The Crusel Tract parking area on Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA) will be closed Feb. 4-6 for repairs, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. The parking area is located on Louisiana Highway 16 near French Settlement.

LDWF and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development are working to replace culverts and make other improvements to the parking area following heavy rain and washouts.

Maurepas Swamp WMA is located in St. John, St. James, Ascension and Livingston parishes. Its 112,615 acres are comprised mostly of flooded cypress tupelo swamp.

Available game species include white-tailed deer, squirrel, rabbit and waterfowl. There are youth deer and squirrel seasons. Common freshwater fish include largemouth bass, sunfish and crappie. Bald eagles and osprey nest in and around the WMA and numerous species of neotropical migrant birds use this coastal forest habitat during fall and spring migrations.

All visitors to Maurepas Swamp WMA and all LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License, or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. Go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/wmarefugeconservation-area-licenses-and-permits for more information.

For information on this WMA, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/maurepas-swamp or contact the LDWF Hammond Office at 985-543-4777.