Kentucky Opens Muddygut and Crow Creek WMAs, 1,337 Acres of New Public Hunting Land

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources opened two wildlife management areas (WMAs) totaling 1,337 acres in eastern and southern Kentucky, it said in a release from Frankfort dated Nov. 4, 2026.

Both properties were bought with money from the Kentucky Wetland and Stream Mitigation Program (FILO) under KRS 150.255, for stream restoration projects on the new lands. No general fund tax dollars or license fee dollars were used. The program runs on a dedicated state fund that developers pay into when their work affects wetlands or streams in the same watershed. Under U.S. Army Corps of Engineers supervision, the department spends that money on restoration, and some of the purchased land is later opened to the public, as with these two.

Both properties are mostly forested with steep terrain. Hunting on each follows the statewide regulations for its counties.

Muddygut WMA covers 465 acres between Louisa in Lawrence County and Paintsville in Johnson County, just south of Lowmansville. It has forested drainages, steep hillsides and narrow valley bottoms, with remnants of old mining and commercial activities. Derek Beard, assistant director of the Wildlife Division, said the property offers deer and turkey hunting, plus small game hunting for squirrels and rabbits, with the potential for grouse.

To reach it, take U.S. 23 to KY 645 (Inez Road), then KY 645 to KY 581. Continue about 5.5 miles on KY 581. The parking area is on the right.

Crow Creek WMA covers 872 acres in Clinton and Cumberland counties, south of Russell Springs, with frontage along the Cumberland River. It offers deer, turkey and small game hunting. Crow Creek and its tributaries run through old field habitat and lack native streamside vegetation to stabilize and shade them, so the creek currently pushes large amounts of sediment into the Cumberland River.

To reach it, take U.S. 127 south from Russell Springs for about 16.9 miles. Turn right onto KY 3063 (Wells Bottom Road) and go about 0.7 miles. The entrance is on the left.

Updated maps and regulations are on the department’s Public Lands Search page at fw.ky.gov. The department’s information line is 1-800-858-1549, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET on weekdays, excluding holidays.

Restoration work had no timetable as of the Nov. 4 release. “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.