Ballard WMA

WMA Overview

Size: 8015 acres
Location: Ballard
Contact: (270) 224-2244
Elevation: minimum 286 feet, maximum 367 feet.
Entrance GPS coordinates: Latitude N 37.1821, Longitude W -89.0271
Area Habitat: open land 31.80%, forest 1.71%, wetland 60.56%, open water 5.91%.

Regulations

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

Deer Season Restrictions:

  • Archery/crossbow: Open Under Statewide archery/crossbow seasons through Oct. 14 only.
  • Muzzleloader: Closed.
  • Modern Gun: Quota Hunt Only.
  • Youth Gun: Open during the youth-only firearm season; closed for free youth weekend.

Fall Squirrel Season: Open August 19 – November 13, 2023.

Closed to all Other Hunting

Other Restrictions: The main unit is closed to unauthorized public access from October 15 - March 15. The area west of Hwy 473 within the two-mile driving loop is closed to all hunting as marked by signs. The 400-acre tract located south of Sallie Crice/Terrell Landing Road is open under statewide regulations for hunting and trapping seasons.

Directions & Description

Thirty miles west of Paducah, on Ohio River. From Paducah take US 60 for 17 miles to LaCenter, take KY 358 north 5.6 miles to KY 1105. Turn west through Bandana, follow KY 1105 to KY 473. Travel 6 miles to Lodge Road. Several roads within area.

Sloughs and agricultural bottomlands, some hardwood stands. Wintering bald eagles, eagle nests. Fishing in 11 lakes on area.

Special regulations for hunting and fishing. The 400-acre tract located south of Sallie Crice/Terrell Landing Road (formerly the Ballard Hunting Unit) falls under Boatwright WMA Olmsted and Peal Unit hunting regulations. Fee, advance application required of deer, waterfowl hunters. Write, email or call Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for additional information.

The majority of Ballard WMA is closed to visitation Oct. 15-March 15. Areas designated as no hunting (pink areas on the maps) are open to year-round visitation. The hiking trail located in the no hunting tract off Loop Road, however, is closed Oct. 15-March 15 to avoid disturbing waterfowl. Owned by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.