Red Slough WMA covers 5,814 acres in McCurtain County in southeast Oklahoma. Located 6 miles south of Haworth, the area consists of consists of about 2,400 acres of wetlands (Red Slough WRP), 1,600 acres of shrub/scrub habitat, 1,100 acres of bottomland hardwood reforestation, 414 acres of reservoirs, and 300 acres of woodlands. In addition Push Creek intersects the entire WMA. It is cooperatively managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, U.S. Forest Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Follow the links to wildlife management areas. Habitat consists of reclaimed rice farm fields, bottomland hardwoods, small areas of open prairie, and replanted hardwood areas. The area also has a waterfowl refuge. Non-toxic shot is required for hunting with deer archery hunting allowed. All waterfowl hunting is closed after 1:00 pm local time. The average annual precipitation for the area is 54 inches.
From Idabel: 18 miles south on U.S. Hwy 259, 3 miles east on State Hwy 87, north on Mudline Rd (by the big Getty sign) into area.
- Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in very low numbers.
- Bear: Black bears are present.
- Deer: White-tailed deer are present in fair numbers.
- Turkey: Eastern turkeys are present in low numbers.
- Rabbit: Swamp and Cottontail common.
- Furbearers: Raccoon, beaver, mink, and nutria are a few of the species to be seen.
- Dove: Dove are present in fair numbers during season.
- Waterfowl: Ducks are usually present in good numbers.
- River Otter: Otters are present.
- Bald Eagle: Eagles are frequently seen and golden eagles have also been seen on occasion.
- Nongame Birds: Red Slough is becoming a haven for bird watching with 320 species confirmed.
- American Alligator: This protected reptile has been seen occasionally on Red Slough and area ponds, oxbows and wetlands.
Flooding, discing, prescribed burns, and bush hogging are the tools of management. Native plants and invertebrates provide the majority of forage for game and non-game year round. Management practices include discing between 300-500 acres per year to stimulate native plant growth and to reduce woody vegetation and maintain habitat diversity. Red Slough WMA has plenty of water sources for all game and non-game species.
Camping is not available. There are nine viewing platforms strategically located on the area for wildlife and habitat viewing. Lodging and restaurants are available in Idabel. An additional contact for Red Slough is the U.S. Forest Service 580-494-6402. There are no rifle range facilities on the area. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the area.
Fishing opportunities include Push Creek and in the reservoirs. Bass, catfish, and sunfish are the predominate species.
All shotgun hunting is restricted to federally approved nontoxic shot.
Closed Seasons
Same As Statewide Seasons
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
- Quail, Crow, Snipe, Woodcock, Rabbit, Squirrel, Pursuit with Hounds for Furbearers
Closed during the first nine days of deer gun season.
- Waterfowl
Hunting hours for waterfowl close at 1 p.m. daily on the WDU portion.
- Turkey Spring, Youth Turkey Spring
One-tom limit; seasons combined.
Closed to all air-driven watercraft.
No camping allowed.
U.S. Forest Service
Red Slough
Kiamichi Country Tourism
1-800-722-8180
Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce
1134 W Martin Luther King Jr,
Broken Bow 74728
(580) 584-3393 or (800) 528-7337
bchamber@pine-net.com
www.brokenbowchamber.com
Idabel Chamber of Commerce,
13 North Central, Idabel 74745
(580) 286-3305
Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department
Post Office Box 52002
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-2002
(800) 652-6552 or (405) 521-2409
www.travelok.com
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!
