From a map distributed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
Located in south central Virginia, the White Oak Mountain Wildlife Management Area (see the official website) provides out-of-doors users in the region with a variety of opportunities. In addition to hunting and fishing, visitors have excellent access, by its interior road and trail system, to view wildlife, take a hike, or enjoy the area's diversity of habitats.
White Oak Mountain Wildlife Management Area is located near the center of Pittsylvania County, approximately five miles southeast of Chatham. Access from Chatham is via Va. Route 832 east to Va. Route 649 south; or via U. S. Route 29 south to Va. Route 718 east at Dry Fork to Va. Route 706 east; or via U. S. Route 29 south to Va. Route 640 north at Blairs to Va. Routes 707 or 706 west at Spring Garden (see road map).
More accurately a plateau, the topography of the White Oak Mountain Wildlife Management Area is moderately rolling with elevations ranging from about 550 to 900 feet. The area's 2,712 acres, are about two-thirds forested. Timber types are mixed hardwoods and pines including loblolly, and Virginia pine. Hardwood species are primarily the upland oaks — white, black, chestnut, and southern red. Habitat enhancement is accomplished by a combination of frest management, annual and perennial plantings, and an aggressive prescribed burning program in the open areas. The area is dotted with ponds that range in size from one-half to six acres. The area's meandering northwest boundary is formed by the Banister River.
White Oak Mountain Wildlife Management Area is known primarily as a small game hunting area, although deer and turkey hunting opportunities do exist. The area is particularly suitable for rabbits, quail, doves and squirrels. Planted fields, prescribed burning and strip disking provide diverse plant communities supporting a variety of wildlife species. There are some opportunities to hunt wood ducks. Populations of these are being aided by the use of nesting boxes on or near the ponds.
Five of twelve ponds on the area are available to fishing. The largest, Pete's Pond, holds largemouth bass, bluegill and redear sunfish, and channel catfish. The four smaller ponds open to fishing offer anglers largemouth bass and bluegill. Often these ponds are managed under special regulations, which are posted.
The area has one toilet facility, and fourteen parking lots. Five miles of improved gravel roads make travel within the area convenient. Gated roads and trails invite foot travel.
Birdwatchers and nature photographers will find a wealth of birds and wildflowers on the area. In addition to game animals there is a variety of nongame species on the area for wildlife viewing, including many furbearers along the Banister River, some of the smaller streams, and the ponds. Hiking is a popular activity on the area.
For further information concerning the White Oak Wildlife Management Area, contact Mr. Thomas Moss, Manager, at 434-432-1377.
Photographs above are provided by William T. Hathaway.
This webpage is sponsored by Mitchells Publications.
Copyright © 2000–2008 Patricia B. Mitchell.