Cooper WMA stays open, but rain can close its back roads

Cooper Wildlife Management Area wraps around part of Jim Chapman Lake in Hopkins and Delta counties. TPWD manages its 14,480 acres under an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Fishing, hiking, biking, hunting, and wildlife watching all share the ground.

The area is open year-round, but that does not mean every road is dependable after a storm. TPWD warns that heavy rain can make some roads impassable. The only restroom is at Johns Creek Boat Ramp, and visitors need to bring drinking water.

Hunters should use the current Cooper public-hunt map, because permit, season, check-station, and closed-area rules are specific to the activity and license year.

The WMA office is at 829 County Road 4795. Its current number is 903-945-3132.