Skip to main content

Thomas A. Bamberger Sr. WMA

Thomas A. Bamberger Sr. WMA, photo by Skylar St. Yves

Contacts

Game Warden:
(918) 431-2539 (Adair)
(918) 431-2546 (Adair)

Area Details

Area Acres: 302 ac.

Bamberger WMA consists of 301 acres of property along the Barren Fork Creek in Western Adair County. Nearly a mile of this Ozark stream lies within the boundary of the WMA. Entering the WMA from the North, users are welcomed by an information kiosk. Beyond that lies approximately 30 acres of old field habitat before arriving at the Barren Fork Creek. Elevation abruptly changes more than 200 ft. after leaving the creek bed and rises south into a closed canopy oak-hickory forest. This steep climb provides a great view of the creek bottom below and presents access to the remainder of the property further south.

 

Watch Bamberger WMA on YouTube.

 

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.

Learn More About Public Check-In

Closed Seasons
Turkey Fall Gun
Same As Statewide Seasons
Deer Archery, Dove, Rail, Gallinule, Crow, Snipe, Woodcock, Duck, Merganser and Coot, Rabbit, Squirrel, Turkey Fall Archery, Predator/Furbearer Calling, Trapping
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
  • Youth Deer Gun, Deer Muzzleloader, Deer Gun, Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun

Open South of Barren Fork Creek only.

  • 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.

Additional Restrictions:

No camping allowed.

From Proctor: West 0.1 miles on State HWY 62 and turn south on N4616 Rd.

  • Deer: White-tailed deer are present in fair numbers.
  • Turkey: Turkeys are present in low numbers.
  • Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in low numbers.
  • Rabbit: Cottontail rabbits are available.
  • Squirrel: Present in good numbers.
  • Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat, Gray fox, raccoon, skunk, and opossum can be found on the area.
  • Dove: Dove may be present in very low numbers.
  • Bald Eagle: Eagles occasionally winter along Barren Fork Creek.

Camping is not permitted on the area. Accommodations can be found in Tahlequah. (www.tourtahlequah.com).

The Barren Fork Creek provides excellent year-around smallmouth fishing, some spotted and largemouth bass, and a variety of sunfish species. For more information about fishing the Barren Fork Creek, consult the Oklahoma Fishing Guide.

OKC Zoo Tracks Monarchs on the Move

Twenty “first generation” Oklahoma monarchs were tagged with small solar-powered transmitters at the Oklahoma City Zoo to track their northbound migration. This incredible technology has tracked one Oklahoma monarch more than 200 miles!

Mountain Bluebird

The mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is a small thrush with a round head, thin bill, and brilliant bright blue plumage on the male of the species.

What is the OLAP, and How Can it Benefit Landowners?

If you own land in Oklahoma, you could be earning annual payments just by allowing public access for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Find out how the Oklahoma Land Access Program works and whether your property qualifies.