West Kentucky WMA

WMA Overview

Size: 5193 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 31.56%, forest 46.08%, wetland 21.64%, open water 0.73%.

Regulations

This information is out of date.


Public access closures to a limited portion of β€œA Tracts” by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).​​​​​

DOE has identified a portion of Tract 1A and Tract 7A, located along the eastern boundary of the WMA, for transfer to support local economic development. Effective June 30, 2025, 545.66 acres have been removed from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's Recreational Use License Agreement with DOE. New boundary signage has been installed; please review updated maps before visiting the WMA. West Kentucky WMA continues to offers 5192.7 acres of diverse habitats, providing a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities.


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.