Esler Field
The Louisiana National Guard uses Esler Field WMA as a training facility and manages the area’s timber for commercial production.
There are gently rolling hills in the upland areas. Pine plantations dominate the upland overstory, but there are scattered hardwoods in the hills. The upland understory varies considerably depending on the overstory; areas with good understory development support French mulberry, blackberry, greenbrier, yaupon, trumpet creeper, rattan, and other browse plants.
The Flagon Creek area (about 800 acres) frequently floods and is typical bottomland hardwood forest with water, post, overcup, and red oak; hickory; sweetgum; cypress; and bitter pecan. Common understory plants in this area include swamp privet, water elm, mayhaw, and swamp snowbell.
Activities and Amenities
Esler Field WMA’s first function is as a military reservation; special regulations apply to the use of this WMA.
Hunting and trapping: Game species available for hunting include squirrel, turkey, deer, rabbit, quail, dove, wood duck, and woodcock. There is a disabled veterans lottery hunt for deer as well as a youth-only deer season. See regulations for details.
Fishing and boating: Fishing is available in the Twin Lakes and Flagon Bayou. See regulations for details.
Camping: Limited camping is allowed by reservation only. Call 318.641.3365 for more information.
Other: hiking, photography, birding
Acreage
12,500
Owner/Manager
Louisiana National Guard
Directions
Esler Field WMA is located approximately 8 miles north of Alexandria.