| Chester F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area | |
| Iucn Category: | V |
| Map: | USA Virginia Northern#USA Virginia#USA |
| Location: | Fauquier and Culpeper counties, Virginia |
| Nearest City: | Sumerduck |
| Coordinates: | 38.4532°N -77.7484°W[1] |
| Area Acre: | 4539 |
| Governing Body: | Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries |
Chester F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area (also known as the C.F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area) is a 4539acres Wildlife Management Area located in Fauquier and Culpeper counties, Virginia. It contains over 1000acres 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 3adj=onNaNadj=on 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]