Contacts
Spavinaw GMA covers 11,986 acres in western Delaware and eastern Mayes counties in northeast Oklahoma and is located south of Hwy. 20 (southwest of the town of Jay). Spavinaw GMA is part of the Spavinaw WMA, which also includes the Spavinaw PHA.
Spavinaw GMA is a part of the Ozark Plateau with rugged flint hills, bottom lands and some prairie on the west side. Oak and hickory trees predominate the flint hills, which are interspersed with Eastern Shortleaf Pine, dogwoods and other understory plants. Bottom lands consist of Sycamore, walnut and elm trees with some cleared fields present. The prairie area is comprised primarily of native praire grasses (Big and Little bluestem/Switchgrass/Indian Grass), native forbs and legumes. The average annual precipitation for the area is about 44 inches.
From Jay: 5 miles west on State Hwy 20 (look for WMA signs), 7 miles south on N4559.
From Salina: 11½ miles east on Kenwood Rd (becomes CR487), WMA sign 1 mile past the town of Kenwood, go 5 miles north on Fairview-Eucha Rd.
- Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in low numbers in the prairie areas.
- Deer: White-tailed deer are present in low to fair numbers and are highly sought after.
- Turkey: Eastern turkeys are present in fair numbers but are highly sought after.
- Squirrel: Both fox and gray squirrels are at low numbers.
- Rabbit: Cottontail are present in fair numbers.
- Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat and raccoon are available.
- Waterfowl: Limited duck hunting around Spavinaw and Eucha lakes.
- Bald Eagle: Eagles winter on Spavinaw and Eucha lakes.
- Nongame Birds
- Bats: Species that are uncommon or rare that migrate through the area.
Approximately 25-30 small ponds provide watering areas for wildlife. There have been several clearings made throughout the area to promote native plant growth and are maintained through prescribed burning and mowing. Management efforts focus on producing native wildlife foods, although some small agricultural food plots are planted. Control hunts are offered on the GMA portion of the WMA (muzzleloader and gun). The smaller portion of the WMA is the PHA which provides plenty of hunting opportunities (certain restrictions apply to deer gun seasons).
One designated primitive camping area is offered on the area, allowed only during open hunting seasons, while both lodging and restaurants are available in Jay. The Jay Chamber of Commerce can be reached at (918) 253-8698.
Fishing opportunities exist at Spavinaw and Eucha lakes, owned by the City of Tulsa. Both lakes are within one mile of the WMA boundary, and are best known for their exceptional bluegill fishing. Largemouth bass and catfish are also popular. Spavinaw creek also provides opportunity for bass and sunfish species. There are no ponds or permanent pools stocked with fish on the area.
Area closed to all activities for controlled deer hunts:
Oct. 26-27, 2024
Nov. 2-3, 2024
Nov 8-10, 2024
Closed Seasons
Same As Statewide Seasons
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
- Turkey Fall Archery
One Tom limit on PHA and GMA combined.
- Dove, Rail, Gallinule, Crow, Quail, Snipe, Woodcock, Waterfowl, Rabbit, Squirrel, Predator/Furbearer Calling, Trapping
Closed from the opening day of deer archery season through deer gun season.
- Pursuit with Hounds for Furbearers
Closed from the opening day of deer archery season through deer gun season and closed during spring turkey season.
Closed to all nonhunting activities, except hunter camping, from Oct. 1 - Jan. 31 and during spring turkey season.
Hunter and angler camping is allowed in designated areas only during open hunting seasons on the area.
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
Q: Is the area open for the Holiday Antlerless season?
A: No, both Spavinaw GMA and PHA are closed for the Holiday Antlerless season.
Wintering Birds
When autumn finally releases its hold on winter, Oklahomans have to say goodbye to such things as fall colors and warm weather bird species, including purple martins, scissor-tailed flycatchers, and other avian summer residents. But winter is a time for greetings, and with the brisk north winds comes wintering birds.
