Cherokee Lowlands Wildlife Area is owned and managed by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The wildlife area currently consists of eight different tracts of land totaling 2,519 acres. Seven of these tracts are located North and East of Chetopa, in Labette and Cherokee counties, on the Neosho River Floodplain. One tract is located along Cow Creek, in Northeast Cherokee County, south of Pittsburg. Most of the wildlife area is in the physiographic region of Kansas known as Cherokee Lowlands, hence the name.

Wildlife

Waterfowl, white-tailed deer, eastern turkey, fox squirrel, gray squirrel, rabbit and dove can be found throughout the area. Many furbearers can also be found including coyote, bobcat, raccoon, opossum, skunk, beaver, otter, muskrat and mink. Dove management at the Perkins tract attracts doves and provide a food plot for other wildlife. Wetlands are managed for early successional vegetation to provide resting and feeding areas for migrating waterfowl. Water levels in the wetlands are dependent on runoff from rain events. The native grasslands are frequently burned utilizing prescribed fire to provide quality habitat.

Fishing

Limited angling opportunities may be found in deeper pools of Fly Creek that runs through Mitchelson and Chesnutt tracts and Cow Creek that runs through Buche tract. The low head dam on the Neosho River at Chetopa’s East River Park provides excellent fishing for channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish and rough fish at different times throughout the year. White bass and crappie can be caught in good numbers during early spring, depending on river flow and water clarity. Paddlefish snagging is also allowed during season in a designated area below the dam and is a unique and popular angling opportunity.

Other Opportunities

Birdwatching, furharvesting, hiking, wildlife viewing and photography. Please be respectful of all public land users to ensure everyone has a high-quality outdoor experience. Please follow all rules, regulations and posted notices.