The Ballard and Boatwright Wildlife Management Areas
located here are owned and operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish
and Wildlife Resources. The areas are in the Mississippi River
floodplain along the Ohio River.
Ballard WMA contains
8,200 acres and Boatwright WMA contains 8,000 acres. Boatwright WMA
includes Swan Lake, which is the state's largest natural lake. Both
areas contain bottomland hardwoods, interspersed with numerous oxbow
lakes, tupelo and cypress tree swamps and agricultural fields.
The areas provide wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl and a rich
ecosystem for wildlife diversity. There are 30 miles of all-weather
gravel roads throughout both areas.
Ballard WMA and portions of
Boatwright WMA annually are closed to the public from Oct. 15 to March
15. There is a two-mile driving loop on Ballard that is open
year-round, along with an elevated viewing plat-form and walkway, with
a half-mile interpretive trail.
The areas contain
wintering and nesting bald eagles, deer, wild turkey, furbearers, dove,
and water-fowl, along with numerous non-game species. There are special
regulations for waterfowl and deer hunting. Maps and information are
available at WMA office near Bandana, which is open Monday through
Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Central Time. The number is
270-224-2244.
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