Union County provides over 24,000 acres of hunting and wildlife opportunities within the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Management Areas. These areas have a history of producing world class buck harvests and due to its proximity to the Ohio River, the area also provides good viewing opportunities for shorebirds and waterfowl during migrations. The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife oversees the management of three different wildlife management areas, which are open to the public for in-state and out-of-state hunters to enjoy.

Big Rivers Wildlife Management Area

The Big Rivers Wildlife Management Area, in the western reaches of Kentucky, contains a wide diversity of habitat. From steep upland forests to gently rolling river bottom land hardwoods and open agricultural fields, Big Rivers Wildlife Management Area and State Forest has it all. Bordered by both the Ohio and Tradewater Rivers, this WMA covers over 7,500 acres and contains plenty of good hunting opportunities. Good populations of whitetail deer, wild turkey, squirrel and furbearers exist on Big Rivers. Several roads, trails and parking areas provide good access throughout the WMA. ATVs, horseback riding and camping are prohibited.

Higginson-Henry Wildlife Management Area

The Higginson-Henry Wildlife Management Area covers over 5,000 acres in Union County and features rolling hills with hardwood patches, numerous small clearings, and wildlife plantings. Hunting is usually productive on this WMA. Hunters should consult the current hunting guide to learn all the regulations for Higginson-Henry. Popular species pursued on the WMA are rabbit and quail, as well as deer under special Quality Deer Management restrictions that are in place. There are over twenty miles of hiking trails and nine miles designated for horseback riding. The area’s 80-acre Lake Mauzy offers good bank access fishing, a launching ramp and picnic areas with designated camping sites. A shooting range for single projectile firearms (no shotshells or pistols allowed) is open Monday-Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until sunset and Sunday from noon until sunset.

Sloughs Wildlife Management Area

The Sloughs Wildlife Management Area covers over 11,000 acres and is located approximately 10 miles west of Henderson, Kentucky and consists of 6 units. Alternating ridges and sloughs, moist soil management units, woodlands, brush, and open crop fields are found here. This WMA, recognized nationally as an Important Birding Area by the National Audubon Society and a High Priority Area by Ducks Unlimited, hosts up to 40,000 geese and 30,000 ducks annually.

• Sauerheber Unit: 6.5 miles northwest of Geneva on Kentucky 268. Hunters should refer to the current Hunting and Trapping Guide for special regulations that apply to this unit.
• Jenny Hole and Highland Units: Units are approximately 2.5 miles west of Smith Mills and 1.5 miles north of Uniontown on Kentucky 136. Units are divided by a ridge separating Caney Slough and Fishtrap Slough. Hunters should refer to the current Hunting and Trapping Guide for special regulations that apply to these units.
• Ash Flats Unit: Located 3 miles northeast of Hebbardsville on Mason Landing Road.
• Grassy Pond-Powells Lake Unit: Located 6 miles north of Uniontown and 12 miles west of Smith Mills on Kentucky 136.
• Cape Hills Unit: Located 1 mile north of Smith Mills. West access off Kentucky 136 on Martin-Martin Road near Smith Mills; East access off Mill Street in Smith Mills.