Ballard WMA

WMA Overview

hunting fishing hiking trails boat launch wildlife viewing

Size: 8014 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 31.58%, forest 0.50%, wetland 63.93%, open water 3.98%.

Regulations

Fall Hunting Season:

Open under statewide archery/crossbow seasons through Oct. 14 only.

Open during the youth-only gun season through Oct. 14, 2026; closed for free youth weekend.

Squirrel season open Aug. 15 through Oct. 14, 2026.

The main unit is closed to unauthorized public access Oct. 15-Mar. 15; the area west of HWY 473 within the two-mile driving loop is closed to all hunting as marked by signs.

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.
location map

Mapping Resources

Online Resources