Attention Non-Residents
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission adopted new rules in 2025 that require non-residents accessing certain Oklahoma public hunting and fishing areas to check in and out of the area. By checking in and out of these areas, hunters, anglers, shooters, birdwatchers, hikers and any other users can help the Wildlife Department better understand how the area is being used. There is no additional cost associated with checking in or out of an area. There is no limit to the number of check ins for an individual in a year.
Contacts
Area Details
Ozark Plateau WMA consists of approximately 2,076 acres and is located approximately 2 miles east of Bell, OK in Adair County. Dense stands of oak-hickory timber on rolling, rocky, and relatively steep hills predominates the area. The average annual precipitation is about 41 inches.
From Stilwell: 2.7 miles east on State Hwy 100, 3.7 miles south on Bell Rd to the Bell Community Center, turn east and south 2.1 miles on 4737 Rd, 1.9 miles east on E0899 Rd.
- Deer: White-tailed deer present in fair numbers.
- Turkey: Eastern turkey present in low numbers.
- Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat, gray fox, raccoon, skunk, and opossum are found on the area.
- Squirrel: Both fox and gray squirrels are present in fair numbers.
- Rabbit: Cottontail rabbits are available
- Ozark big-eared Bat
- Gray Bat
- Amphibians
- Warblers
The area was acquired to protect important habitat for the continued existence and recovery of the federally listed endangered Ozark big-eared bat and the gray bat. Therefore, the land is maintained in a natural state with little development. There are no food plots or timber management on the WMA.
Camping is not permitted on the WMA. Accommodations can be found in Stilwell. The Stilwell Chamber of Commerce can be reached at (918) 696-7845.
No fishing available on the WMA.
Same As Statewide Seasons
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
- Pursuit with Hounds for Furbearers
Closed from the opening day of deer archery season through the first nine days of deer gun season and closed during spring turkey season.
- Turkey Spring, Youth Turkey Spring
One-tom limit; seasons combined.
No camping allowed.
Apprentice Designation: A Learner's Permit for Hunting
Hunter education has greatly reduced hunting accidents, but if you can’t complete a course right away, the apprentice designation allows you to hunt under supervision. It works like a learner’s permit, giving you the chance to gain real experience safely until you finish hunter education.
Exploring the New Herron Family WMA
The new Herron Family WMA is more than 17,000 acres of hunting land, it is also adventure, access, conservation, and tradition. Thanks to a unique partnership, Oklahoma residents now have a new place to chase deer, call turkeys, hear quail, and pass on the outdoors to the next generation.