Hughes Wildlife Management Area

The 10,000-acre Hughes Wildlife Management Area (WMA) ranges across river bottoms to steep slopes forested in oak oak and hickory and a patchwork of young, managed stands of pine and hardwoods. Game traditionally hunted in the management area include deer, grouse, squirrel, rabbit, and turkey. A Class-Q hunting area has also been established within the management area. The Hughes River and Little Kanawha River accommodate fishing for panfish, smallmouth bass, muskellunge, and channel catfish. Camping is prohibited in the management area. The wildlife management area is named in honor of pioneer Jesse Hughes, who explored the Hughes river.

Directions: The Hughes Wildlife Management Area is located in eastern Wirt County and western Ritchie County five miles northeast of Elizabeth, WV, and nine miles southeast of the I-79 expressway at Mineral Wells, WV. The management area accessible from both sides of highway WV-47.

The Hughes Wildlife Management Area is managed by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. It was formerly known as the Hughes River Public Hunting & Fishing Area and is sometimes referred to as the Hughes River Wildlife Management Area. The Ritchie Mines Wildlife Management Area is located approximately 10 miles east of the Hughes management area.

Hotels near Hughes WMA

Elizabeth (WV) Hotels
Mineral Wells (WV) Hotels

Regional Information

Further information on lodging, dining, and recreation near Hughes River Wildlife Management Area may be found in our guide to travel in the Heartland Region in central West Virginia, in which the eastern third of Wirt County is located. The county is also often considered part of Mid-Ohio Valley Region, in which travel information for the management area may also be found.