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
Atoka WMA covers 6,537 acres in Atoka County and is located 12 miles north of Atoka on Hwy 69. The area also has an additional 12,897 acres which makes up the Atoka PHA. Terrain within the WMA ranges from steep to moderately steep. Vegetation consists mainly of oak-hickory association with scattered openings. The average precipitation of the area is about 52 inches annually.
From Atoka: 11 miles north on U.S. Hwy 69, across from the Mack Alford Correctional Center, east into headquarters.
- Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in fair numbers.
- Deer: White-tailed deer exist in good numbers but are highly sought after.
- Turkey: Eastern wild turkey are present in good numbers but are highly sought after.
- Rabbit: Cottontails are present but not abundant.
- Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat and raccoon are available.
- Dove: Very limited numbers occur for during annual migration.
- Waterfowl: A few wood ducks and mallards can be found on Bluestem Lake and area ponds.
- Squirrel: Fox and gray squirrels are present in good numbers
Birds: Pine Warbler, Summer Tanager, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Indigo Bunting, Bachman's Sparrow
Mammals: Eastern Woodrat, Eastern Red Bat, Eastern Chipmunk
Reptiles: Coal Skink, Eastern Hognose Snake, Milksnake, and Smooth Earthsnake
Amphibians: Crawfish Frog, Spring Peeper, Many-ribbed Salamander
Approximately 70 acres of wildlife habitat plots are maintained and planted annually. Habitat is also manipulated annually by prescribed fire with three year rotational patterns of 2000 acres.
One designated primitive camping area is offered on the area. Additional camping and cabin rental can be obtained through the McGee Creek State Park (580) 889-5822 while both lodging and restaurants are available in Atoka and McAlester. The Atoka City Hall can be reached at (580) 889-3341.
Features: 100-yard rifle range with 4 covered shooting benches, 30-yard pistol range with 4 covered shooting benches, shotgun/trap range, archery range with archery tower including 4 shooting lanes, and ADA access and parking.
Coordinates: 34°31'47.4"N 96°01'12.6"W
Directions: From Atoka, 11 miles north on U.S. Hwy 69, travel 0.8 miles east on Wesley Road, shooting range entrance will be on the south side of Wesley Road.
Be sure to review Department-Managed Area Rules on shooting ranges before use.
Fishing opportunity consist of numerous ponds and Bluestem Lake. Atoka Lake is also located one mile west of the management area, and is know for its good catfish angling. Largemouth bass, crappie and sunfish are also present.
Area closed to all activities for controlled deer hunt:
Nov 21-23. 2025.
Closed Seasons
Same As Statewide Seasons
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
- Quail
Closed during the first nine days of deer gun season.
- Rail, Gallinule, Crow, Snipe, Woodcock, Duck, Merganser and Coot, Rabbit, Squirrel
Closed from the opening day of deer archery season through the first nine days of deer gun season.
- Pursuit with Hounds for Furbearers, Predator/Furbearer Calling
Closed from the opening day of deer archery season through the first nine days of deer gun season and closed during spring turkey season.
- Trapping
Open to water sets, live box traps and enclosed trigger traps only.
- Turkey Spring, Youth Turkey Spring
One-tom limit; seasons combined.
Closed to all nonhunting activities, except hunter camping, from Oct. 1 - Jan. 31 and during spring turkey season.
Hunter and angler camping is allowed in designated areas.
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.