LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet (seated) with (standing, left to right) John Rik Thistlethwaite, Lawrence Thistlethwaite and Dr. Patrick Thistlethwaite.

For almost 55 years, Thistlethwaite Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in St. Landry Parish has provided the public an outstanding venue to hunt, observe numerous species of birds and enjoy the best of Louisiana’s Sportsman’s Paradise.

Thanks to the Thistlethwaite family, which owns the land on which the WMA is located, that will continue for many years to come.

The Thistlethwaite family has agreed to continue to allow the 11,100-acre WMA to be administered for public opportunity by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The Thistlethwaite heirs signed a lease agreement with LDWF in May of 1966 to create the WMA, and on Monday (Dec. 7) renewed that lease during a visit to LDWF’s Lafayette Field Office.

“The reason was to allow the public to use this wonderful piece of property for the enjoyment of hunting and outdoors conservation,’’ said Lawrence Thistlethwaite, spokesman for the family. “We’ve had a good relationship with LDWF, they’re always willing to listen to any concerns we might have and we’ve always been able to work well together. It’s been a good partnership and benefitted the public.’’

“We’re so pleased the Thistlethwaite family will continue to allow us to use this treasured land for public use and wildlife focused recreation,’’ said LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet. “Thistlethwaite WMA features some of the best public land deer hunting in the state. We’ve worked with the Thistlethwaite family in managing the public access for consumptive and non-consumptive use of the wildlife resources present on this bottomland hardwood forest. It’s a place in which we take great pride in overseeing.’’

Thistlethwaite WMA is located immediately northeast of Washington off Louisiana Highway 10. You can also access the WMA via I-49 at the Lebeau exit.

For more information on Thistlethwaite WMA, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/thistlethwaite or contact Tony Vidrine at tvidrine@wlf.la.gov.