Summary
It is home to several species of wildlife, such as deer, turkey, quail, and bobcats. The reserve offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
One of the main attractions of the area is the Neosho River, which runs through the reserve and provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking. There are also several ponds and lakes on the property, which are stocked with a variety of fish species.
Visitors can explore the area on several hiking trails, including the Neosho River Walk Trail and the Prairie Grass Trail. The reserve also has several designated hunting areas, which are open during specific times of the year.
Interesting facts about Neosho Wildlife Area include that it is located on the site of an old military fort and was once used for agricultural purposes before being turned into a wildlife reserve. Additionally, the reserve is home to several threatened and endangered species, such as the northern long-eared bat and the American burying beetle.
The best time of year to visit Neosho Wildlife Area depends on the specific activity you are interested in. Spring and fall are popular times for hunting, while summer is a good time to fish and kayak. Wildlife viewing can be done year-round, with the most activity typically occurring in the early morning and evening hours.
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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.
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