Kentucky Fish and Wildlife opens two new wildlife management areas for public use

​​FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 4, 2026) — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has opened two new wildlife management areas (WMAs), adding a combined 1,337 acres in eastern and southern Kentucky. The properties were acquired using funds from the Kentucky Wetland and Stream Mitigation Program (FILO) for stream restoration projects on the new lands.

Both properties consist primarily of forested habitat with steep terrain, offering opportunities for hunters to experience Kentucky's diverse landscapes and pursue a variety of wildlife species. Hunting at both WMAs will be governed by statewide hunting regulations applicable to the respective counties.

Muddygut Wildlife Management Area

Muddygut WMA is located between Louisa, Kentucky, in Lawrence County and Paintsville, Kentucky, in Johnson County, just south of Lowmansville, Kentucky. The 465-acre property consists primarily of forested drainages, steep hillsides, and narrow valley bottoms with remnants of old mining and commercial activities. Muddygut Branch is a direct tributary to Levisa Fork, merging just downstream of the property boundary.

“The terrain features moderately steep slopes leading to upland oak forests along the ridge tops,” said Derek Beard, assistant director of the Wildlife Division for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “The property offers opportunities for deer and turkey hunting, as well as small game hunting for squirrels and rabbits, with the potential for grouse.”

To access Muddygut WMA, take U.S. 23 to KY 645 (Inez Road), then follow KY 645 to KY 581. Continue on KY 581 for approximately 5.5 miles. The parking area is located on the right.

Crow Creek Wildlife Management Area

Crow Creek WMA encompasses 872 acres in Clinton and Cumberland counties, south of Russell Springs, Kentucky. The property consists primarily of forested habitat with steep terrain and frontage along the Cumberland River. Its extensive forest cover and varied terrain provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species and opportunities for deer, turkey and small game hunting. Crow Creek and its tributaries flow through old field habitat and lack streamside native vegetation to help stabilize and shade the stream, which causes Crow Creek to currently push large amounts of sediment into the Cumberland River.

“The property consists primarily of forested habitat with steep terrain and frontage along the Cumberland River,” Beard said. “Its extensive forest cover and varied terrain provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species and opportunities for deer, turkey and small game hunting.”

To access Crow Creek WMA, take U.S. 127 south from Russell Springs for approximately 16.9 miles. Turn right onto KY 3063 (Wells Bottom Road) and travel approximately 0.7 miles. The property entrance is on the left.

Kentucky Wetland and Stream Mitigation Program

These properties were purchased with Kentucky Wetland and Stream Mitigation Program Funds pursuant to KRS150.255. No general fund tax dollars or license fee dollars were used to purchase these properties.

The Kentucky Wetland and Stream Mitigation Program operates through a dedicated state fund, into which mitigation payments are made by developers whose activities impact wetlands or streams within the same watershed area. Under supervision of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife uses monies from the restricted mitigation fund to restore wetlands and streams in order to help preserve the overall ecological functions within the vicinity. These restoration projects produce cleaner water, reduce soil erosion and improve fish and wildlife habitat on pre-approved project sites on both public and private lands. In some cases - such as these two new WMAs - lands purchased with the mitigation funds are later opened for public use.

“Restoration planning for both properties is in the early stages, and the timing and scope of future work have not yet been determined,” Beard said. “Any future activities that may affect public access or use of either property will be communicated as plans develop.”

Updated WMA information, regulations and maps are available on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website’s Public Lands Search page or type the name of the WMA property in the search box in the top right corner of the fw.ky.gov homepage.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the fish and wildlife resources of the commonwealth and provide outstanding opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, shooting sports, wildlife viewing and related activities. For more information regarding hunting and fishing or learning to hunt and fish, visit the department’s website at fw.ky.govor call 1-800-858-1549, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET) on weekdays, excluding holidays.​​