all wmas are open 365 days a year. at the present time some of the gates are closed to promote turkey nesting,however they are open to nonmotorized vehichles and hiking. many of the wmas have many miles of hiking trailes and the wmas allow camping in remote areas during the off season. during the season archery is allowed from october 15 to jan 30 with a permit map, wma lic. and hunting lic. therefore scouting is allowed on any day before a hunt, just dont be caught with a rifle in pocession before the hunt. later on they will print the wma maps for covington and all the regulations as well as the days of the hunts and the days they will give out doe permits on the quota system at the check in station. i will be glad to send you one of these maps for covington and blue springs. you are required to have one of these map permits in your pocession at all times during all hunts. I believe all females and hunters under sixteen will receive an either sex permit. if you will be having someone with you that will of course increase the odds of someone in your party having a permit.if you come early for your gun hunt at blue springs you can scout,fish,camp, bow hunt, hunt for small game, and hike. the only thing not allowed on the wmas or the national forest at any time is the use of a four wheeler that cannot be put on the highway.