Summary
It covers over 13,000 acres and offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. Some of the wildlife that can be found in the area include deer, turkey, quail, and small game.
One of the main reasons to visit the Mcilroy Madison County Wildlife Management Area is for hunting. The area is well-known for its deer and turkey hunting opportunities. Fishing is also popular, with several ponds and streams available for anglers to try their luck.
There are several points of interest to see in the area, including the Mcilroy Madison County Wildlife Management Area headquarters and the historic War Eagle Mill. The headquarters offers information about the wildlife in the area and provides maps for visitors. The War Eagle Mill, which dates back to the 1830s, is a popular spot for tourists and offers a glimpse into the area's history.
Interesting facts about the Mcilroy Madison County Wildlife Management Area include that it was once a working farm and was later purchased by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for wildlife management purposes. The area is also home to several endangered species, including the Ozark big-eared bat and the Indiana bat.
The best time of year to visit the Mcilroy Madison County Wildlife Management Area depends on the activities you are interested in. Hunting season typically runs from September to January, while fishing is best in the spring and fall. Hiking and wildlife observation can be enjoyed year-round, but visitors should be aware of the weather conditions during the summer months.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References