Elk River Wildlife Management Area in Braxton County is beautiful, peaceful and secluded. It has mature forests full of old growth timber, partially timbered areas and well-maintained hunting trails. With varied cover like that, the wildlife love Elk River WMA, and so will you.
If you think public hunting land like Elk River WMA isn’t worth checking out, then you’re missing out. One of the biggest misconceptions about West Virginia’s wildlife management areas is that they’re crowded or completely hunted out. With more than 19,000 acres to explore, Elk River WMA has plenty of space for hunters and game alike. For hunting info licenses and stamps visit www.wvhunt.com. View the interactive DNR hunting map for access to all locations and features of the Elk River WMA.
When hunting season isn’t in, the Elk River Wildlife Management Area is a perfect place to hike and enjoy the scenic beauty of West Virginia. Keep your eyes peeled for Bigfoot! Reportedly, he has been seen around the Sutton Lake and surrounding streams.
Elk River WMA at a glance
- Open: All year
- Size: 19,646 acres
- Terrain: Steep hills, ridges and benches with mature hardwood forests.
- Big Game: Deer, Turkey
- Small Game: Waterfowl, Squirrel, Grouse, Dove, Woodcock
- Trapping: Bobcat, Coyote, Red Fox, Beaver, Mink, Muskrat, Opossum, Fox
- Fishing Waters: Elk River, Holly River, Sutton Lake
- Game Fish: Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Bluegill, Carp, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Muskellunge, Trout, Walleye
- Accommodations: Tent and Trailer sites, Primitive camping, Shooting Range
- Operated By: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources