Muskogee. The Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce can be reached at (918) 456-3742 and the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce can be reached at (918) 682-2401.
A rifle range can be found on the north end of the PHA. It offers both 50 and 100 yard ranges, with covered shooting benches on the 100 yard line and is open year-round.
Fishing is limited to those area ponds that hold water year around and Greenleaf Creek. Light tackle is generally appropriate. Abundant fishing opportunities can be found for a variety of species on nearby lakes: Webbers Falls, Greenleaf and Tenkiller.
Fishing is limited to those area ponds that hold water year around and Greenleaf Creek. Light tackle is generally appropriate. Abundant fishing opportunities can be found for a variety of species on nearby lakes: Webbers Falls, Greenleaf and Tenkiller.
Fishing is limited to those area ponds that hold water year around and Greenleaf Creek. Light tackle is generally appropriate. Abundant fishing opportunities can be found for a variety of species on nearby lakes: Webbers Falls, Greenleaf and Tenkiller.
GreenCountryOK
1-800-922-2118
Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department
Post Office Box 52002
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-2002
(800) 652-6552 or (405) 521-2409
www.travelok.com
Upper McClellan-Kerr Waterway Association
PO Box 2361
Muskogee, OK 74402
918-684-6363
1-888-687-6137
Muskogee Convention and Tourism
412 Boston, Muskogee OK 74402
918-684-6363
1-888-687-6137
www.visitmuskogee.com
Stilwell Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 845
Stilwell OK 74960
918-696-7845
Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau
Williams Center Tower II
Two West Second Street, Tulsa OK 74103
918-585-1201
1-800-558-3311
www.visittulsa.com
Tahlequah
918-456-3742
1-800-456-4860
Greater Tenkiller Area Association
PO Box Ten-K
Cookson OK 74427
918-457-4403
1-888-867-4403
www.laketenkiller.com
Build Your Own Dog Safety Field Kit
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter with decades of experience working alongside hunting dogs or just beginning to train your first four-legged companion, having a well-stocked field kit is essential. Your kit should include items for safety, and emergency care to ensure your hunting dog stays healthy and ready for the challenges of the field.
Endangered Whooping Cranes to Move through Oklahoma
Whooping cranes are migrating through the Central Flyway and stopping over in Oklahoma before continuing to coastal Texas. Sportsmen, bird watchers, and other outdoor enthusiasts can join the Wildlife Department in documenting this federally endangered bird’s route by sharing photographs and sighting details at wildlifedepartment.com.
