Barkley WMA Units 1 and 2

Directions and Description

Site Directions: From Nashville: Take I-24 W approximately 40 miles to Exit 4 (US 79) going toward Clarksville/Guthrie.  Travel approximately 36 miles on US 79 toward Dover. Unit 1, the largest area, is found by going right on Bumpus Mills Road and left on River Road. Various access points for the smaller properties which comprise Unit 2 (Lick Creek, Long Creek, River Bend, Glices Creek) are located off Highway 49 in Dover and Highway 149 in nearby Cumberland City.   Lat: 36.51496°N Long: -87.85397°W

The WMA is open year-round, but some roads may be closed to all access.   Licensing fees may apply.

Contact Information: Region 1 Office, Phone 731-423-5725, Toll-Free:  800-372-3928, E-mail the office

The 8,000-acre WMA is located in Stewart County (Hwy. 79 downstream to river mile 85), is approximately 8,090 acres, comprised primarily of cropland and willow thickets bordering the shores of Lake Barkley.  Access by foot is largely limited to areas around duck hunting blinds.  Best explored by boat. 

Wildlife to Watch: Fall through winter is best for wildlife viewing opportunities. Early successional bird species such as Yellow-breasted Chat, Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak and Field Sparrow can be found in the extensive fields.  The wetlands near the lake border are home to Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Osprey, and various duck species (in season). 

Regulations

All activities are prohibited in the sub-impoundments five (5) days before each opening day of the statewide duck season. Beginning on the opening day of the regular waterfowl season and continuing until the last day of the regular waterfowl season, public access in the sub-impoundment will only be allowed from 4:00 a.m. until two hours after legal shooting hours have ended. During the late duck season, all activities are prohibited in the subimpoundments when waterfowl hunting is closed.

Waterfowl hunting authorized only from Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 4 locations.

Fishing, trapping, and hunting of all species other than waterfowl prohibited in the sub-impoundments during the duck season occurring in Nov.–Feb.

UNIT I 

Big Game, Small Game, and Trapping are the same as statewide seasons except as noted. Deer and Small Game hunting is only allowed on days waterfowl hunting is closed during the duck season occurring in Nov.–Feb. 

Closed to Fall Turkey Hunting.

Waterfowl hunting is the same as statewide seasons, except as noted. Hunting of waterfowl during the duck and goose seasons occurring in Nov.–Feb. permitted only on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and the first and last day of each segment of the duck and goose seasons occurring in Nov.–Feb.

Quail - Nov. 2, 2024 – Jan. 15, 2025.

Dog training - Sept. 1, 2024 – March 15, 2025 except closed during the duck season occurring in Nov. – Feb.

UNIT II 

All of Barkley WMA except that defined as Unit I

Big Game, Small Game, and Trapping are the same as statewide seasons, except as noted.

Turkey - One non-quota hunt: April 12 - May 4, 2025. One mal bearded turkey, coutns toward statewide bag limit.

Turkey (Young Sportsman) - Same as statewide seasons

Quail - Nov.  202 – Jan. 15, 2025