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Spring Turkey Hunting is Resident Only, through the Unit 4 draw process. No Fall Turkey Hunting on Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area.
All White-tail Antlerless Only tags are INVALID in Unit 2, including Cedar Bluff Wildlife Management Area.
Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area varies in size with the fluctuating reservoir. The Smoky Hill River, which originates in Eastern Colorado, intermittently flows into the reservoir. At full pool the reservoir is 6,800 surface acres and the surrounding Wildlife Area encompasses approximately 7,000 acres. The reservoir is currently only 3,000 surface acres and the surrounding Wildlife Area is 11,000 acres. The area lies in the mixed grass prairie and chalk bluff region. Cedar Bluff derives its name from a 1/2 mile of 100-foot chalk bluffs located on the SW portion of the property.
You can see and photograph a diversity of wildlife species. In winter, bald and golden eagle's visit. Deer, turkey, and pheasant roam freely. Waterfowl stop on their migrations, and a small Canada goose flock make the area home. The Bluff Overlook is also a scenic place to visit.
Public hunting areas are limited in Kansas, so demand is high. Management continually seeks to enhance hunting quality.
Big Game: In the past archery and firearm hunters have recorded one of the highest public land success rates. Most deer are whitetails with a few mule deer on the area. Whitetail Antlerless Deer permits are invalid on the Cedar Bluff WMA.
Turkey: Turkey populations remain stable due to limited draw permits, habitat improvement, and relocation efforts. Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area is located in Turkey Management Unit 4. There is a limited draw for spring turkey permits and no fall turkey hunting in Unit 4. Youth turkey permits are valid statewide.
Upland Game: Pheasant populations fluctuate, with the most hunting pressure during the season opener. Diverse habitats with grass, crops, and weeds produce the best results. Quail numbers are good, but populations vary with weather and habitat nesting conditions.
Migratory Birds: Doves are plentiful until cold weather moves in. Geese and ducks use the area during migration, numbers vary with habitat conditions. Most goose hunting occurs on private land when the geese leave the area to feed.
Special Hunts: Special waterfowl, deer, and various youth hunts are available by application. Contact the area office for more information.
Youth / Mentor Hunting Areas: Youth Mentor hunting areas are provided in strategic locations. The youth / mentor area east of the dam is shotgun / archery only, and the youth / mentor area west of the dam is open to all seasons and equipment. Both areas provide good opportunities for geese, deer and pheasant. At least 1 youth hunter aged 17 or younger is required per adult mentor. Adult mentors may hunt. Every kid is waiting to be invited outdoors, just ask them!
A 320 acre refuge "Closed to All Activities" directly below the dam is in effect year-round. From Sept. 1st thru Jan. 31st, 500 acres of land and from Nov. 1st thru Jan. 31st, 200 acres water are closed to all access. (See Wildlife Area Map for more details)
Black bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish have benefited the most from water level rises. Walleye, white bass, and wiper fishing will improve as the forage conditions stabilize in response to water quality improvement.
Length Limits
Catch and Release: Voluntary catch and release extends fish resources which are becoming more limited. Reduced harvest of small fish allows more fish to reach a larger, more desirable size. Releasing larger fish increases their recreational use and keeps them in the water to help control undesirable fish by predation. A fish released properly is an investment in future fishing opportunities.
Boating: Currently there are 3 usable boat ramps located on the reservoir. A “no wake” policy is enforced near boat ramps.
Camping: Campers are encouraged to use the State Park where modern and primitive camping sites and rental cabins are available the year round. Camping on the Wildlife Area is primitive and limited to three designated areas. These areas have no fees for camping, so all we ask is to leave your site cleaner than you found it.
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