Black Kettle Wildlife Management Area

By: Scott Parry Biologist at Black Kettle, Ellis County, and Packsaddle WMA’s. Phone: (580)515-2030

Driving Directions: Hwy 283 in Cheyenne.  There are approximately 100 units scattered throughout the area, consult WMA map for driving directions to specific units. 

Area Description: Black Kettle WMA covers 30,710 acres near the town of Cheyenne in Roger Mills County. Located in the mixed grass prairie, it is a mixture of rolling sand hills, red shale hills, and wooded bottoms.     

 

Upland sites are vegetated  with mixed grass species including big bluestem, indian grass, little bluestem, side-oats grama, and buffalo grass and brush species like shinnery oak, sagebrush, and sand plum.  The red shale hills are dominated by shortgrass, sagebrush, and occasional mesquite trees.  The wooded bottoms are dominated by cottonwood, elm, and hackberry trees.  The average annual precipitation for the area is about 24 inches.

Black Kettle WMA is owned by the U.S. Forest Service. For non-hunting information contact:  Black Kettle National Grassland, (580) 497-2143.

Game Species of Interest:   

             Quail:  Bobwhite quail are usually present in good numbers, but are highly sought after.

            Deer:  White-tailed deer are present in fair numbers. 

            Turkey:  Rio Grande wild turkeys are usually present in good numbers, but are highly sought after.   

            Rabbit: Mostly cottontails, but an occasional jackrabbit may be  found.

            Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat and raccoon are available.

            Dove: Dove are usually present in good numbers during peak migrations.

            Waterfowl: Present in low numbers and limited to upper part of recreation lakes, two wetland development areas, and several small ponds.

Nongame Species of Interest:

Mississippi Kite: Present on the WMA during summer months.

             Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher; May be observed in open country from early April to late July.

Description of Wildlife Management Practices: Management efforts focus on producing native wildlife foods such as ragweed and sunflower, although some small agricultural food plots are planted annually.  Wildlife water is made available on most units.     

Camping and Facilities: Primitive camping is allowed on entire WMA in accordance with US Forest Service, Black Kettle National Grassland regulations.  Three developed camping areas are also available including Skipout, Spring Creek, and Black Kettle; no RV hookups available.  Lodging and restaurants are available in Cheyenne. 

No shooting range available.

Fishing Opportunities: Fishing opportunities exist at Spring Creek Lake (60 acres), Skipout Lake (60 acres), Black Kettle Lake (80 acres), and several small ponds.

Maps:

Black Kettle WMA Map pdf format (8.5x11)

Black Kettle WMA Map

Alternate maps available through US Forest Service: 580-497-2143.  Cost approximately $10.00.

Regulations: Consult the Wildlife Management Area General Regulations And Public Lands Restrictions in the Hunting Regulations.

 

For additional information and area attractions:
Elk City Chamber of Commerce
1-800-280-0207
www.elkcitychamber.com

Great Plains Country
114 South 9th St, Suite A Frederick OK 73542
580-335-5999
gpc@greatplainscountry.com
www.greatplainscountry.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

Roger Mills County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
580-497-3378
www.cheyenneokchamber.com

Sayre
580-928-3156
www.sayreok.net

Weatherford Chamber of Commerce
580-772-7744
www.weatherfordchamber.com