Pioneer Weapons WMA on Morehead District

The Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area was created through a cooperative effort between the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the USDA Forest Service. This 7,610 acre tract has been designated as an area where hunting with modern breech-loading firearms is prohibited. Instead, hunters must use muzzle-loading firearms, bows or crossbows to hunt and harvest wild game, much like the Native American and early settler.

Like all National Forest lands the area is managed for multiple-use, but wildlife management is a major emphasis. To enhance the area for wildlife, grassy openings have been created and maintained, water holes developed and timber management used to create habitat diversity. The area boundary is marked with yellow signs and yellow bands painted on trees.

The wild turkey and white-tailed deer, once eliminated from the area, have been re-established by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Alertness, regard for the safety of others, and the skillful handling of a primitive weapon create the ultimate challenge when hunting wild game.

HUNTING WITH PIONEER WEAPONS

Under regulations of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, "primitive" weapons are required when hunting within the Pioneer Weapons Area. The muzzle-loading shotgun and pistol may also be used. The flintlock rifle was used by the pioneer; the percussion cap by the Civil War soldier.

The loading and firing of these weapons requires several steps. Both rifles use black powder, cloth patches and lead bullets. A measured amount of powder is loaded at the muzzle; and a bullet wrapped in a lubricated patch is rammed down the barrel against the powder charge. At the pull of the trigger, a small amount of burning powder enters the barrel through an opening or vent, and ignites the main charge.

The crossbow was first used as a hand weapon as early as 1200 BC by the Chinese. It was highly prized for hunting and target shooting in England.

Besides the crossbow, the long bow, recurve bow and compound bow may also be used.

CAMPING

Camp at one of our developed campgrounds nestled on the shores of Cave Run Lake. Zilpo Campground, open from mid-April through October, offers electricity, drinking water, flush toilets, showers and a country store for food and supplies. Twin Knobs Campground, open from mid-April through October, offers electricity, drinking water, flush toilets and showers. Clear Creek Campground is open from mid-April through the modern gun season. Drinking water and vault toilets are available. Clay Lick Boat-In Campground offers primitive camping, chemical toilets, and boat moorings. All four campgrounds are U.S. Fee areas.

If roughing it is more your style, you may choose primitive camping. Sites will be designated by a tent symbol along Forest Service Roads 129, 918A, 1225 and 1058. Backpack camping is also permitted in non-designated areas if the site is at least 300 feet from roads, trails and water sources. There is no charge for this type of camping and no permit is required. No facilities are offered and campers must pack out what they pack in.

Bring your horse and ride the trails at the White Sulphur Horse Camp. Adjacent to the Pioneer Weapons Area, it provides trail access to the northwest end. This area offers camping, vault toilets, picket lines and a water tank.

SUPPLIES

When it's time to stock up, visit the friendly local stores at Zilpo Campground, Clear Creek Market on Forest Service Road 129 or in the nearby Salt Lick and Frenchburg communities. Ice, firewood, fuel, food, hunting licenses and equipment are available.

ROADS AND TRAILS

Meander along Zilpo National Scenic Byway, a gently curving ridgetop route with scenic views of forested hills and Cave Run Lake.

Explore the 115 miles of trails that wind through the woods, meadows and shoreline of Cave Run Lake. Trails are marked and color-coded. Motorized travel is prohibited in this area except on open, developed roads. Unless otherwise signed, the trails are open to hikers, mountain bike riders, and horseback riders.

HISTORY

The Clear Creek Iron Furnace is a relic of Kentucky's once flourishing iron industry. In the 1830's, Kentucky ranked third nationwide in pig iron production. The surrounding forests were logged to provide charcoal for the cut-stone furnace, producing iron to be used in railroad car wheels. The site has been determined eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Facilities include a picnic area, chemical toilets and drinking water. It is closed during the winter months, but foot travel is welcome year round.

Walk in the footsteps of Daniel Boone on the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. This 269 mile trail was named in honor of Daniel Boone who explored the land where it passes. It traverses the full length of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

History comes alive with a visit to the Tater Knob Fire Tower, the last remaining fire tower on the Daniel Boone National Forest. Built in 1934, it was restored in 1993 and is now open to the public. Measuring 14'x14', it was home to the lookouts who manned it. In 1959, the old wooden structure was replaced with a 10'x10' metal building. The tower is on the National Historic Lookout Register. No restroom facilities or water fountains are available. The Tower is open from sunrise to sunset and is closed during the winter months.

MAPS

The Salt Lick U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle (7.5 minute) is available for persons wanting a more detailed map of the Pioneer Weapons Area and surrounding land. They are recommended for anyone who likes to get off the trails and roads and hike cross country. Scale is approximately 2.5 inches to one mile. The Salt Lick quadrangle, other maps, and a price list are available from:

Forest Supervisor's Office
Daniel Boone National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391
859-745-3100

or go to Maps and Publications.

Hunting Rules and Regulations

• No special permits are required to hunt within the Pioneer Weapons Area.
• A Kentucky state hunting license is required. A deer or turkey permit is also needed.
• Licenses and permits are available at all Kentucky county seats and certain stores near the Pioneer Weapons Area, and at the Visitor Center.

Regulations covering hunting seasons, species, limits and weapons are set by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. A copy of the current hunting regulations may be obtained by writing to this department. The Forest Service may set additional regulations affecting area use.

The Forest Service, working under a cooperative agreement with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, is responsible for the management of fish and game habitat. For more information, contact:

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-564-4336

Title: Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area
Last Updated: February 14, 2005