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
Bamberger WMA consists of 301 acres of property along the Barren Fork Creek in Western Adair County. Nearly a mile of this Ozark stream lies within the boundary of the WMA. Entering the WMA from the North, users are welcomed by an information kiosk. Beyond that lies approximately 30 acres of old field habitat before arriving at the Barren Fork Creek. Elevation abruptly changes more than 200 ft. after leaving the creek bed and rises south into a closed canopy oak-hickory forest. This steep climb provides a great view of the creek bottom below and presents access to the remainder of the property further south.
From Proctor: West 0.1 miles on State HWY 62 and turn south on N4616 Rd.
- Deer: White-tailed deer are present in fair numbers.
- Turkey: Turkeys are present in low numbers.
- Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in low numbers.
- Rabbit: Cottontail rabbits are available.
- Squirrel: Present in good numbers.
- Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat, Gray fox, raccoon, skunk, and opossum can be found on the area.
- Dove: Dove may be present in very low numbers.
- Bald Eagle: Eagles occasionally winter along Barren Fork Creek.
Camping is not permitted on the area. Accommodations can be found in Tahlequah. (www.tourtahlequah.com).
The Barren Fork Creek provides excellent year-around smallmouth fishing, some spotted and largemouth bass, and a variety of sunfish species. For more information about fishing the Barren Fork Creek, consult the Oklahoma Fishing Guide.
Closed Seasons
Same As Statewide Seasons
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
- Youth Deer Gun, Deer Muzzleloader, Deer Gun, Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun
Open South of Barren Fork Creek only.
- Quail
Closed during the first nine days of deer gun season.
- 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.