Atoka WMA

Atoka WMA, photo by Zackary Castro

Contacts

Game Warden (County):

Area Acres
6,538 ac.

Atoka WMA covers 6,537 acres in Atoka County and is located 12 miles north of Atoka on Hwy 69.  The area also has an additional 12,897 acres which makes up the Atoka PHA. Terrain within the WMA 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.

Watch Bluestem Lake at Atoka WMA on YouTube.

From Atoka: 11 miles north on U.S. Hwy 69, across from the Mack Alford Correctional Center, east into headquarters.

  • 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 for during annual migration.
  • Waterfowl: A few wood ducks and mallards can be found on Bluestem Lake and area ponds.
  • Squirrel: Fox and gray squirrels are present in good numbers

Birds: Pine Warbler, Summer Tanager, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Indigo Bunting, Bachman's Sparrow

Mammals: Eastern Woodrat, Eastern Red Bat, Eastern Chipmunk

Reptiles:  Coal Skink, Eastern Hognose Snake, Milksnake, and Smooth Earthsnake

Amphibians: Crawfish Frog, Spring Peeper, Many-ribbed Salamander

Approximately 70 acres of wildlife habitat plots are maintained and planted annually. Habitat is also manipulated annually by prescribed fire with three year rotational patterns of 2000 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 consist of numerous ponds and Bluestem Lake. Atoka Lake is also located one mile west of the management area, and is know for its good catfish angling. Largemouth bass, crappie and sunfish are also present.

Area closed to all activities for controlled deer hunt Nov. 18-20, 2022.

Closed Seasons
Deer Gun, Deer Muzzleloader, Turkey Fall Gun, Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun, Bear Muzzleloader
Same As Statewide Seasons
Dove, Bear Archery, Turkey Fall Archery, Deer Archery, Youth Deer Gun
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
  • Quail

Closed during the first nine days of deer gun season.

  • Rail, Gallinule, Crow, Snipe, Woodcock, Waterfowl, Rabbit, Squirrel

Closed from the opening day of deer archery season through the first nine days of deer gun season.

  • Pursuit with Hounds for Furbearers, Predator/Furbearer Calling

Closed from the opening day of deer archery season through the first nine days of deer gun season and closed during spring turkey season.

  • Trapping

Open to water sets, live box traps and enclosed trigger traps only.

  • Turkey Spring, Youth Turkey Spring

One-tom limit; seasons combined.

Additional Restrictions:

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.

List of Threatened and Endangered Species Scheduled for Updates in 2023

We discuss scheduled federal listings of threatened and endangered species with the Wildlife Department’s endangered species biologist.

Mar 23, 2023

Plant Habitat by Planting Trees: Four Tips for Success

We share four tree planting tips from a restoration project at the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge.

Feb 16, 2023

Woodworking for Wildlife: Nest Boxes

Lack of suitable nest sites often prevents wildlife – primarily birds – from utilizing otherwise good habitat.

Feb 14, 2023