Kerr WMA: Wildlife Viewing


Phone: (830) 238-4483
Address:
2625 FM 1340
Hunt, TX 78024

Contact: Ryan Reitz

Dates Open:

Public access is open year round (see map for details), except closed for Special Permit hunts. Hunting is not allowed on the WMA except through Public Drawn System hunts. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Kerr WMA Driving Tour & Birding Map:

Events

Seminars and tours are annually hosted on the Kerr Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

Seminars include information on historical accounts of the Texas Hill Country and the Kerr WMA along with ecosystems management information using a holistic approach to land improvement. They also cover a summary of past and present deer research, over 40 years, from the Donnie E. Harmel White-tailed Deer Research Facility; an update on the status of feral hogs; a look at different management techniques for deer and general wildlife and an overview of TPWD programs that are available to assist landowners. We also offer a field tour of the WMA and the research facilities.

Please contact the Kerr WMA headquarters by calling (830) 238-4483 for more information and registration.

Registration is required.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife Viewing Permitted

Viewing wildlife is an enjoyable activity that is available in many of the Wildlife Management Areas of Texas.

Golden-cheeked Warbler
Golden-cheeked Warbler. Photo by Jeff Forman

Annually, hundreds of people from all over the world come to the Kerr WMA to enjoy the abundant bird life. Bird of Kerr Wildlife Management Area PDF. Perhaps two of the most sought-after species are the endangered golden-cheeked warbler (GCW) and the recently delisted black-capped vireo (BCV)). With a little guidance from WMA staff, most birders stand a good chance of viewing these two elusive species.

Since GCWs are generally located near stands of mature ashe juniper (cedar), the best opportunities for viewing them on the Kerr WMA is on the Spring Trap GCW Trail (see map). This area can be accessed on foot only and is located approximately 0.6 mile east of the main WMA entrance on FM 1340. The gate is marked with a sign indicating the Spring Trap. You may enter through the walk-in gate on foot (close it behind you!) and continue up the dirt road approximately 100 yards. At this point the road will intersect a foot path through the juniper which will eventually end up back at the dirt road. GCWs are frequently seen in this area. It helps to be familiar with their vocalizations in order to increase your chance of viewing this bird in the thick cover.

Black-capped vireos are much more abundant on the Kerr WMA, with over 400 singing males documented each year based on recent surveys. This species is mainly associated with low-growing brush, which is their preferred nesting structure. Males stake out a territory and call repeatedly throughout the day to attract mates and warn off other males. Again, familiarization of their calls will greatly enhance your chances of encountering this bird. BCVs are located throughout most of the WMA, however they are more likely to be found along the main road and Schumacher road (see map).

Remember harassing endangered species is a violation of federal law. Please view at a distance with binoculars!

All birders need to register at one of the sign-in stations which can be found at each WMA access point. Additional information can be obtained from our courteous staff during office hours (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm). The WMA will be closed to the general public when hunts are conducted.

The main gate access is open Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm. The Schumacher Road and Spring Trap GCW Trail are open daily during daylight hours.