Chester_F._Phelps_Wildlife_Management_Area
Chester F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area
Protected area of Virginia, United States
Chester F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area (also known as the C.F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area) is a 4,539-acre (18.37 km2) Wildlife Management Area located in Fauquier and Culpeper counties, Virginia. It contains over 1,000 acres (4 km2) of open land previously used for agriculture; additional open areas may be found within the forests on the property. Most of the terrain is rolling, low, and shallow; the steepest land can be seen near the Rappahannock River, which forms a large part of the property's western border. A number of small streams cross the land, and a three-acre (12,000 m2) pond is located near its center. The forests on the property contain both pine and hardwood.[2]
The area allows seasonal hunting for deer, turkey, small game, and waterfowl. A shooting range for sighting-in rifles is available. Fishing includes opportunities for bluegill, sunfish, carp, bass, and channel catfish in Phelps Pond; the Rappahannock River at Kelly's Ford contains smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, sunfish, carp, channel catfish, and suckers. A canoe/kayak boat ramp is available at Kelly's Ford. Other permissible activities include fishing, hiking, horseback riding, boating, and primitive camping.[2]
Chester F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area is owned and maintained by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.[2] Access for persons 17 years of age or older requires a valid hunting or fishing permit, or a WMA access permit.[3]
