Hickory Creek Wildlife Management Area
By: Tom Wyatt, Biologist at Hickory Creek and Love Valley WMAs. Phone: (405) 823-9038.
Area Description:
Hickory Creek WMA covers 7,363 acres of eastern
Love County and is located just east of Hwy. 77S approximately five miles
northeast of Marietta, Oklahoma. Post oak-blackjack timber dominates the
uplands with bottomland hardwoods occurring in the low-lying areas. Native
grasslands comprised of little bluestem and Indian grass dominate the upland
openings.
WMA Driving Directions: From Marietta: 1 mile east on State Hwy 32, 4 miles north on U.S. Hwy 77S, 1 mile east on Ironhorse Rd to main entrance.
Game Species of Interest:
Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in low numbers.
Deer: White-tailed deer are present in good numbers but are highly sought after.
Turkey: Rio Grande turkeys are present in good numbers but are highly sought after.
Rabbit: Both cottontails and swamp rabbits are present in good numbers.
Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat, and raccoon are available.
Dove: Present in limited numbers.
Waterfowl: Ducks are usually present in good numbers near the confluence of Hickory Creek and Lake Texoma.
Squirrel: Fox squirrels are present in good numbers
Nongame Species of Interest:
Bald Eagle: Eagles winter at Hickory Creek WMA near the Lake Texoma portion of the area.
Description of Fish and
Wildlife Management Practices:
Management efforts focus on encouraging native wildlife foods with prescribed
burns, although several miles of food plots are planted annually.
Camping and Facilities:
Several undesignated primitive camping areas are offered on the area, while both
lodging and restaurants are available in Marietta and Ardmore. The Love County
Chamber of Commerce can be reached at (580) 276-3102.
A shooting range can be found on the north side of the area.
Fishing Opportunities:
Fishing opportunities exist at Lake Texoma, famous for stripers, catfish,
crappie, and bass.
Maps:
Hickory Creek WMA Map - best general purpose map, pdf format (8.5x11)
Hickory Creek WMA Map - interactive map with aerial photography available
Regulations: Seasons on public lands section of hunting regulations