Acreage: 7,524 Acres

Owned: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Parish: Catahoula Parish

Office: Region 4, Ferriday Office

 

P.O. Box 1640

Ferriday 71334, LA

Phone: (318) 757-4571

Email: lmoak@wlf.louisiana.gov

 

  Map 1

 

Description:

Sicily Island Hills Wildlife Management Area (SIHWMA) is located in northeast Catahoula Parish, 6 miles west of Sicily Island, Louisiana. Major routes to the area are Louisiana highways 8 and 915. A series of unimproved roads and trails provide access to the interior of the area. Boeuf and Ouachita Rivers supply boat access to the western portion of the property. SIHWMA is comprised of approximately 7,524 acres with the majority acquired by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in December 1980. The terrain is extremely rugged with high ridges dropping sharply into the creek bottoms. The elevations range from 35 feet M.S.L. to approximately 245 feet M.S.L. The area is extremely unique and supports a diverse group of plants and animals including rare and endangered species. The forest overstory is a mixture of loblolly-shortleaf pine and upland hardwoods. The property consists of a variety of uneven-aged timber species, with a relatively closed canopy. On ridges, the predominant tree species are loblolly and shortleaf pine. Also present on the ridges are hickory, elm, ash, and a variety of upland oak species. The lower elevations and creek bottoms support stands of beech, magnolia, hickory, sweet gum, black gum, and oak. Important species in the understory are flowering dogwood, arrowwood, rattan, huckleberry, buckeye, greenbriar, blackberry, and grape.

SIHWMA offers many recreational opportunities for the outdoor oriented public. There are two primitive camping areas and three nature trails including a rugged 7-mile long hiking trail. Big Creek Nature Trail winds through stands of mature pine hardwoods and passes many scenic points of interest including several waterfalls. The area supports a substantial turkey population which is hunted by lottery only. A youth lottery turkey hunt is held each year on the weekend prior to the regular turkey season. Deer and squirrel hunting are popular with the public. Additional information may be obtained from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at P.O. Box 1640, Ferriday, LA 71334. Phone (318) 757-4571.

 

Regulations: