Wolf River WMA (and Ghost River SNA)
Directions and Description
Site Directions: From Memphis, take Hwy 57 East to LaGrange and turn south on Main St at the main intersection in town. Main St provides access to the upstream boat ramp for canoe put-in and access to Beasley Rd which provides access to the Mineral Slough Boardwalk. Mineral Slough Boardwalk - Lat: 35.02891, Long: -89.2665. Bateman Rd intersects Hwy 57 a few miles west of LaGrange and allows for access to the canoe take-out parking lot and the western sides of the area. Bateman Road - Lat: 35.02391, Long: -89.3505
The WMA is open year-round during daylight hours, please note hunting seasons. Access is free however hunting, fishing, or recreational licensing fees may apply.
TWRA Contact Information: Region 1 Office: 1-731-423-5725 Toll-Free: 1-800-372-3928 E-mail the office TWRA Area Manager: Brandon Gilbert 1-901-878-0855
The Wolf River WMA consists of 4,236 acres of which 2,400 acres are in the Wolf River floodplain and 1,667 acres in open agricultural and pastures. The forested acreage is >80% bottomland hardwood/swamp forest. The majority of the Wolf River Wildlife Management Area lies along the unchannelized portion of the Wolf River from the Tennessee/Mississippi state line to the Bateman Bridge. Upland areas are characterized by agricultural fields/pastures and scattered stands of upland hardwoods.
The Ghost River State Natural Area is a 2,220-acre, 14-mile section of the Wolf River from the parking area near La Grange to the Bateman Bridge. Here, the Ghost River section of the Wolf is unchannelized and meanders through bottomland hardwood forests, cypress-tupelo swamps, and open marshes. Some of the most impressive trees are oaks which include Cherrybark, Water Willow, and Swamp Chestnut. The low ridges above the river bottoms support Tulip Poplar, beech, and White Oak with Northern Red Oak infrequently occurring. The natural area also includes significant uplands and sandy hills adjacent to the floodplain. The Ghost River section of the Wolf River received its name from the loss of river current as the water "flows" through open marshes and bald cypress-water tupelo swamps.
A canoe trail has been blazed through the disorienting maze of Virginia Willow, cypress, tupelos, and stunted Pumpkin Ash. This trail includes a 600-foot boardwalk in the Minnow Slough area. Neotropical migratory songbirds are common in summer, including Acadian Flycatcher, Prairie Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, and Wood Thrush.
Regulations & Dates
Ghost River Natural Area is open the same as Wolf River WMA.
Hunting or access to hunting from the boardwalk structure is prohibited.
CWD Carcass Transportation Regulations Apply
Spring Turkey - Two (2) weekly hunts (Tue-Wed and Fri-Sun) each week of spring turkey season. All hunts will be quota hunts and will be drawn prior to turkey season. One (1) bearded turkey per hunt, counts toward statewide bag limit.
Turkey (Young Sportsman) - Same as statewide season and bag limit.
Unit I (The Portion South of Hwy. 57)
CWD Carcass Transportation Regulations Apply
Big Game, Small Game, and Trapping - same as statewide seasons except as noted.
Quail hunting - Closed.
Fall Turkey - Closed.
Small Game Hunting - closed during Young Sportsman deer hunts.
Dove - Sept. 1 at noon and every day thereafter during the remainder of the statewide dove seasons.
Rabbit - Nov. 4, 2024 - Jan. 31, 2025.
Waterfowl - Waterfowl hunting closes at 3 p.m. (CST) each day of the regular statewide waterfowl seasons, except the last day of duck seasons and remaining goose seasons when hunting closes at sunset. Temporary blinds only.
Shooting Range is open for rifle sight-in during the whole month of October. Coordinates of the range are (GPS N35.0026.63, W89.1759.93). Firing Rage page.
Deer -Open for August Archery Deer Hunt.
Dog training - Nov. 1, 2024, - Jan. 31, 2025.
Unit II (The Portion North of Hwy. 57)
CWD Carcass Transportation Regulations Apply
Big Game, Small Game, and Trapping - same as statewide seasons except as noted.
Fall Turkey - Closed.
Spring TUrkey - Two (2) weekly hunts (Tues–Wed and Fri–Sun) each week of spring turkey season. All hunts will be quota hunts and will be drawn prior to turkey season. One (1) male turkey per hunt counts towards the statewide bag limit.
Deer - Open for August Archery Hunt.
Waterfowl - Waterfowl hunting closes at 3 p.m. (CST) each day of the regular statewide waterfowl seasons, except the last day of duck seasons and remaining goose seasons when hunting closes at sunset. Temporary blinds only.
NOTE: Some areas are used for recreational purposes. Please use these links before visiting the location.