October 29, 2020
Kansas has a number of wildlife management areas that have been set aside for hunting (and other activities), but are not developed in any way, beyond a single wooden sign. You cannot expect trails or parking areas (much more than a wide spot next to a dirt road). But it's evident that occasional burns and other management efforts are made as needed.
Kansas
Big Hill
Wildlife Management Area
Dominant vegetation includes big bluestem, little bluestem, Indiangrass, and switch grass. Several small intermittent streams run through the area, which adds to the diversity of habitat types. Streams lined with hackberry, American elm, hickory, red oak, chinkapin oak, red mulberry, and sycamore provide excellent habitat for squirrel and deer.
The prairie and associated woodlands support many
different types of wildlife. Resident game species include quail, turkey,
dove, rabbit, fox squirrel, and white-tailed deer. Furbearers include
raccoon, opossum,
skunk, beaver, muskrat, mink, bobcat, fox, and coyote.
Due to the excellent mix of timberland and native grass habitat, Big Hill Wildlife Area has become one of the finest bobwhite quail areas in the state.
-Big Hill WMA brochure
We're east of Cherryville and south of Parsons.
I found a faint trail from a vehicle being through this area quite a long time ago, but that's about it. You're on your own.
Tall grasses separated by dense woods.
I saw quite a few large birds, but didn't see any animals (save for an armadillo walking in the road--as they do). It's a beautiful area.