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
McGee Creek WMA covers 10,000 acres of southcentral Atoka County of the southeastern part of Oklahoma. Located 11 miles east of Stringtown on Greasy Bend road, terrain within the WMA ranges from steep to moderately steep. Vegetation consists of oak-pine association. The average precipitation of the area is about 52 inches annually.
From Stringtown: At the junction of U.S. Hwy 69 and State Hwy 43, go .06 miles east to “Y” and turn right, 11 miles on Greasy Bend Rd to sign, turn right, 1 mile to headquarters on Cane Break Rd.
- Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in low number.
- 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 in fair numbers.
- Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat and raccoon are available.
- Dove: Low numbers are present during annual migration.
- Waterfowl: A few wood ducks and mallards can be found on McGee Creek Lake.
- Squirrel: Fox and gray squirrels are present in good numbers.
- Bald Eagle: Eagles winter on nearby Atoka and McGee Creek lakes.
- Owls: Numerous species exist. The Screech owl is the most abundant.
- Nongame Birds
Approximately 50 acres of wildlife habitat plots are maintained and planted annually. Each year approximately 1/3 of the area is controlled burned on a three-year rotation.
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.
Through stockings of Florida largemouth bass, McGee Creek lake is one of Oklahoma’s top lakes for springtime trophy bass. Catfish and crappie are also good at certain times throughout the year.
Area closed to all activities for controlled deer hunts:
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.
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.