West Kentucky WMA

WMA Overview

Size: 5738 acres
Location: McCracken
Contact: (270) 488-3233
Elevation: minimum 297 feet, maximum 451 feet.
Entrance GPS coordinates: Latitude N 37.1332, Longitude W -88.8139
Area Habitat: open land 38.88%, forest 52.13%, wetland 20.23%, open water 0.71%.

Regulations

 PRESCRIBED BURN NOTICE​​​​​

Throughout March and April, trained officials with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will use prescribed burns for habitat improvement projects in agency WMAs. Fire experts conduct controlled burns to help restore local ecosystems dependent on fire. Local officials have been notified. Please check back for more information.


Notice: The transferred portion of West Kentucky WMA (Tract 1-665 acres) is now closed to all public access (effective 2/28/2025).

Spring Hunting: Open under statewide rules and regulations in effect for the county, except:

  • Spring Turkey: All tracts are open for the youth-only turkey season. All tracts except those marked with the letter "A" are open for the general turkey season.
  • Spring Squirrel: Hunters shall not use a rifle, ball or slug ammunition..
  • Other Restrictions: Check-in required before using an "A" tract. Tract 6 is closed to vehicular traffic from Feb. 1 - April 16.

Check-in required before using an "A" tract. Tract 6 is closed to vehicular traffic from Feb. 1 - April 16.

Accessibility Icon

Accessible WMA

Area: "Handicap Pond" Tract.
Terrain: Gently rolling and bottomlands.
ADA Acreage: 550 Acres.
For more information, please consult the Public Lands page.

Directions & Description

Seven miles from I-24, exit 4, in Paducah, on US 60 in Future City. Turn north on KY 996 for 3.6 miles. Turn west on KY 358 for 2.6 miles to office.

Old fields, woodlots, grasslands, crop fields and food plots. Twelve fishing ponds with access for small boats; picnicking, hiking; kennels and stalls for use during field trials. Horseback riding on designated trails only. National caliber horseback bird dog field trials, retriever field trials, and retriever test hunts are hosted September - May on the WMA. Chief Paduke Skeet Range (Phone (270) 488-3248, web site www.chiefpaduke.com ) on KY 358 one-half mile east of office. Archery range (mobility-impaired accessible) with 10-50 yard targets open daily during daylight hours, wildlife viewing areas (Tupelo Swamp) , the fishing pier at "Disabled Access Pond" is handicap assessable. Primitive camping is allowed on the WMA, but ONLY at the designated camping site.

For hunting there is mobility impaired access in designated areas to permit holders (Tract 3). Huntable populations of deer, turkey, dove, squirrel, rabbits and quail exist on the area. Special regulations apply for deer, turkey and small game hunting. All vehicular traffic is prohibited on Tract 6 Feb. 1 - April 16.

Trails were put in with the assistance of a National Recreational Trails Fund grant and the Russ Chittenden Woodlands Fund provided funds for materials, signs, tree seedlings, and a large amount of volunteer labor.

Owned/leased by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.