Located on the east side of Lake Tenkiller
from Oklahoma Dept of Wildlife web site
The Cookson WMA consists of approximately 14,725 acres in southeastern Cherokee and southwestern Adair Counties. Located approximately 6 miles east of Cookson on Bluetop Road.
The WMA is a mixture of uplands with scattered meadows and openings, found generally at lower elevations. Dense stands of oak-hickory timber with some short leaf pine on rolling, rocky, and relatively steep hills predominates the area. Fields and meadows with improved domestic grains, like clover and rye are found throughout. The average annual precipitation is about 41 inches.
The management area has some general public access, but is open mainly for controlled hunts. Consult regulations for area use restrictions.
Driving Directions: From Cookson: 5.2 miles east on Blue Top Road.
Game Species of Interest:
Bear: No season. Animals are present on the WMA but very secretive.
Deer: White-tailed deer are present in good numbers but are highly sought after.
Turkey: Eastern wild turkeys are present in fair numbers but are highly sought after.
Quail: Bobwhite quail are present in very limited numbers.
Rabbit: Cottontail rabbits are present in good numbers.
Squirrel: Both fox and gray squirrels are abundant.
Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat, gray fox, and raccoon can be found on the area.
Dove: Very limited opportunity. Not a major game species on the area.
Waterfowl: Limited opportunity. Restricted to area ponds.
Elk: Present in low numbers. Limited hunting through the controlled hunts program.
Nongame Species of Interest:
Bald eagles occasionally winter on an impoundment known as Buzzard Lake.
Reptiles and amphibians of Cookson WMA
Description of Fish and Wildlife Management Practices:
Management efforts focus on improving the forage base for game species by controlled burning, mowing, timber management and establishing agricultural food plots. Annually, 150-200 acres (50-75 food plots) are planted on the area. Ponds are scattered throughout for wildlife watering. Those holding water year around are stocked with bass, sunfish and catfish.
Camping and Facilities:
One designated primitive camping area is available for hunters. More convenient accommodations can be found in Tahlequah. The Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce can be reached at (918) 456-3742.
Fishing Opportunities:
Fishing is limited to those area ponds that hold water year around. Buzzard Lake (approximately 7 acres) is the primary source available. Light tackle is generally appropriate.