The newest section of Big Rivers Wildlife Management Area and State Forest near Sturgis and Marion is now open for public hunting.
The new and old sections of this wildlife management area total 6,812 acres of fields and woodlands at the confluence of the Ohio and Tradewater rivers in Union and Crittenden counties. No special permit is required for entry.
“This area offers excellent deer, turkey and squirrel hunting, plus excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities,” said Scott Harp, regional wildlife coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “We also have several habitat projects currently planned to enhance quail and rabbit hunting.”
The wildlife management area (WMA) is open under statewide regulations for squirrel, rabbit, quail, furbearer and fall turkey seasons. However, during the Nov. 9-10 quota gun hunt, the area is only open to drawn quota hunters. All other access is closed during this weekend.
Big Rivers WMA and State Forest is otherwise open for archery/crossbow deer season except during the quota hunt, and is open for the free youth weekend hunt Dec. 28-29.
While the area offers adequate parking, some of the road infrastructure is still under evaluation and development. Maps of the area are available online at fw.ky.gov; click the maps and online services tab, then the wildlife management areas tab. Boat-in access to interior areas is allowed.
The area is jointly operated by the Kentucky Division of Forestry and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, The Forestland Group, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund, U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program, Indiana Bat Conservation Fund and the Stream Mitigation Fund were instrumental in acquiring the property for permanent protection.
Big Rivers WMA and State Forest also will be managed for the protection of watershed and water quality, the security and recovery of endangered, threatened and rare species, and the preservation of existing cultural and geological treasures.