The
Kentucky Ridge Forest Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located above the town
of Pineville in Bell County. This 3,600-acre WMA covers a portion of Pine
Mountain and the adjoining Cumberland Plateau. If you like a physical challenge
in your hunting, this steep and rugged area is the place for you.
This
property is unique in that it was jointly purchased by the Kentucky Department
of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Kentucky Division of Forestry. It is
co-managed by both agencies. While in the area, enjoy the adjoining Kentucky
Ridge State Forest, which is also open to hunting, and beautiful Pine Mountain
State Park, which is not open to hunting.
For
many years this property was in the possession of descendants of a certain
Daniel Boone, who came through this area about the time of the Revolutionary
War. These descendants eked out a living on the land any way that they
could. Consequently, the plateau part of
the property was deep-mined in 1913 and 1929, and
surface-mined in 1963 and 1986. The property has also been logged at least
three times and is rough. The resulting vegetation on this part of the WMA is
scrubby and full of barbed plants like multiflora
rose and honey locust. Native hardwoods are beginning to invade but it is still
quite scrubby. On the other hand, this
vegetation provides good habitat for deer, turkey and grouse.
The
Pine Mountain portion of this area is also rough but contains more natural, native vegetation. Tree species include tulip
poplar, red maple, beech, white oak, red oak, black oak, chestnut oak and
hemlock. The higher, dryer portions of the mountain are dominated by Virginia
pine and chestnut oak. A major understory component
is rhododendron. Spring visitors to the area can enjoy the blooms of mountain
laurel, rhododendron, flame azalea, erect trillium, bloodroot and many other
spring wildflowers.
Animal
communities are typical of the mountain region. Furbearers include skunk,
opossum, raccoon, foxes, bobcats and the occasional black bear. The rocky
section of the mountain subcrest is the domain of
timber rattlesnakes. Deer, mice, shrews and woodchucks are found on the lower
slopes. The unbroken forest canopy provides habitat for many species of
songbirds while wild turkeys roam the forest floor. Ruffed grouse can be found
in the rhododendron thickets and in the edge habitats of disturbed areas.
Access is limited to one parking area along KY 92. From there, one must hike up a fairly steep road until you reach an old strip mine bench which provides fairly level walking over much of the property. This is one WMA to avoid unless you are in top physical condition. However, you will be rewarded with good vistas of Pine Mountain and you should have little competition from other hunters.
While
Kentucky Ridge Forest Wildlife Management Area is difficult to walk, it is not
difficult to reach. From Pineville, travel north on US 25E to
KY 92. Go east on KY 92 about two
miles and watch for signs to the parking area on the left.
Art Boebinger is the retired public land coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.