Clay WMA

WMA Overview

Size: 8979 acres
Location: Nicholas, Fleming, Bath
Contact: (859) 289-8564
Elevation: minimum 597 feet, maximum 959 feet.
Entrance GPS coordinates: Latitude N 38.3411, Longitude W -83.9195
Area Habitat: open land 10.77%, forest 88.19%, wetland 0.30%, open water 0.75%.

Regulations

1-Day Closure Nov. 13, 2025 for ​Habitat Improvement​​​​

A portion of Clay Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Nicholas County will be closed to the public on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, to facilitate an extensive habitat improvement project. A 600-acre tract near Cassidy Creek Road will receive treatment for invasive plant species, primarily bush honeysuckle, that displace native flora and degrade wildlife habitat.​

Signs will also be posted and gates closed at all access points to the project location. Access to all other tracts of the 8,979-acre WMA will not be affected and will remain open for public use.​​



Deer Season Restrictions:

  • Archery/crossbow: Prohibited on the main tract during the quota fox hunting field trials (September 10 – 13, 2025; September 24-26, 2025; February 25 – 28, 2026)
  • Modern Gun: Quota Hunt Only

Rabbit: Open Nov. 3 – Dec. 31, except during the opening weekend of modern gun deer season, deer quota hunt and in the pheasant quota hunt units during pheasant quota hunts Dec. 5-8.

Grouse and Quail: Open until 3 p.m. (local time) on Tuesdays and Saturdays from November 1 - December 31, 2025, except closed on November 1-2, 2025 for the Deer Quota Hunt, during the opening weekend of modern gun deer season, and in the Pheasant Quota Hunt Units during Pheasant Quota Hunts December 5-8, 2025. Daily Bag Limit is four quail and two grouse.

Bear: Open Only in Bear Zone.

Other Restrictions:

Pheasant Quota Hunts: either sex, limit two, on December 5, 6 and 7, 2025; Open December 8, 2025 only to drawn pheasant quota hunters, either sex, limit three; Open December 9-31, either sex, daily limit three.

The main tract of the management area is closed to public use September 10-13, September 24-27, 2025; and February 25-28, 2026 except for those registered to participate in quota fox hunting field trials on those days.

During the pheasant quota hunt period, pheasant quota hunt units close to small game hunting for four consecutive days starting the first Friday in December. Rabbit, quail and grouse hunters must check in and check out at a self-service kiosk and clearly display a department-provided vehicle hang-tag in a vehicle. Hang-tags are available in advance through the department’s website. Portions of this WMA in Fleming and Bath counties are Zone 3 for bear.

Directions & Description

Located approximately eight miles northeast of Carlisle, KY. From Carlisle take KY 32 north and turn right on KY 57, Cassidy Creek RD. There are two entrances, watch for area signs.

Terrain is steep to rolling. Several boat ramps provide access to the Licking River. Horseback riding trails on main Nicholas County tract only.

Upland Bird and Rabbit Hunters MUST check in/out at Kiosks using HangTag (last page of map document)

This WMA is closed to the public during quota fox hunting field trials. Owned by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, portions purchased with funds from the Heritage Lands Conservation Fund.