Ouachita WMA - Le Flore Unit covers 221,559 acres of the Ouachita National Forest Lands in southeastern Oklahoma. The WMA also includes an additional 133,000 acres which are part of the Ouachita WMA - McCurtain & Tiak Units. The area is managed cooperatively between the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the United States Forest Service. The area is located in southern Leflore county approximately 10 miles south of Heavener, Ok. on Highway 59. Located in the scenic, mountainous, oak-pine forest, the area’s primary species is deer and turkey, more than 400 acres of food plots are planted annually for these species.
The Talimena Scenic Drive cuts the area in half running along the top of Winding Stair Mountain from Highway 271 to the Arkansas line. This drive offers many scenic vistas to pull off and enjoy the view. Some camping is available along the drive and at the Cedar Lake Camp ground.
Cedar Lake, Billy Creek and Winding Stair Mountain Recreation Areas are closed to hunting.
From Broken Bow: 40 miles north on U.S. Hwy 259, look for USFS/Ouachita WMA boundary signs.
From Mena, AR: 15 miles west on AR State Hwy 8, turns into OK State Hwy 63, look for USFS/Ouachita WMA boundary sign.
From Acorn, AR: 13 miles west on U.S. Hwy 270 to OK state line, look for USFS/Ouachita WMA boundary sign.
From Queen Wilhelmina State Park, AR: 4 miles west on AR State Hwy 88, turns into OK State Hwy 1, look for USFS/Ouachita WMA boundary sign.
Area Headquarters
From Heavener: 7 miles south on U.S. Hwy 59, 0.1 mile east on Fish Hatchery Rd, first building on right side of road.
U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center (3 miles south of WMA Headquarters)
From Heavener: 10 miles south on U.S. Hwy 59.
From Talihina: 3 miles north on U.S. Hwy 271, turn east on Talimena Dr (State Hwy 1).
- Deer: White-tailed deer are present in good population, but are highly sought after.
- Turkey: Eastern wild turkeys are present in good numbers but are highly sought after.
- Squirrel: Fox and gray squirrels are present in good numbers.
- Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat and raccoon are available.
- River Otter: Otters are present in the Black Fork Creek and Holson Creek drainages.
- Bear: Good population of black bears.
- Bald Eagle: Generally have a large population of eagles that winter on or around the WMA.
Approximately 400 acres of food plots are planted annually, 20,000 acres prescribed burned, and about 800, 1/4 to ½ acres ponds on the area , to help all wildlife species with food and water. There are three larger bodies of water, (Cedar Lake, Crooked Branch, Boney Ridge) that are managed for fishing.
There are many primitive camping sites on the area, and two sites at Cedar Lake and Winding Stair Vista that have modern facilities. The area also has two shooting ranges, one on the south side, off Hwy. 63, and one on the north, off Hwy. 59
Fishing opportunities for bass, catfish and sunfish exist at Cedar Lake, Crooked Branch, and Boney Ridge.
Closed Seasons
Same As Statewide Seasons
Seasons w/ Special Restrictions
- Quail, Snipe, Woodcock, Rabbit, Squirrel, Predator/Furbearer Calling, Pursuit with Hounds for Furbearers
Closed during the first nine days of deer gun season.
- Waterfowl
Closed during deer gun season.
- Turkey Spring, Youth Turkey Spring
One-tom limit; seasons combined.
Cedar Lake, Billy Creek and Winding Stair recreation area campgrounds in the Ouachita WMA are closed to hunting.
Special U.S. Forest Service regulations apply to this area, including rules on baiting, OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle)/ATV use and treestands. Go to www.fs.fed.us/r8/ouachita/ or a Forest Service visitor center for more information.
Camping is allowed in accordance with U.S. Forest Service regulations, except on the Homer L. Johnston portion, where camping is allowed only in designated areas during deer and turkey seasons.
Channel and/or blue catfish: six combined per day.
Allowed methods: rod and reel only.
Ouachita National Forest (USDA.gov)
Kiamichi Country Tourism
1-800-722-8180
Heavener Chamber of Commerce
501 West First St, Heavener 74937
(918) 653-4303
heavenercofc@leflorecounty.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
Poteau Chamber of Commerce
200 South Broadway, Poteau 74953
(918) 647-9178
Talihina Chamber of Commerce and Ouachita National Forest Interpretive Association
900 Second St, Suite 12, Dept 03,
Talihina, OK 74571
(918) 567-3434
www.talihinacc.com
vera@talihinacc.com
Q: Where can I camp on the WMA?
A: Primitive camping is allowed on the WMA within the USFS camping regulations. Camping is limited to 14 days, and campsites must be 100 feet from any trail, lake, or stream. There are also campsites at Cedar Lake with water, electric, and modern facilities.
