The Ultimate Insider's Guide to Hunting and Fishing Near Wendy Oaks RV Resort: Year-Round Spots

Hey, fellas! If you live for the thrill of the hunt or the tug of a big bass on your line, listen up. I've been chasing deer, turkey, and fish around central Mississippi for years, and I'm here to spill the beans on the best hunting and fishing within an hour of Wendy Oaks RV Resort in Florence, MS. This place is a goldmine for sportsmen—close to Jackson, right off Highway 49, and surrounded by prime public land and waters. Whether it's fall deer season or a summer bass haul, Wendy Oaks is your year-round basecamp. I've tracked down the top spots, guides, and gear shops so you can get out there and bag a trophy or fill your cooler. Let's dive into this insider's guide—trust me, you'll want to pack your truck and head to Wendy Oaks after this!

Why Wendy Oaks RV Resort is a Hunter and Angler's Dream

Picture this: you're parked at Wendy Oaks RV Resort, a cold one in hand, sitting by the fire pit at your site after a day in the woods or on the water. It's only 15 minutes from Jackson, but it feels like a world away with its 8-acre lake and 36 big, quiet sites. I've hunted and fished all over Mississippi, and this spot's location is hard to beat. Within an hour, you've got wildlife management areas (WMAs) loaded with deer and turkey, plus lakes and rivers teeming with bass and catfish. Fall brings deer season, spring calls the turkeys, summer heats up the bass bite, and winter's perfect for catfish. Wendy Oaks keeps you close to the action, with full hookups and a safe place to stash your gear—no cramped hotel rooms here. Let's hit the best spots within 60 minutes.

Top Hunting Grounds Within an Hour

Grab your rifle or bow, boys—these hunting spots are all less than an hour from Wendy Oaks and packed with game. I've walked these woods, and they deliver.

• Choctaw WMA – About 60 minutes northeast near Ackerman, MS, this 16,000-acre chunk of land is a deer hunter's paradise from October to January. The thick timber and open fields are crawling with whitetails—bring a good scope and a steady hand. Spring turkey season (March to May) is solid too; those gobblers love the hardwoods. Last fall, I missed a 10-pointer here because I tripped over a root—don't make my mistake!
• Bienville National Forest – Just 45 minutes east in Forest, MS, this national forest is a go-to for deer in fall and turkey in spring. The pine thickets hide some bruiser bucks, and I've heard toms gobbling at dawn that'll make your heart race. Watch out for ticks in spring—they're as hungry as you are for a kill.
• Holly Springs National Forest – 50 minutes north near Oxford, MS, this spot's worth the drive. Deer season in fall is prime, and the turkey hunting in spring can land you a bird for the wall. The mix of oaks and pines keeps the game moving—stay quiet, and you might just bag a trophy.
  

Check the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) for permits and dates. These public lands are big, so pack a map and don't wander off like my buddy did—he still swears he saw Bigfoot out there!

Top Fishing Holes Within an Hour

Now, if fishing's your game, these waters are all within 60 minutes of Wendy Oaks and loaded with bass and catfish. I've pulled some lunkers from these spots—here's where to cast your line.

• Ross Barnett Reservoir – 40 minutes north near Jackson, MS, this 33,000-acre monster is a bass fisherman's dream. Summer mornings, hit the shallows with a chatterbait—those largemouths can't resist. Winter nights, set trotlines for catfish; I landed a 20-pounder last January that fought like a mule. Boat's best, but bank fishing works too—just don't fall in showing off!
• Lake Okhissa – 60 minutes southwest near Bude, MS, this 1,075-acre lake in Homochitto National Forest is a hidden gem. Spring bass hit the spawning beds hard—plastic worms do the trick. Catfish bite year-round, especially in deep water. It's quiet, so you can focus—or laugh at your pal when he snags a tree instead of a fish.
• Pearl River – 30 minutes west through Jackson, MS, this river's a catfish hotspot. Winter nights are prime; bank fish with stink bait, and you'll haul in some big ones. I've done it from a boat too—just don't tip over like I almost did after a late-night cast!

These spots are gold year-round. Summer bass fishing is hot early, and winter catfish keep you busy when the woods slow down. Bring your rod and a cooler—you'll need it.

Guides to Get You on the Game

Want a pro to show you the ropes? These guides are top-notch, though a couple stretch just past the hour mark—worth it for the results. Call early; they book fast.

• Barton Outfitters – Based near Grenada Lake, about 90 minutes north (yeah, a bit over, but hear me out). They're fishing wizards for bass and crappie—$225 gets you a half-day trip. I fished with them once; they put me on a 5-pound bass in an hour. Call 469-763-1885 and tell 'em you want the big ones.
• McKenna Ranch Outfitters – In Pachuta, MS, 70 minutes southeast (another stretch, but solid). Deer hunting's their game since 1993—meals and lodging included. I've seen their clients with 12-point bucks that'd make you jealous. Dial 601-692-3224 to lock in a hunt. These guys know their stuff. If you're new or just want a sure thing, they'll save you time and get you bragging rights.

Top 3 Gear Shops Near Wendy Oaks

You need the right tools, and these shops are within 20 minutes of Wendy Oaks. They've got what you want—rods, rifles, bait, and more.

• DICK'S Sporting Goods – Flowood, MS, 20 minutes away. Open daily, they've got rifles, rods, and ammo. Grab a license while you're there—I forgot mine once and had to drive back. Don't do that!
• Bass Pro Shops – Pearl, MS, 20 minutes off. This place is massive—bait, boots, even a restaurant if you're hungry after shopping. I bought a new reel here last year; it's held up through some rough trips.
• Hibbett Sports – Florence, MS, 5 minutes down the road. Quick stop for lures and decoys, open weekdays. They're no-frills, but they've got the basics covered.

Stock up here, and you're ready to roll. No excuses for showing up empty-handed!

Why Wendy Oaks Beats Hotels Every Time

Wendy Oaks RV Resort isn't just a place to crash—it's your hunting and fishing HQ. The 8-acre lake onsite has bass, bream, and catfish—perfect for a quick cast between trips. Fall deer hunts, spring turkey chases, summer bass runs, and winter catfish hauls—all work from here. Full hookups mean you're comfortable, and fire pits let you grill that day's catch. It's safe too—cameras keep an eye out, so your gear's secure. Hotels? Too cramped, too noisy, and no room for cleaning fish or hanging antlers. Wendy Oaks gives you space and freedom, all year long.

Quick Tips from the Field

• Seasons: Deer in fall, turkey in spring, bass in summer mornings, catfish in winter nights—plan it right.
• Gear Up: Maps for WMAs, extra bait for fishing—be ready.
• Laugh It Off: Miss a shot or lose a fish? Tell the story later—it's all part of the fun.

Wrap-Up: Your Next Trip Starts at Wendy Oaks

There you go, men—hunting and fishing near Wendy Oaks RV Resort is as good as it gets. Choctaw WMA, Bienville, and Holly Springs for deer and turkey; Ross Barnett, Lake Okhissa, and Pearl River for bass and catfish—all within an hour. Guides like Barton and McKenna can seal the deal, and DICK'S, Bass Pro, and Hibbett have your gear. Wendy Oaks ties it all together with a perfect spot to camp, fish onsite, and relax. Book your site, load the truck, and hit the road. You'll be telling tales of big bucks and bigger fish before you know it!