Howard County Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Howard County Wildlife Management Area, located in Missouri, is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The 2,500-acre area offers visitors a chance to observe a wide variety of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, deer, and turkey.
There are several reasons to visit Howard County Wildlife Management Area. The area is a great place for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife photography. Visitors can also go fishing in the Missouri River, which borders the area.
Some specific points of interest in the area include the Katy Trail State Park, which runs through the eastern portion of the wildlife management area. There is also a wetland area that is home to various waterfowl species. The area is also famous for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, forests, and grasslands.
Interesting facts about Howard County Wildlife Management Area include the fact that it was once a farm and has since been restored to its natural state. The area is also home to several rare plant species, including the Missouri bladderpod, a plant that is only found in a few counties in the state.
The best time of year to visit Howard County Wildlife Management Area is in the spring and fall. During these times, the area is full of migratory birds and other wildlife. Visitors should also be aware that hunting is allowed in the wildlife management area during certain times of the year, so it's essential to check the hunting schedule before planning a trip.
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
Blue Ridge - Dierks Lake
Jefferson Ridge - Dierks Lake
Horseshoe Bend - Dierks Lake
Cossatot Reefs - Gillham Lake
Big Coon Creek - Gillham Lake
Little Coon Creek - Gillham Lake