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.
Broken Bow WMA covers 5,420 acres in northern McCurtain County. Located adjacent to the Broken Bow Reservoir and the Ouachita National Forest (north and east of the town of Broken Bow), this WMA is a mixture of hardwood/pine and riparian forests. The riparian forest consists primarily of hardwoods, such as sweet and black gums, red maple and elms. The rugged terrain of the area with its old forests and the adjacent reservoir offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the state.
The majority of the WMA lies along the Broken Bow Reservoir, north and south of the McCurtain County Wilderness Area, and can be entered by hiking or by boat from the lake. Only a small portion of the WMA is accessible by road.
From Broken Bow: From U.S. Hwy 70, approximately 20 miles north on U.S. Hwy 259, turn east at the Mount Herman store, 8.5 miles on the Holly Creek Campground Road to the area.
- Deer: White-tailed deer are present in fair numbers but are highly sought after.
- Turkey: Eastern wild turkeys are present in fair numbers but are highly sought after.
- Rabbit: Both cottontail and swamp rabbits are present in low numbers
- Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat and raccoon are available.
- Waterfowl: Migrating waterfowl and resident wood ducks occur infrequently on the reservoir.
- Bald Eagle: Eagles routinely winter on the Broken Bow Reservoir and Mountain Fork River.
Approximately 300 acres of the area is subjected to prescribe burning on a three year rotation. The remainder of the area is left to natural succession.
None on the area, but the Holly Creek Primitive Camping Area is adjacent.
Fishing opportunities are excellent on the Reservoir and in the Mountain Fork River. Primary river species include smallmouth bass and sunfish. Broken Bow Lake is known for its black bass fishing (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass are all present). The lower Mountain Fork River designated trout area (below Broken Bow dam) offers year-round fishing for both rainbows and brown trout.
Closed Seasons
Same As Statewide Seasons
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
- 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.
No camping allowed.
Kiamichi Country Tourism
1-800-722-8180
Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce
1134 W Martin Luther King Jr,
Broken Bow 74728
(580) 584-3393 or (800) 528-7337
chamber@pine-net.com
Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department
Post Office Box 52002
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-2002
(800) 652-6552 or (405) 521-2409
www.travelok.com
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.