Pearl River totals 35,031 acres and is owned by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The terrain is flat, drainage is poor, and the area is subject to annual flooding. The forest cover varies from an all age hardwood stand in the northern 60 percent, to cypress tupelo in the next 25 percent and an intermediate type marsh in the southern 15 percent. The mixed hardwoods are made up of water oak, nuttall oak, cow oak, obtusa oak, overcup oak, live oak, bitter pecan, hickory, beech, magnolia, sweetgum, and elm. The overstory varies from moderately open to closed. Timber stand improvement has begun to improve and enhance habitat conditions.

There are numerous streams and bayous on the area which provide fishing, canoeing, boating, crawfishing, and waterfowl hunting opportunities. These are accessible only from the boat ramps previously mentioned. Several ponds are located on the northern end of the area along I-59.

Game species hunted are deer, squirrels, rabbits, feral hogs, turkeys, waterfowl and woodcock. Trapping is allowed for furbearers and the species available are beaver, nutria, mink, opossum, raccoon, and bobcat. An alligator season is open in September on a permit basis.

The bald eagle occurs along the streams and lakes in the fall and winter and the golden eagle can be seen occasionally. Swallowtail kites and Ospreys are frequently seen.

Camping is available at the Crawford Landing. A rifle range has been constructed on the area and is available for public use at specified times.

Additional information may be obtained from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70898-9000. (225) 765-2360.

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