Description
Sunflower Wildlife Management Area is approximately 60,000 acres located in Delta National Forest, which is owned by the US Forest Service (USFS). The WMA is located in Sharkey County, about 10 miles east of Rolling Fork, and was established in 1955. Consisting entirely of bottomland hardwood forest, with stands varying in age from regeneration areas to mature forests, the major tree species on the area are water, willow, overcup, and Nuttall oaks, ash, sugarberry, sweetgum, and cypress. Management of timber stands is entirely handled by the USFS.
There are several water control structures managed by the USFS that flood sloughs for winter waterfowl use. Two GTR levees and more than 30 food plots are planted by the MDWFP and USFS personnel to provide additional food for wildlife.
Recreational opportunities include fishing in the scattered lakes or on the Big and Little Sunflower Rivers, which are accessible by two boat ramps. Hunting deer, turkeys, squirrels, and waterfowl are also popular activities. Regulations allow deer hunting with archery, primitive weapon, and modern gun. Bucks are not eligible for harvest unless they meet the antler criteria for Sunflower WMA. The deer herd health evaluations on Sunflower show that the deer herd is in very good condition. This, in conjunction with the antler criteria rule, will allow for greater antler development as long as the deer herd is maintained at a level that does not stress the habitat. Squirrel hunting is very popular on Sunflower. The black color phase of the fox squirrel is common on the area, and hunters travel from all over the state for the opportunity to harvest a black squirrel. Turkey hunting is also allowed in the spring; however, a special permit is required to hunt during the first part of the season. Hunting access can be made easier by using the numerous primitive campsites scattered throughout the forest that are managed by the USFS. Non-consumptive activities such as hiking and bird watching are also encouraged. There is a nature trail at Blue Lake that is managed by the USFS with plaques in place along the trail to provide information about plants and animals.
Sunflower WMA is open to all recreational activities, some forest service roads may be closed for maintenance. For questions on road and trail closures, please contact the Delta Force Service at 662-873-6256
The permit station with cards is located off the levee.