Contacts
James Collins WMA covers 21,353 acres of northern Pittsburg and Latimer Counties in southeast Oklahoma. The area is located south of Highway 31, about 20 miles northeast of McAlester and 8 miles west of Quinton.
The area provides a wide variety of upland habitats, starting with pine covered ridges in the east and changing to Oak/Hickory forests, with many openings as you go west across the area. Native grasslands are interspersed throughout much of the area, with the bulk of the openings on the northern and western portions of the property.
From McAlester: 23 miles north on State Hwy 31 to Featherston, follow the signs south for 3 miles to the area.
- Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in fair numbers.
- Deer: White-tailed deer are present in good numbers, but are highly sought after.
- Turkey: Eastern turkeys are present in good numbers but are highly sought after.
- Rabbit: Cottontails are present in good numbers.
- Squirrel: Gray and fox squirrels are present in good numbers.
- Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat and raccoon are available.
Prescribed burning is conducted annually to improve wildlife habitat and maintain openings. Removal of Eastern Redcedar is a major management practice on the area. Cattle grazing and native grass hay meadows are both utilized on the area. Approximately 60 food plots are planted annually for winter forage.
Camping is offered at the entrance to the area. A primitive restroom is available, and water is available in the campground. A rifle range is available year round near the entrance of the area. It offers up to 100 yard shots.
Features: 100-yard rifle range with 5 covered shooting benches, 30-yard pistol range with 4 covered shooting benches, and ADA access and parking.
Coordinates: 35° 2'19.73"N 95°28'52.84"W
Driving Directions: From McAlester, take US-270 E/E Carl Albert Parkway east out of town for two miles and take a slight right to stay on OK-31 E for 20 miles. Turn South onto J.R. Hughes Rd for 2.4 miles. At the “T” intersection turn East on E1360 Rd for ½ mile. Turn South onto Cemetery Rd. The entrance to the rifle range will be on your right after one-half mile.
Be sure to review Department-Managed Area Rules on shooting ranges before use.
Fishing opportunities exist on many area ponds and creeks. Most of the ponds are walk in only.
Area closed to all activities for controlled deer Oct, 18-20, 2024 and Oct 25-27, 2024.
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, Waterfowl, Rabbit, Squirrel
Closed from the opening day of deer archery season through the first nine days of deer gun season.
- Predator/Furbearer Calling, 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.
- Trapping
Open to water sets, live box traps and enclosed trigger traps only.
- Turkey Spring, Youth Turkey Spring
One-tom limit; seasons combined, area 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.
Kiamichi Country Tourism
1-800-722-8180
McAlester Tourism Department
PO Box 578, McAlester 74502
(918) 420-EXPO
tourism@cityofmcalester.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
Stigler Chamber of Commerce
204 East Main, Stigler 74462
(918) 967-8681
Venison: It's What's For Dinner!
There are numerous reasons to go deer hunting: the adventure, the tradition, the opportunity to connect with nature, and the nutritious meat it provides. With grocery prices on the rise, I'm especially eager to fill my freezer with deer meat this year. As a family of four, having nutritious, self-harvested meat gives me peace of mind knowing we're eating healthy and saving money. This led me to explore the health benefits of deer meat. Below is what I discovered. I hope it encourages you to enjoy the outdoors, harvest venison, and prepare it this season!
