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
Blue River is 3,367 acres of Postoak and Blackjack timber and scattered openings. Located 8 miles northeast of Tishomingo.
South entrance – From Tishomingo: 4 miles east on State Hwy 78, 6½ miles north on Bullard Chapel Rd (N3590).
North entrance – From Tishomingo: 9 miles north on U.S. Hwy 377, 1 mile east on State Hwy 7.
- Quail: Bobwhite are present in fair numbers.
- Deer: Whitetail are present in fair numbers.
- Turkey: Rio Grande wild turkeys are present in low numbers.
- Rabbit: Cottontail are found across the area.
- Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat and raccoon are available.
- Dove: Dove are present in fair numbers.
- Bald Eagle: Eagles winter at Tishomingo NWR and can be sighted at Blue River on occasion.
Management efforts, such as controlled burns, focus on producing native wildlife foods such as ragweed and sunflower, although some small grains are planted.
Designated areas only.
Fishing opportunities abound at Blue River. From November through mid-March, Blue River is a designated trout area, and is stocked with rainbows approximately every two weeks. Summer stockings include channel catfish.
All hunting is restricted to shotguns or archery equipment only.
Closed Seasons
Same As Statewide Seasons
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
- Youth Deer Gun, Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun
Shotguns with slugs only.
- Deer Gun
Open the entire 16 days of deer gun season. Closed to antlerless hunting. Shotguns with slugs only.
- Turkey Spring, Youth Turkey Spring
One-tom limit; seasons combined.
Hunter and angler camping is allowed in designated areas.
Spotted bass: must be 14 inches or longer.
Channel and/or blue catfish: six combined per day.
All crappie: six combined per day, no size limit.
Allowed methods: one rod and reel per person during trout season (other times up to two rods and reels per person).
Note: For more trout regulations, see Trout Regulations.
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.