Love Valley Wildlife Management Area
By: Tom Wyatt, Biologist at Hickory Creek and Love Valley WMA’s. Phone: (405)823-9038.
Post oak-blackjack timber dominates the uplands with bottom land hardwoods occurring next to the Red River. Native grasslands comprised of little bluestem and Indian grass dominate the upland openings.
WMA Driving Directions: From intersection of Hwys 32&77 in Marietta go south on 77 3 mi. then turn east on Love Valley Rd.7 mi. to Tuck’s Ferry portion. From same intersection go south on Hwy. 77 7 mi. to Addington Bend Rd. Turn east go 3 mi. to Addington Bend portion. From exit 1 on I-35 turn east to 2nd stop sign. Turn south on Browns’ Spring Rd 1\2 mi to Browns’ Spring portion. Love Valley WMA starts at the I-35 bridge over Red River and goes to Hwy 32 bridge east of Marietta.
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 fair numbers but are highly sought after.
Rabbit: Both cottontails and swamp rabbits are very common.
Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat, and raccoon are available.
Dove: Doves are usually present on the many agricultural fields in Addington Bend.
Waterfowl: Ducks are usually present in good numbers near the confluence of the Red River and Lake Texoma.
Squirrel: A very good population of fox squirrel exists.
Nongame Species of Interest:
Bald Eagle: Eagles winter on the Love Valley WMA.
Least Interior Terns: Least Interior Terns nest on the sandbars of Red River each summer.
Description of Fish and
Wildlife Management Practices:
Large agricultural fields are present throughout the WMA. Extensive
mudflats along the Red River arm of Lake Texoma are seeded annually to enhance
waterfowl habitat.
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.
Fishing Opportunities:
Fishing opportunities exist at Lake Texoma, famous for stripers,
catfish, crappie, and bass.
Maps:
Regulations: Consult the Wildlife Management Area General Regulations And Public Lands Restrictions in the Hunting Regulations