Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area
By: Kelvin Schoonover, Biologist at Hackberry Flat WMA. Phone :(580) 335-5262
The 3,700 acre wetland development unit consists of a variety of plants such as millet, sedges, and smartweed, and some agriculture fields. Uplands consist of agriculture fields, native grasses, improved grasses, and forbs, interspersed with mesquite, hackberry, Osage orange, black locust, and sand plum. The average annual precipitation for the area is approximately 27 inches.
Most water in wetland units comes from rainfall runoff. Rainfall amounts in this region greatly fluctuate between years; therefore, the number of wetland units flooded at any given time is highly variable.
WMA Driving Directions: From Frederick, OK go 1 mile South on Highway 183, 3 miles East, 5 miles South to Hackberry Flat WMA. Or from the intersection of Highway 54 and Highway 70 go 6 miles West on Highway 70 to N 2240 RD turn North and go 2 miles to Hackberry Flat WMA.
Game Species of Interest:
Waterfowl: Ducks are usually present in good numbers but fluctuate throughout the hunting seasons. Geese are usually not as abundant.
Dove: Dove are usually present in good numbers but are highly sought after.
Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in low numbers in upland areas.
Sandhill Crane: Available occasionally during fall migration.
Rabbit: Both cottontails and jackrabbits are found, but cottontails are more common.
Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat and raccoon are available.
Nongame Species of Interest:
Shorebirds: Hackberry offers one of the best areas to view shorebirds in the region. The best viewing time for observing these species is during spring migration. Twenty-nine different shorebird species have been identified at Hackberry Flat WMA.
Wading birds, etc. A wide variety of wetland birds are found. Although most abundant in spring and early fall, wetland birds can be observed in all seasons.
Raptors: Peregrine Falcons are observed during spring and fall migration. Ferruginous hawk, rough-legged hawk and prairie falcon are frequently observed during winter.
Description of Fish and
Wildlife Management Practices:
Approximately 90 water control structures, 35 miles of dikes, 4 miles of
water distribution canals and 25 wetland units have been constructed to provide
wetland wildlife habitat. In addition, there is a pipeline that delivers 2,400
acre/feet of water annually to Hackberry Flat. Management efforts focus on
producing native wildlife foods such as wild millets, sedges, smartweeds,
pigweeds, ragweeds and sunflower. Agriculture crops such as milo, foxtail
millet, Japanese millet, and wheat are planted on approximately 1,300 acres
annually. These fields are planted for both dove and waterfowl feeding fields.
Camping and Facilities:
One designated primitive camping area is offered on the area.
Both lodging and restaurants are available in Frederick. The Frederick Chamber
of Commerce can be reached at (580) 335-2126.
Fishing
opportunities:
Near by Lake Fredrick offers
fair fishing opportunities.
Maps:
Hackberry Flat WMA Map pdf format (8.5x11)
Regulations: Consult the Wildlife Management Area General Regulations And Public Lands Restrictions in the Hunting Regulations.
Additional Information about the area
Hackberry Flat - Outdoor Oklahoma Magazine Article (Sept./Oct. 2005)
Return of the Wetlands - Hackberry Flat is Oklahoma's wetlands jewel, and one of the most important wetland projects in North America.
For additional
information and area attractions:
Altus Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 518
Altus OK 73522
580-482-0210
altuscc@intplsrv.net
Frederick Chamber of Commerce
105 South Main
Frederick OK 73542
580-335-2126
www.frederickchamber.org
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