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Name & Zone:
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McIlroy Madison County WMA
- WMA Zone 430
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PDF Map 588 KB
8.5x11
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County:
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Madison
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PDF Map 727 KB
11x17
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PDF Map 37 MB
11x17 Detailed
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AGFC
Interactive Map
Coming Soon!
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Flash Map Side 1 5.6
MB
Flash Map Side 2 5.6 MB
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Location:
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The entire area is in Madison County, 12 miles north of Huntsville on state highway 23 and/or 13 miles south of
Eureka Springs on highway 23
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Phone:
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1-877-967-7577
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1
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About the Name:
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The area was renamed in January 2008 to honor the previous owners of the land. The McIlroy family of Fayetteville owned approximately 15,000 acres in the county where the WMA is now located.
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Ownership:
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Owned by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
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Age:
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The initial purchase for the area was July of 1957.
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Purpose:
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The area was purchased primarily as a public hunting area but it is also used for a variety of other outdoor
activities.
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Description:
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The area is typical rugged Ozark Mountain terrain with numerous steep mountains and hollows. Elevations
range from 1100 to over 1600 feet above mean sea level. The area is extensively forested in upland hardwood
and shortleaf pine/upland hardwood timber stands with associated understory and midstory vegetation.
Thereare numerous small streams on the area that are all tributaries of the nearby King’s River which skirts the
eastern boundary of the area. The area consists of a total of 14,227 acres of state owned land.
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Access:
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Major access to area is from state highway 23. To find the area from Huntsville take highway 23 north
approximately 12 miles or from Eureka Springs south about 13 miles. Highway directional signs indicate
access roads from Highway 23 to the interior of the area. Except for one small tract the area lies east of
Highway 23.
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Hunting
Opportunities:
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The area provides good public hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, squirrels and raccoons.
Modern gun and muzzleloader deer hunting has been by permit only in recent years in order to maintain
hunting pressure and the corresponding deer harvest at desirable levels. Hunters wishing to apply for firearms
deer hunting permits should contact an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission office in early May of each year
to obtain information or an application for the permit hunt drawings. Archery deer hunting, wild turkey and small game hunting only require the appropriate hunting license at this time. Hunters should always refer to a current edition of the Arkansas Hunting Regulations Guide prior to hunting on any wildlife management area. Hunting seasons and regulations may be changed from year to year for management purposes.
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Management
Practices:
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There are 136 wildlife openings/food plots totaling about 200 acres on the area. These openings are maintained
in nutritious grass/legume forage and are mowed, limed and fertilized on a planned schedule. These openings
are distributed evenly throughout the area and are designed to provide a dependable source of high quality
forage when natural foods are in short supply. Game and Fish Commission personnel also utilize forestry
practices including planned timber harvests and controlled burns in order to maintain general forest diversity which provides habitats for the broad spectrum of native forest wildlife species.
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Recreation
Other Than
Hunting:
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The area is used for a variety of outdoor activities including environmental education as well as recreation.
Nature study, wildlife observation, horseback riding, bicycling, camping and picnics are all very popular
activities on the Madison Co. WMA.
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Other Points
of Interest:
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Scenic Overlook - A high bluff that overlooks the King’s River known for its exceptionally beautiful view.
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Camping:
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There are currently 23 primitive camping sites designated on the area. These areas were developed and are maintained by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Area maps depict exact locations of camping sites as well as the natural area and overlook. Camping is restricted to designated areas only.
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Restaurants
and Other
Facilities:
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Restaurants and motels are available in nearby Huntsville and Eureka Springs. It would be advisable to obtain motel reservations ahead of time to ensure accommodations.
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Special
Facilities:
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Eureka Springs is a popular tourist attraction during warmer months of the year. There are a wide variety of
arts and crafts, curio and antique shops, and entertainment available.
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Special
Facts:
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There are numerous caves on the area.
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Safety:
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Hunters and hikers should be on the lookout for poisonous snakes during the warmer months of the year. They should also use a good insect repellent to ward off disease causing ticks and chiggers.
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