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Gooch WMA

Birding Seasons:

Spring A

Summer A-

Fall A

Winter B+

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Site Description and Habitats

The 7,000 acre WMA contains a diverse mix of bottomland habitats including some beautiful swamp areas. Unit is the most accessible area with gravel roads through forest and swamp. Other units are accessible only via boat or hiking through areas without trails. Access to Unit A goes under a low bridge, so use caution if taking the high ground road under the bridge. The observation platform as indicated on the Unit A map has not been maintained and is not safe for visitors. When the Obion River is high, the entire WMA is under water and only accessible via boat.

Bird species of interest

Spring and Fall Migration: All warblers and vireos are possible, wading birds like Great Egret and Great Blue Heron are common.

Summer: Mississippi Kite, Indigo Bunting, Green Heron, Prothonotary Warbler

Winter: Waterfowl are abundant, including Hooded Merganser, Mallard, Gadwall, and Green-winged Teal. Brown Creeper and kinglets can be found among flocks of resident woodland birds.

Year-Round: Bald Eagle, Barred Owl, Red-headed, Hairy, and Pileated Woodpecker,

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Other wildlife viewing opportunities
Cottonmouths

Detailed directions for birding Gooch WMA
The site has several access points. Unit A can be easily accessed from U.S. Highway 51 near Trimble, TN by taking the Trimble exit (Highway 105). Follow Highway 105 east to Trimble, approximately 1 mile, and at the first intersection with a small gas station, make a left on 211. There are dead end signs and follow the old road 1.8 miles to the entrance on the right. Highway 211 does not cross the Obion River (going into Obion) as many maps indicate.

Old Turnpike Rd access is east of Trimble. Follow Highway 89 east for 5 miles to the community of Mason Hall. In Mason Hall, make a left on Old Turnpike Rd and follow north into forest and over the Obion River. Several side roads can be used to access the area from Old Turnpike Road.

Gooch WMA map

Lat-Long (GPS) coordinates
Parking area off 211 in Unit A: 36.23138, -89.19454

Fees and Hours
No fees are required to access these areas. Check hunting guide as access is limited or not recommended during some hunts.

Hazards
For tips for safely watching wildlife during hunting seasons and year round please refer to TWRA Hunting Guide about hunting seasons and public access dates.

Facilities
There are no restroom facilities or designated birding observation areas.

Contact
TWRA Region I office
200 Lowell Thomas Drive, Jackson, TN 38301
800-372-3928; 731-423-5725

Info for other sites
Tennessee’s Watchable Wildlife web site