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
Atoka PHA covers 12,897 acres in Atoka County and is located 12 miles north of Atoka on Hwy 69. It is part of the Atoka WMA which includes an additional 6,537 acres. The terrain within the PHA ranges from steep to moderately steep. Vegetation consists mainly of oak-hickory association with scattered openings. The average precipitation of the area is about 52 inches annually.
From Atoka: 10 miles north on U.S. Hwy 69, across from the Mack Alford Correctional Center, 6 miles east on Wesley Rd (through Atoka WMA).
From Stringtown: 9 miles east on State Hwy 43. At the intersections of Hwy 69 and 43 at Stringtown go east 9 miles to PHA entrance sign and north into area.
- Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in fair numbers.
- Deer: White-tailed deer exist in good numbers but are highly sought after.
- Turkey: Eastern wild turkey are present in good numbers but are highly sought after.
- Rabbit: Cottontails are present but not abundant.
- Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat, and raccoon are available.
- Dove: Very limited numbers occur during the annual migration.
- Waterfowl: A few wood ducks and mallards can be found on area ponds.
- Squirrel: Fox and gray squirrels are present.
- Bald Eagle: Eagles winter on nearby Atoka and McGee Creek lakes.
- Owls: Numerous species exist. The Screech owl is the most abundant.
- Nongame Birds: Numerous bird species exist, providing birders with ample watching opportunities.
- Bachman’s Sparrow: Present on the PHA
Approximately 30 acres of wildlife habitat plots are maintained and planted annually. Habitat is also manipulated annually by prescribed fire with three year rotational patterns of 4300 acres.
One designated primitive camping area is offered on the area. Additional camping and cabin rental can be obtained through the McGee Creek State Park (580) 889-5822 while both lodging and restaurants are available in Atoka and McAlester. The Atoka City Hall can be reached at (580) 889-3341.
Fishing opportunity is limited to small ponds on the area.
Closed Seasons
Same As Statewide Seasons
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
- Deer Gun
Open the first nine days only.
- Quail, Snipe, Woodcock, Duck, Merganser and Coot, Rabbit, Squirrel, Pursuit with Hounds for Furbearers
Closed during the first nine days of deer gun season.
- Turkey Spring, Youth Turkey Spring
One-tom limit; seasons combined.
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.
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.