Diversity could be another name for the McArthur Lake WMA. Its shallow lake, marshes, and adjacent upland forests and meadows, provide diverse wildlife habitat and a mix of hunting and fishing.

Purchased in 1942, the McArthur Lake WMA is one of the oldest WMAs to specifically protect and enhance waterfowl habitat. It provides breeding and nesting habitat for 17 waterfowl species. During the spring and fall migrations, large numbers of ducks, geese, tundra swans, and shorebirds use McArthur Lake as a stopover and resting location.

The WMA sits at the narrowest point of the valley between the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountain ranges, and many wildlife species use the WMA. Deer and moose are abundant year-round and elk mostly visit in the winter. Black bears are frequently seen in the spring, and furbearers like muskrat, beaver, and river otter are common. Upland game such as ruffed grouse and turkey also use the WMA.