Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area

Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area , located in Fayette County, was purchased in 1960, and encompasses 3,201 acres.The area is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources through the Wildlife Resources and Parks and Recreation sections.The lake is nestled between Haystack and Packs mountains on Plum Orchard Creek. These mountains rise 700 to 900 feet above the lake (elevation 1,765).Most of the area is forested in hickory and stands of mature, red, white and chestnut oaks. Whitetail deer numbers are limited although the habitat is diverse and ideal for a healthy population.  Wild turkey have been released and a growing population is established. Present regulations allow spring gobbler hunting only.Mature oak, hickory and beech trees support an abundance of squirrel, the most commonly pursued game animal in the area. The raccoon is a common forest visitor.Rabbit and grouse habitats are limited to small abandoned fields and scattered thickets.Resident and migratory water fowl provide additional hunting opportunities. A practice rifle range is available on the area.