Wildlife Management Areas
- Western Region
Alonsa [ Map
]
10,917 ha
The dominant cover of this WMA is aspen forest, with some native grasslands. Open areas
have bearberry, saskatoon and chokecherry throughout. The prominent wildlife species are
deer, sharp-tailed grouse, and ruffed grouse. Moose are seen on rare occasions. Furbearers
include coyote, fox, ermine, snowshoe hare, red squirrel, and muskrat. The area is
important to both breeding and migratory birds, especially songbirds. A trail network runs
through the area in a southeast northwest direction, following the ridges. A hiking trail
and Medicine Rock interpretive site were developed in cooperation with the Alonsa
Conservation District.
Northwest of Alonsa, south of PR 235
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Assiniboine Corridor [ Map ]
3,275 ha
Some of the most scenic portions of the Assiniboine River including the junction with the
Souris River are included in this WMA. Made up of numerous parcels of land along the
river, some units contain riparian forest as well as stabilized sand dunes dominated by
little bluestem, and blue grama grasses. The area supports white-tailed deer and numerous
furbearers. A variety of birds is found in the WMA, especially grassland species such as
savannah sparrows and bobolinks, and edge-habitat species including the rufous-sided
towhee and brown thrasher.
South of CFB Shilo
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Bernice [ Map
]
65 ha
The endangered Baird's sparrow and other grassland birds nest in this WMA. The area was
almost entirely cultivated at one time, but habitat was created for wildlife by planting
trees and shrubs and seeding dense nesting cover. The WMA now consists mainly of
grasslands, with a significant representation of native grass species.
West of Lauder
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Brandon Hills [ Map ]
722 ha
Exceptionally high winter populations of white-tailed deer are consistently recorded in
this area, which is the reason for the lands in this WMA being acquired in the early
1970s. It is one of the few large blocks of mature forest in the Brandon area. The rolling
terrain, combined with dense aspen and bur oak forest interspersed with mixed-grass
prairie openings, provides essential food and thermal cover for wildlife. Most of the land
within the WMA was never cultivated and has remained in a natural state. Deer that are
dispersed throughout nearby farmland in the remainder of the year rely on this habitat to
endure the hardships of winter. Recent studies have also revealed the importance of the
Brandon Hills as a breeding area for neo-tropical migrant birds, such as willow
flycatchers.
Shortly after its establishment, this WMA became popular with cross-country skiers. In
1979, the Brandon Winter Games Committee completed development of a cross-country ski
trail system in the WMA for the competitive ski events. The attention focused on the area
during the games established it as a major cross-country skiing destination, with over 400
people using the area on peak weekends. The trails are now maintained by the local
cross-country ski club. Public use of the area remains at a significant level, both for
skiing in winter, wildlife viewing and cycling in spring and summer, and hunting in fall.
South of Brandon
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Broomhill [ Map
]
330 ha
The WMA was originally established to protect grassland and wooded cover for wildlife such
as sharp-tailed grouse. In recent years, its importance for the endangered Baird's sparrow
and loggerhead shrike has been recognized. Other birds in the WMA include upland
sandpiper, marbled godwit, willet, and lark bunting. Portions of the WMA were cultivated
prior to its acquisition, but mixed-grass prairie continues to be found here in varying
degrees of quality.
Northwest of Melita
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C. Stuart Stevenson [ Map ]
128 ha
The WMA, which contains three permanent wetlands interspersed with grasslands, provides
excellent nesting habitat for waterfowl, yellow warblers, northern orioles, and
clay-coloured sparrows. Aspen bluffs are found on the slightly elevated knolls, and
grasses and shrubs are on the flatter, more saline areas. It is used year-round by deer
and grouse.
4.8 km east of the town of Shoal Lake off PTH 16
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Cayer [ Map ]
1,529 ha
This WMA was established to protect deer wintering habitat, but it is also used by grouse
and a variety of other birds. The area is aspen parkland, typical of that found west of
Lake Manitoba.
16km north of Cayer
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Ebor [ Map ]
64 ha
The WMA is a locally important habitat for deer, grouse and grassland birds. It contains
mixed-grass prairie, aspen woodland and numerous small wetlands. The mixed-grass prairie
on this WMA continues to be grazed, but has never been cultivated. The wetlands afford
habitat for marsh wrens, rails, grebes and other waterfowl.
Southwest of Virden
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Gerald W. Malaher [ Map ]
61 ha
Deer and a great variety of grassland and forest birds now use this haven, once thought a
wasteland. It was formerly cultivated land that proved unsuitable for agriculture because
the soils were very light and subject to significant wind erosion. When the land was
acquired, there was little vegetation remaining and much of the area was open sand. The
Melita Cover Plot, as it was known at the time of its establishment, was an attempt to
take a piece of abused farmland and demonstrate that it could be rehabilitated for
wildlife management purposes. A wide variety of trees and shrubs were planted, along with
grasses, forage and food plots. A small dam was constructed across a shallow ravine to
provide water.
West of Melita
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Harrison [ Map
]
65 ha
This WMA contains a lush deciduous forest and two forage fields. It is used by
white-tailed deer and occasionally by elk.
West of Erickson
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Holmfield [ Map
]
64 ha
This WMA was purchased in 1986 with joint funding by the Manitoba Department of Natural
Resources, Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation, Wildlife Habitat Canada, Manitoba
Naturalists Society and the Manitoba Wildlife Federation. Approximately one-third of the
area is wetland and is an important waterfowl nesting area. A marsh management project was
developed by Ducks Unlimited Canada to improve the attractiveness of the area for
waterfowl. The balance of the area is primarily grassland with some willow and aspen bush.
White-tailed deer and grouse also use the area.
7.2km west of Cartwright, north side of PTH 3
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Langruth [ Map
]
1,813 ha
The habitat in this WMA is particularly attractive for neo-tropical migrant birds. The
topography of the WMA is ridge-and-swale, with aspen and grasslands in higher areas and
wetlands in low lying areas. Used as a practice bombing range by the Royal Canadian Air
Force during the Second World War, the WMA now provides habitat for deer, waterfowl and
grouse.
5km north and 2km west of Langruth
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Lauder Sandhills [ Map ]
3,145 ha
Originally established to protect white-tailed -deer winter habitat, this WMA is also one
of the best places in Manitoba to see orange-crowned warblers. Five species of woodpeckers
and seven species of flycatchers have also been observed in the WMA.
Sand dunes and rolling hills are found through the central portion of the area, and flat
terrain with aspen forests and open grasslands are located towards the area's periphery.
Oaks tend to dominate the crests of the hills, while aspen and dense stands of hazel are
found in the depressions and on north-facing slopes. Associated shrubs are chokecherry and
juniper. Designated vehicle routes have been established in the NVNU to minimize the
impact of vehicles on the fragile terrain.
6 km west of Hartney
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Little Saskatchewan [ Map ]
323 ha
Deer, grouse and waterfowl are found in this WMA. There are two separated parcels, and
both include a portion of the Little Saskatchewan River. The terrain is gently rolling on
the uplands, with deep ravines leading down to the river. The vegetation is primarily
aspen-oak forest, with some mixed-grass prairie openings. It is also on an important
migration route for neo-tropical migrant birds.
North of Strathclair
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Maple Lake [ Map
]
65 ha
This WMA includes a portion of the Maple Lake marsh and associated mixed-grass prairie
uplands, providing habitat for waterfowl and grassland birds.
Southeast of Pipestone
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Onanole [ Map
]
574 ha
The WMA has gently rolling topography with numerous wetlands and small creeks throughout.
It is heavily treed with aspen and white spruce dominating. Balsam poplar, bur oak and
white birch are also present. The understorey is primarily hazel with a good mixture of
red osier dogwood, chokecherry, willow, cranberry, rose, Saskatoon and bog birch.
White-tailed deer, elk, moose, black bears, wolves, ruffed grouse, great gray owls and
beaver are found in the WMA.
East of Onanole
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Otter Lake [ Map
]
67 ha
This small WMA is gently rolling, with dense aspen forest and a wetlands Deer, moose, elk,
waterfowl and a variety of furbearers use the WMA.
South of Riding Mountain National Park, north of Erickson
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Parkland [ Map
]
910 ha
This WMA's four units include wetlands, grasslands and mature forests. This habitat
diversity in a primarily agricultural landscape is critical for breeding and migrating
neo-tropical birds, such as rufous-sided towhees, as well as for deer and other wildlife.
Buckleyville Unit (West of Town of Shoal Lake) is primarily wetland and provides excellent
waterfowl breeding habitat.
Horrod Unit (South boundary of Riding Mountain National Park near Lake Audy) had most of
its upland area cultivated at one time but was later sown to grasses. The wetlands provide
habitat for waterfowl. Moose and elk occasionally use the WMA, along with deer, black
bears, and grouse.
Ruska Rawa Unit (South of Riding Mountain National Park near Rossburn) is quite hilly and
well forested with mature aspen. It is used by elk, moose, over, black bears, grouse, and
a variety of waterbirds.
Snake Creek Unit (East of St. Lazare) includes riparian habitat and remnant grasslands
along Snake Creek, providing habitat for deer, grouse and other wildlife. Western and
eastern wood peewees have been seen here.
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Pembina Valley [ Map ]
3,263 ha
The WMA consists of 14 separate units in the Western Region, along the Pembina
River, and two units in the Red River Region. The WMA provides important
wildlife cover and contributes to soil conservation and erosion control. In this area,
many species of birds are at the northern fringe of their ranges such as the indigo
bunting, brown thrasher, rufous-sided towhee, orchard oriole, and lark sparrow. The WMA
also provides exceptionally good habitat for deer, moose, wild turkeys, grouse, waterfowl
and a great variety of other wildlife.
- Pelican Lake Marsh Unit (North end of Pelican Lake) is almost entirely wetland and
provides nesting and staging habitat for waterfowl.
- West Derby Unit (West shore of Lorne Lake) is comprised of two parcels of mainly upland
habitat, with some aspen-oak woodland and grassland areas.
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Pierson [ Map
]
264 ha
Two units of this WMA are important locally for white-tailed deer, sharp-tailed grouse,
gray partridge and a variety of grassland birds. The occasional pheasant is also observed
as are mule deer and pronghorn antelope.
Frank W Boyd Unit (Southwest of Pierson) has several go-back fields and forage fields, as
well as aspen woodland with numerous small wetlands. Previously cultivated areas were
reseeded to permanent cover and some tree planting was undertaken. There are several
producing oil wells in this unit.
Gainsborough Creek Unit (Southeast of Pierson) contains remnant mixed-grass prairie and
important riparian habitat along Gainsborough Creek.
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Point River [ Map
]
3,446 ha
This WMA provides winter habitat for deer and upland game bird habitat. The topography of
the area is typical Westlake till plain, with aspen-covered ridges interspersed with low
grassy swales.
20km northeast of Ehtelbert
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Proven lake [ Map
]
2,003 ha
The majority of the WMA consists of a 650-ha wetland situated in the heart of some of
North America's most productive waterfowl breeding habitat. Nesting species include gulls,
terns, grebes, and black-crowned night herons in addition to a great variety of ducks. It
attracts large numbers of migrating birds in spring and fall.
Northwest of Erickson
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Riverside [ Map
]
96 ha
This WMA, located along the Souris River, provides habitat for grassland birds and
white-tailed deer. It is primarily riparian woodland, with mixed-grass prairie in upland
areas.
South of Brandon west of PTH 10
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Souris River Bend [ Map ]
2,196 ha
This WMA contains one of the most extensive areas of natural vegetation in southwestern
Manitoba. The scenic landscape includes a significant tract of riparian woodlands and
undisturbed mixed-grass prairie. Previously cultivated portions of the WMA were reseeded
to permanent cover or forage and some tree planting was undertaken. To protect sensitive
habitats, vehicles are restricted to designated trails.
The WMA provides essential habitat for neo-tropical birds, grassland birds and
white-tailed deer. Elk, moose and mule deer are occasionally seen in this area as well.
There are excellent birding opportunities here, which can also be enjoyed by canoeing
through the WMA along the Souris River when water levels permit. The landscape and
wildlife can be experienced from horseback as well, along the trail system developed and
maintained in cooperation with a provincial equestrian organization.
Southwest of Wawanesa near Margaret
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Spruce Woods [ Map ]
291 ha
Situated on the ancient Assiniboine Delta, cacti and a variety of reptiles can be found in
the three parcels of this WMA. Its rolling sandhills have aspen-oak forest, stands of
spruce, and native mixed-grass prairie. The WMA also provides habitat for elk,
white-tailed deer, and upland game birds.
Southwest side of Spruce Woods Provincial Park
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Steeprock [ Map
]
1,905 ha
The WMA was established because of the area's high value for furbearers, but it also
provides habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. Found along the Steeprock River, the
WMA includes spruce forest, bogs and a major managed wetland.
North of Mafeking off PTH 10
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Tiger Hills [ Map
]
558 ha
The WMA consists of three units and provides habitat for white-tailed deer, grouse and
waterfowl.
Delta Unit (Northeast of Pelican Lake) includes aspen-oak forest and a previously
cultivated area that is hayed. The riparian zones support neo-tropical migrant birds
including the Lincoln's sparrow.
Mimir Unit (South of Glenboro) has rolling topography with aspen-oak forest and a 30 ha
lake.
Ninette Unit (North of Ninette) is predominantly aspen-oak forest with interspersions of
native grassland.
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Turtle Mountain [ Map ]
257 ha
This WMA has extensive stands of aspen and balsam poplar interspersed with numerous small
wetlands. It was established to preserve habitat for deer and ruffed grouse, and moose
frequent the area. Elk are occasional visitors. Brown thrashers, rufous-sided towhees, and
indigo buntings may also be seen here.
West of Turtle Mountain Provincial Park
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Upper Assiniboine [ Map ]
2,095 ha
The 12 units of this WMA include portions of the Assiniboine River valley and associated
uplands. There is an incredibly rich wildlife diversity, particularly of neo-tropical
migrant birds. The WMA is a good place to view migrating bald eagles and it provides
habitat for deer grouse and waterfowl.
- Arrow River Unit (Northeast of Miniota) consists mainly of wetlands. It is a waterfowl
production and staging area.
- Bird Tail Creek Unit (North of Willen) includes a deep ravine, mixed-grass prairie and
aspen-oak forest.
- Gambler Unit (Southwest of Binscarth) has mixed-grass prairie and aspen-oak forest.
- Mayne Unit (North of Alexander) has a large area seeded to tame forage and several
shelterbelts have been established. It also includes native grasslands interspersed with
aspen-oak bluffs.
- Miniota Unit (Northwest of Miniota) contains aspen-oak forest, valley slopes and an
oxbow Lake.
- Pleasant Plains Unit (East of Routledge) contains low areas along the Assiniboine River
with steep banks. There is a managed wetland developed in cooperation with Ducks Unlimited
Canada. Dense nesting cover and shelterbelts have been established
- Reeder Unit (Southwest of Miniota) is characterized by) flat uplands cut by steep
ravines and Assiniboine valley slopes. Niso Creek runs through a portion of this unit. A
Large portion of the unit was seeded to grass and alfalfa and several shelterbelts were
planted. The remainder consists of some native grassland with aspen bluffs and oak on the
valley slopes.
- Routledge Unit (West of Town of Oak Lake) has partially stabilized sand dunes underlying
mixed-grass prairie, and aspen-oak forest. Several producing oil wells occur on this unit.
- Runnymede Unit (Southeast of Town of Oak Lake) is relatively)flat with some stabilized
sand dunes. The -vegetation consists of aspen bluffs interspersed with native
grasslands.
- Two Creeks Unit (West of Village of Two Creeks) features some native mixed-grass prairie
and aspen bluffs. Formerly cultivated areas were seeded to grasses.
- Uno Unit (West of Uno) has grasslands, aspen-oak forest and riparian habitat
- Willen Unit (South of Willen) contains aspen bluffs, mixed-grass prairies and previously
cultivated areas sown to grass.
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Wakopa [ Map ]
66 ha
This WMA was established to preserve habitat for deer and ruffed grouse. The area has
aspen and balsam poplar forest interspersed with a few small wetlands. Moose are
occasionally seen in the WMA. Much of the forest and grasslands were cleared due to gravel
extraction, with rehabilitation to be undertaken in future.
East of Turtle Mountain Provincial Park
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Weiden [ Map ]
851 ha
This WMA provides habitat for deer, waterfowl and upland game birds. It includes habitat
typical of the Westlake till plain. Aspen dominates the well drained ridges, while
wetlands occur in the swales between them.
15km southeast of the Village of Fork River, off PR 364
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Westlake [ Map
]
5760 ha
The WMA has aspen forest interspersed with grassland and shrubs. It is an important
white-tailed deer wintering area, which is also used by ruffed and sharp-tailed grouse.
20km west of Cayer
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Whitemud Watershed [ Map ]
5,682 ha
The WMA is comprised of 13 widely-spaced units which provide important habitat for deer,
upland game birds, amphibians and other wildlife.
Edington, Oak Leaf, Robins Ridge, Grass River, Glenella and Waldglen Units (in the
Gladstone-McCreary area) include aspen forest, mixed-grass prairie and formerly cultivated
areas seeded to grasses or forage.
Edrans and Hummerston Units (Northeast of Carberry) are characterized by sand dune
formations, aspen-oak forest and native mixed-grass prairie.
Lower Assiniboine Unit (along the Assiniboine River) is made up of IO parcels that include
riparian forest and previously cultivated areas seeded to grasses and forage. Some parcels
also have sand dune formations and native mixed-grass prairie.
Pratt, Clairmont, Chipping Hill and Sight Hill Units (South of MacGregor) are dominated by
aspen-oak forest.
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Whitewater Lake [ Map ]
8,257 ha
This WMA is a major staging area for waterfowl and shorebirds. It includes Whitewater Lake
and a managed marsh unit at the eastern side of the lake. A wildlife viewing site has been
developed in cooperation with the Turtle Mountain Conservation District and Ducks
Unlimited Canada at the southwest corner of the managed marsh cells. Numerous species of
marsh and grassland birds breed in the area and it is also used by deer and upland game
birds. Large numbers of Franklin's gulls can be seen during the breeding season, while
tundra swans are a major attraction during spring and fall migration.
West of Boissevain, north of PTH 3
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