Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area

WMA Overview

hunting fishing hiking trails boat launch horeseback trails picnic shooting range

Size: 2221 acres
Location: Meade
Contact: 270-750-9778
Elevation: minimum 390 feet, maximum 690 feet.
Entrance GPS coordinates: Latitude N 37.9247, Longitude W -86.0381
Area Habitat: open land 7.29%, forest 84.78%, wetland 7.83%, open water 0.09%.

Regulations

Please check the Otter Creek ORA page for more information.

White-tailed Deer
- Archery and crossbow hunting only in accordance with the current statewide regulations.

Fall Wild Turkey
- Hunting shall be conducted in accordance with the current statewide regulations.

Small Game and Furbearers
- Hunting of squirrel, rabbit, furbearers, coyote and other authorized small game shall be conducted in accordance with the current statewide regulations.
- Unless otherwise modified by applicable regulation or written agreement:
        - Rifles, ball ammunition, or slug ammunition shall not be used to take furbearers.
        - Rimfire weapons shall not be used to take small game.
        - Trapping season shall be Jan. 1 through the end of February, subject to applicable KDFWR regulations.

Managed Hunts
- Meade County and KDFWR may coordinate managed hunts, quota hunts, youth hunting opportunities, deer management hunts, or other specialized hunting opportunities when appropriate for resource management or public recreation.

Shooting Range: A person shall not target practice, sight in a firearm, or discharge a firearm in any area except the shooting range. Shooting multiple projectile shells is not permitted on Tube Ranges. Club Ranges are off-limits unless authorized by an approved event with a club range safety officer. A person shall not discharge a firearm within 100 yards of a residence or occupied building, whether or not the building is on the WMA.

Prohibited Activities

  • Damage a tree or shrub (No installation of targets on trees or shrubs)
  • Dump trash or litter (Clean up targets and spent shells)
  • Deface or destroy a signs
  • Pose a risk to persons or property (Shooters responsible for ensuring adequate backstop)
  • Engage in an activity which could unreasonably interfere with other uses or users of the area

Directions & Description

The area is 6.2 miles from the intersection of KY 448 and KY 1638 in Brandenburg and 2.7 miles from the junction of KY 1638 and Dixie Highway (U.S. 31W). The terrain ranges from steep to rolling, with bluffs overlooking the Ohio River and Otter Creek. Fishing access includes 5 miles of Otter Creek and 2.4 miles of the Ohio River. Multi-use trails are available; refer to the trail map for designated uses.

Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area is operated by the Meade County Fiscal Court, except for the shooting range. The rifle range (for single projectile firearms only; no shotshells or pistols allowed), and pistol range (for pistols only; no shotguns or rifles allowed) are open Tuesday-Saturday 9 am-sunset & Sundays noon-sunset (Closed Mondayโ€™s for routine maintenance). The Otter Creek parking pass is not required to utilize the shooting ranges, but the KDFWR Shooting Range Permit is required.

Visitors to Otter Creek may purchase an Otter Creek parking permit online. Primitive and RV camping reservations may be made through the Otter Creek Campground reservation system. Call 270-422-HIKE for trail conditions (operated by Meade Co.).

Anglers and hunters must obtain the required Otter Creek parking permit and possess a valid fishing or hunting license and all applicable permits. Otter Creek offers excellent stream fishing for smallmouth bass and rainbow trout. Anglers must possess a trout permit to keep rainbow trout.
location map

Mapping Resources

Online Resources