Area Description:
Wister WMA covers 35,500 acres of central Leflore and eastern Latimer Counties in southeastern Oklahoma. Located around the 7,000 acre Wister Reservoir, along and either side of Hwy. 59 and 271 south, south of the towns of Wister and Heavener. The area is a mixture of river bottoms, upland and foothills. Bottomland consists mainly of Oaks and other hardwood species. Upland sites are a mixture of small fields of native grass, greenbrier and sumac. Foothills consist of post oak, hickory and pine. The Poteau and Fourche Maline Rivers run through the east and west portions of the area and offers a good example of bottom land hardwoods floodplain. The average annual precipitation for the area is about 50 inches.

WMA Driving Directions: In Wilburton at the intersection of Highway 270 and Highway 2 turn South and travel approximately 8 miles. There will be a 4x8 foot sign with brown background and yellow lettering that reads Yourman Wildlife Management Area. The entrance sign will be on the West side of Highway 2; travel East approximately 1.5 miles on Yourman road to the Entrance of the Yourman Wildlife Management Area.

Game Species of Interest:

Deer: White-tailed deer are present in good numbers but are highly sought after.

Turkey: Eastern wild turkeys are present in good numbers but are highly sought after.

Waterfowl: Ducks are usually present in good numbers during the annual migration.

Rabbit: Cottontail and swamp rabbits are present in good numbers.

Squirrel: Fox and gray squirrel are present in good numbers.

Furbearers: Bobcats, coyotes, raccoon, beaver, skunk, opossum, and fox are available.

Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in low numbers around agricultural fields.

Dove: Dove may be present in small numbers during the annual migrations.

Nongame Species of Interest:

Bald and golden eagles: Found on area during winter months (November - February).

River Otter: Present, good numbers, no hunting allowed.

Black Bears: Present, low in numbers, no hunting allowed.

Description of Fish and Wildlife Management Practices:
Planned control burning of 2,000 acres annually, strip disc, food plots and brush hog 500 acres annually,14,000 acres control grazing operation. Management efforts focus on maintaining openings, controlling woody vegetation to improve existing habitat for wildlife species present.

Camping and Facilities:
Primitive camping sites are offered throughout the WMA Two concrete boat ramps are available on the Poteau river portion of the WMA Modern camp sites and cabins are available at nearby Wister Lake State Park. Wister Lake State Park can be reached at 918-655-7756.

Fishing Opportunities:
Good fishing opportunities exist at the 7,000 acre Wister Lake, particularly for catfish and crappie. The Poteau River above Wister Lake is also a good area for springtime runs of sand bass (white bass).

Maps:

Wister WMA East Map pdf format (8.5x11)

Wister WMA West Map pdf format (8.5x11)

Wister WMA Map

Wister/Coal Creek Wetlands Development Area

Wister/Fourche Maline Wetlands Development Area

Information on the lake and surrounding area

Area map courtesy of US Army Corp of Engineers

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

For additional information and area attractions:
Kiamichi Country Tourism
1-800-722-8180

Heavener Chamber of Commerce
501 West First St, Heavener 74937
(918) 653-4303
heavenercofc@leflorecounty.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

Poteau Chamber of Commerce
200 South Broadway, Poteau 74953
(918) 647-9178
www.poteau.org

Talihina Chamber of Commerce and Ouachita National Forest Interpretive Association
900 Second St, Suite 12, Dept 03,
Talihina, OK 74571
(918) 567-3434
www.talihinacc.com
vera@talihinacc.com