Bayou Pierre WMA lies in the Red River Alluvial Valley and is comprised of approximately 2,212 acres with Bayou Pierre bisecting the area. The area contains soil that drains poorly and is subject to periodic annual flooding. The terrain is essentially flat with only a five feet change in elevation across the entire area. There are drainages, wet weather ponds, sloughs, reforested areas, grasslands and supplemental food plots that create habitat favorable to supporting a diversified wildlife community.

The original bottomland hardwood forest on the area was cleared and the area drained in an attempt to convert the area to farming during the mid-1900?s. Following several failed farming attempts the area was deeded to the Department in 1992.

The Department has developed wildlife habitat featuring four distinct types, a 160 acre moist soil waterfowl refuge, 800 acres in ridge and swale / reforested bottomland hardwoods, a 200 plus acres reforested hardwood area and the remaining acreage being managed in planted dove fields and open grasslands. The wildlife habitat on the area has benefited from several cooperative projects among the Department and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Unlimited, American Energy Producers and the USDA?s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

White-tailed deer, rabbits, squirrel, raccoon, snipe, waterfowl and dove hunting opportunities are available on the area. Deer, squirrel and raccoon hunting are limited due to the young age of the reforested hardwood area. Waterfowl hunting is very limited due to the small acreage and the Department?s effort to have the area serve as a migration refuge for waterfowl during the winter months. High concentrations of snipe use the area during late winter months when local rainfall allows for sheeting of shallow water and saturated soil conditions. Trapping is allowed on the area except in the waterfowl refuge. Dove hunting opportunities range form excellent to fair depending on dove migrations and agricultural practices on the surrounding farms. Dove hunters should scout the area during the later portions of the dove seasons when winter cold fronts push additional flights of doves into the area and hunting pressure is generally very light.

Bayou Pierre WMA is a well-known birdwatching area from early fall throughout winter and during the northward spring migration. The area is noted as an excellent area to see hawks and owls during the winter months. Also, white-throated, white-crowned, chipping, field, fox and song sparrows are regular winter residents. Red-tailed hawks, northern harriers and American kestrels are also common. Spring transient warblers include the yellow, Tennessee, black-throated green and magnolia. Common summer nesters on the area are scissor-tailed flycatchers. Numerous species of reptiles, amphibians and insects can also be found utilizing the diversified habitat.

Camping areas are not available on the area.

Additional information may be obtained from the LDWF, Wildlife Division, 1401 Talton St., Minden, LA 71055. Phone (318) 371-3050.

To print this document click here (2009-10 Hunting Regulations).