Attention Non-Residents
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission adopted new rules in 2025 that require non-residents accessing certain Oklahoma public hunting and fishing areas to check in and out of the area. By checking in and out of these areas, hunters, anglers, shooters, birdwatchers, hikers and any other users can help the Wildlife Department better understand how the area is being used. There is no additional cost associated with checking in or out of an area. There is no limit to the number of check ins for an individual in a year.
Contacts
Area Details
The Tenkiller WMA consists of approximately 2,590 acres in Cherokee and Sequoyah counties and is located on the southwest shoreline of Tenkiller lake, approximately 17 miles south of Tahlequah.
The WMA is a mixture of upland areas and riparian habitat associated with the lake. Mature oak-hickory timber predominates the upland sites with little vegetative diversity. The riparian areas typically will have willow, sycamore, hackberry, elm, ash and birch as the over-story. The average annual precipitation is about 41 inches.
From Gore: 5 miles north on State Hwy 100, 1½ miles west on State Hwy 10A, 1½ miles north on Indian Rd.
- Deer: White-tailed deer are present in fair numbers.
- Turkey: Rio Grand turkeys are present in fair numbers.
- Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in low numbers.
- Rabbit: Cottontail rabbits are available in good numbers.
- Squirrel: Both fox and gray squirrels are present in good numbers.
- Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat, Gray fox, raccoon, skunk, mink and opossum are present.
- Dove: Dove may be present in very low numbers.
- Waterfowl: Very few present.
- Bald Eagle: Eagles winter along Tenkiller lake, which borders the WMA to the east.
Management consists of enhancing the forage base through food plot preparation and timber thinning.
Camping is not permitted on the area. However, the Army Corps of Engineers has several camp grounds adjacent to or close by the area. Additional accommodations can be found in Tahlequah. The Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce can be reached at (918) 456-3742. The Corps of Engineers can be reached at (918) 487-5252.
A gravel boat ramp is available for area users. There is no fee for this ramp.
Tenkiller lake is one of the premiere fisheries in Oklahoma and provides excellent year around fishing for game fish species, such as black bass, crappie, white bass and catfish. Below Tenkiller dam is the Lower Illinois River designated trout stream. This year-round trout area is stocked with rainbows approximately every two weeks. The lower reaches of the trout area is also well known for trophy sized striped bass that swim up the area from the Arkansas River.
Closed Seasons
Same As Statewide Seasons
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
- Quail
Closed during the first nine days of deer gun season.
- Pursuit with Hounds for Furbearers
Closed from the opening day of deer archery season through the first nine days of deer gun season and closed during spring turkey season.
- Turkey Spring, Youth Turkey Spring
One-tom limit; seasons combined, area combined.
No camping allowed.
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
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 all 16 days of deer gun season?
A: Yes.
Apprentice Designation: A Learner's Permit for Hunting
Hunter education has greatly reduced hunting accidents, but if you can’t complete a course right away, the apprentice designation allows you to hunt under supervision. It works like a learner’s permit, giving you the chance to gain real experience safely until you finish hunter education.
Exploring the New Herron Family WMA
The new Herron Family WMA is more than 17,000 acres of hunting land, it is also adventure, access, conservation, and tradition. Thanks to a unique partnership, Oklahoma residents now have a new place to chase deer, call turkeys, hear quail, and pass on the outdoors to the next generation.