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USDA Forest Service
Daniel Boone
National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: 859-745-3100
FAX: 859-744-1568
Natural Resources: Wildlife Management Areas
Five wildlife management areas (WMA) are designated on the Daniel Boone National Forest and managed cooperatively with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDWFR). Cooperative efforts within these areas provide a higher level of wildlife productivity for certain species than may be found in surrounding areas, improving the opportunities for public hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-oriented recreation.
Special regulations may apply in WMAs to improve and sustain wildlife populations and meet management objectives. The Forest Service, as a land manager, is primarily responsible for habitat suitability and improvement.
All WMA boundaries are marked on the ground with yellow paint and signs. In addition to the hunting opportunities that these areas provide, they serve as source population centers for restocking game species in other areas of the state, provide wildlife viewing opportunities on the forest, and provide for study and research.
Wildlife Management Areas within the Daniel Boone National Forest (see below) are open to other forms of recreation, even during hunting season. On WMAs within the Forest, hunters are likely to encounter other recreationists, such as hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and campers. This differ slightly from Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife rules which limit useage during hunting season.
Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area |
|
| District | Cumberland Ranger District |
| Counties | Bath, Menifee |
| Acreage | 7,610 acres |
| Description | Pioneer Weapons WMA features almost completely forested with scattered openings. Rough terrain with some gently sloping areas on ridge tops and in creek valleys. Miles of trails and maintained roads; view from restored fire tower. Camping permitted. Hunting limited to longbow, crossbow and muzzle-loading firearms only. One of few areas in the nation where crossbow hunting is permitted. |
| Directions | Take KY 211 south of Salt Lick to FS Road 129. Boat access from Cave Run Lake. Scenic Zilpo Road provides access to Cave Run Lake; access WMA by FS Road 918 (Tater Knob Road) |
Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area |
|
| District | London Ranger District |
| Counties | Jackson County |
| Acreage | 13,558 acres |
| Description | Hilly with steep slopes and long, narrow ridges; some flat areas in the bottoms and on the tops of ridges. Mostly wooded with nearly 30 acres of openings. No developed facilities. Mobility impaired access to permit holders in designated area. More information... |
| Directions | 2 miles south of McKee |
Cane Creek Wildlife Management Area |
|
| District | London Ranger District |
| County | Laurel County |
| Acreage | 6,672 acres |
| Description | Primarily hilly, steep terrain, mostly wooded with a few openings. No developed facilities. More information... |
| Directions | Approximately 15 miles west of London. |
Beaver Creek Wildlife Management Area |
|
| District | Stearns Ranger District |
| County | McCreary and Pulaski Counties |
| Acreage | 17,347 acres |
| Description | Beaver Creek WMA features steep, mountainous terrain in mixed hardwoods; approximately 150 acres of open fields. Opportunities for trout fishing and sightseeing. Beaver Creek Wilderness Area within WMA. No developed facilities. Area is under quality deer management regulations. |
| Directions | 1 mile north of Greenwood off US 27 to Bauer A Road. Gravel road through center, several ridge and valley dirt trails within the area. |
Redbird Wildlife Management Area |
|
| District | Redbird Ranger District |
| Counties | Leslie and Clay |
| Acreage | 25,529 acres |
| Description | Redbird Wildlife Management Area is hilly to steep with gentle slopes in bottomlands and on ridge tops; mostly wooded with nearly 100 acres of openings and 25 miles of improved hiking trails. No developed facilities. Mobility impaired access to permit holders on designated area. |
| Directions | 7 miles west of Hyden. |
Vehicles
Misuse of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-highway vehicles (OHVs), and four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles has caused a great deal of destruction in the WMAs. ATV/OHV/4WD use is prohibited within all WMAs. Only licensed street-legal vehicles can be used. Vehicles must remain on established, permanent roadways. If a roadway is gated, no motor vehicles are allowed beyond that point.
Habitat
Wildlife management in these areas help provide food, cover and water for a wide variety of species. Plantings and farm crops left standing in the field are important wildlife food sources. Brushy areas, unmowed fields and woodlands provide food and shelter for wildlife. Ponds, creeks and streams provide water for wildlife and a home for aquatic species.
Viewing Wildlife
Most animals are especially active at dawn and at dusk, so these are usually the best times to watch for wildlife. The widest variety of species can be observed during spring and fall migrations. Wildlife management areas are excellent places to go bird watching or to view other wildlife. Hikers in these areas can enjoy the outdoors and get back in touch with nature.
Where hunting is permitted, check the KENTUCKY HUNTING & TRAPPING GUIDE for season dates and other laws. Check signs and bulletin boards for special regulations and requirements. It’s a good idea for anyone, whether planning to hunt or not, to obtain current hunting information about an area before visiting.
Title: Wildlife Management Areas
Last Updated:
April 7, 2008
