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Name
& Zone:
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Howard County - WMA Zone 370
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County:
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Howard
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Location:
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L
ocated in Howard County, 10 miles north of Dierks and 3 miles southwest of Umpire.
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Phone:
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1-877-777-5580
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1
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Ownership:
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This area is made up of approximately 23,000 acres of Weyerhaeuser Company land.
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Age:
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The area became a WMA in the 1970’s.
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Purpose:
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The primary objective of this management area is to provide quality wildlife habitat and public hunting
opportunities.
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Description:
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Typical Athens Piedmont Plateau habitat includes rolling hills intensively managed for pine production
and pine/hardwood mixed stands along creeks. The area is bordered on the west by Gillham Lake and
the Cossatot River and partially on the south by Dierks Lake.
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Access:
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Access on the west side is facilitated by crossing Gillham Lake dam and following Gillham Lake Rd.
(County Rd.) through the area. Access on the north and east is facilitated by utilizing Weyerhaeuser
roads off Hwy. 4.
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Hunting
Opportunities:
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Deer, quail, turkey, squirrel, and rabbits. This area is known for producing large bucks. See current
regulations for season and permit requirements.
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Management
Practices:
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Wildlife management practices are integrated with timber management practices to provide quality
wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities. These management practices provide substantial open land
habitats and stimulate excellent browse production. Several food plots are planted throughout the area
and along the lake to supplement natural browse.
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Recreation
Other Than
Hunting:
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Fishing opportunities are good in both Gillham Lake and Dierks Lake.
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Other
Points
of Interest:
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Cossatot River State Park and Natural Area lies
upstream on the Cossatot River. The Ouachita National
Forest is located approximately 10 miles north.
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Camping:
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Camping is permitted on the area at designated campsites. Additional campsites area available at Blue
Ridge Recreational Area on Dierks Lake and at the Gillham Lake dam area.
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Restaurants
and Other
Facilities:
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Facilities are located in Dierks and Umpire
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Special
Facilities:
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Corps of Engineer campground at Blue Ridge Recreational Area on Dierks Lake is equipped with
concrete boat ramp.
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Special
Facts:
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Portions of the area served as a refuge during the early 60’s and the area now provides approximately
23,000 acres for public recreation.
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Safety:
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Due to the large network of Weyerhaeuser roads that run throughout the area it is recommended that
anyone not familiar with the area obtain an area map from the AGFC office.
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