Departee Creek WMA
| Zone | County |
|---|---|
| 175 | White |
Flood Prone Region
Three-point rule
Acres: 1,304
2024-25 Closed Seasons
- Alligator
- Bear
2024-25 Crow
Sept. 1, 2024-Feb. 17, 2025. Open Thursdays through Mondays only. No limit.
2024-25 Deer
Deer Archery: Sept. 7-9 (one buck only); Sept. 28-Feb. 28.
Deer Alternative Firearms: Oct. 19-27.
Deer Modern Gun: Nov. 9-Dec. 15 and Dec. 26-28.
Deer Modern Gun Special Youth Hunt: Nov. 2-3 and Jan. 4-5.
WMA Deer Bag Limit: Three deer, no more than two bucks, which may include:
- Two bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
- Three does with archery,
- Two does with alternative firearms or modern gun combined.
- During youth hunt, youths may take three deer, two bucks (no antler restrictions) or up to two does.
Deer Notes:
- Three-point rule.
- No dogs.
2024-25 Quail
Nov. 1, 2024-Feb. 2, 2025. Daily limit – 6, possession limit – 12.
2024-25 Rabbit
Sept. 1, 2024-Feb. 28, 2025. Daily limit – 8, possession limit – 16.
2024-25 Squirrel
May 15, 2024-Feb. 28, 2025. Dogs allowed. Daily limit – 12, possession limit – 48.
2025 Turkey
Youth Hunt: April 12-13. One legal turkey.
Firearms Hunt: April 21-May 11. One legal turkey.
About the Name
Departee Creek WMA was named after Departee Creek, a small bottomland creek that runs through part of the WMA.
Access
Access can be gained by traveling north on Hwy 367 to Bradford exit. At Bradford turn south on the service road and travel approximately two miles to area boundary.
Age
The area was established as a WMA in 1998.
Area Notes
- A free annual General Use Permit (WMP) is required to hunt or trap on WMAs. Permits are available online by clicking “Buy Licenses” at agfc.com or by calling 833-345-0325 or any regional office.
- This WMA is in Flood Prone Region B. Click here for details.
Description
Previous land use consisted of row crop, rice farmland and commercial fishpond operation. Part of the area would be classified as upland and 154.4 acres would be described as a wetland/floodplain.
Hunting Opportunities
Hunting on this area is regulated in accordance with the statewide seasons and bag limits. Most hunting opportunity consists of deer and small game hunting.
Location
This area is near the city of Bradford in White County.
Management Practices
Management plans for this property have been approved and will consist of hardwood reforestation and developing two wetland projects. Some of the old fishponds may provide the opportunity for some fishery management projects.
Ownership
1,304 acres owned by AGFC
Phone
833-345-0283
Purpose
The property shall be managed for fish and wildlife purposes, in accordance with the management plan agreed to by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Public use and recreation will be allowed on the area.
Recreation Other Than Hunting
The old fishponds and Departee Creek offer some fishing opportunity. Also these old ponds are excellent places for birdwatchers to observe wading birds and other migratory species.
Restaurants and Other Facilities
Bradford is the nearest town with restaurants, gas stations and bait can be purchased there. Bald knob or Newport would be the nearest towns with overnight facilities.