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Name & Zone:
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Caney Creek - WMA Zone 120
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County:
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Polk, Pike, Howard, Montgomery
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Location:
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The area is in the Ouachita Mountains, Montgomery and Polk counties. Twelve miles southeast of Mena.
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Phone:
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1-877-525-8606
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1
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About the Name:
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The name was derived from a creek located on the southwest portion of the management area.
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Ownership:
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Primary ownership is by the US Forest Service although there is some privately owned land within the
management area boundary.
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Age:
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The area was established in 1968 as a result of a "memorandum of understanding" between the US
Forest Service and the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.
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Purpose:
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The area was created to enhance management of all wildlife species in west central Arkansas.
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Description:
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Caney Creek consists of 85,000 acres of rugged mountain terrain and narrow valleys which form the
headwaters of the Little Missouri and Cossatot Rivers. The predominant timber types on the area are upland hardwoods, shortleaf pine and mixed hardwood. Typical of the Ouachitas, the ridges run in an east-west fashion. Hardwoods are generally found on the north and east aspects of the mountains while pine occupies the south and west aspects. In addition to the Little Missouri and Cossatot rivers, there are several smaller streams on the management area. These include Caney Creek, Short Creek, Sugar Creek, Mine Creek, Straight Creek, Crooked Creek, Long Creek, Blaylock Creek and East Saline Creek. One man-made lake, Shady Lake, is located on the south side of the management area.
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Access:
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The area can be reached from Mena via Ark. 375 south for ten miles. From Glenwood, follow Ark. 8 west
approximately 25 miles until you see the sign announcing "Little Missouri Falls and Albert Pike
Recreation Areas". From US 71 at Vandervoot the area can be reached via Ark. 246 (10 miles).
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Hunting
Opportunities:
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Numerous hunting opportunities exist on the Caney Creek WMA. In order of importance they include deer, turkey, squirrel, bear, furbearers, cottontail, bobwhite, raccoon, mourning dove, coyote, woodcock, snipe and ducks. The area is noted for its quality deer potential, primarily due to its rugged terrain and older deer population. At times, following a good mast crop, squirrel hunting can be outstanding, because of the considerable hardwood component and numerous creek bottoms.
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Management
Practices:
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Several practices are utilized on the area to enhance wildlife. These include approximately 100 food plots, several hundred acres of controlled burnings, overstory mast development to increase acorn production, honeysuckle planting, timber harvesting, waterhole development, midstory thinning and bushhogging.
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Recreation
Other Than
Hunting
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Of special interest is the Caney Creek Wilderness Area (14,433 acres). One has a choice of a couple of trails to hike depending on time allotted. White water kayaking is available on the Cossatot River for those with considerable experience in white water. NOT FOR BEGINNERS. One might be lucky enough to see wintering bald or golden eagles at times.
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Other Points
of Interest:
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When visiting the area, one should make a trip to the Little Missouri Falls Recreation Area. The expense
of waterfalls is worth the trip.
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Camping:
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Camping opportunities are endless. The Forest Service allows unrestricted camping. You can camp virtually anywhere you want. If you want a developed camping area, you also have several options. Albert Pike Recreational Area, Bard Springs Recreational Area and Shady Lake Recreational Area all have developed camping areas with restroom facilities and drinking water. Camping is free at Bard Springs, but a nominal fee is charged at Albert Pike and Shady Lake. Camping with electricity and cabins is available at a private campground at Albert Pike. For more information regarding this, contact James Lowery at Camp Albert Pike Recreation Area (870-356-3964).
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Restaurants
and Other
Facilities:
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The nearest restaurant and motel will be found at Mena, but groceries can be purchased at Albert Pike
or in the community of Langley.
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Safety:
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There are some safety considerations to be aware of. There is the possibility of being temporarily lost. Keep in mind that the ridges run east-west and you should be able to travel in a consistent direction and eventually hit a main road. Potential bear programs will be avoided if you use common sense in dealing with garbage and cooking materials.
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