Bayou Macon

Bayou Macon WMA forms one of the largest remaining tracts of bottomland hardwood forest which historically composed the lower Mississippi River floodplain from lower Illinois to the Gulf of America. LDWF purchased the majority of the property in 1991; the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development donated an additional 40 acres to LDWF as part of a mitigation project.

Bayou Macon WMA’s terrain is flat with relatively poor drainage; terrain varies from 88 to 94 feet above sea level. Two intermittent streams, Brushy and Buck Bayous, are located on the area.

For more information, contact Mitch McGee at mmcgee@wlf.la.gov or 318-343-4044.

LDWF has reforested almost 1,150 acres of reclaimed agricultural fields. Overstory timber species include nuttall, overcup, and willow oak; bitter pecan; hackberry; red maple; honey locust; rock elm; sweetgum; and green ash. Common understory vegetation includes deciduous holly, swamp dogwood, trumpet creeper, rattan, Japanese honeysuckle, swamp privet, pawpaw, dewberry, peppervine, hawthorn, greenbrier, and persimmon.

WMA Area Details

Acreage

6,919 acres

Parish

East Carroll Parish

Owner/Manager

LDWF

Bayou Macon WMA Map (PDF)

Activities and Amenities

Hunting and Trapping

The most popular game species on Bayou Macon WMA are white-tailed deer, squirrel, rabbit, and waterfowl. There is a youth deer season and a small game emphasis area. Limited woodcock hunting opportunities are also available. Trapping is permitted for raccoon, opossum, beaver, and other native furbearers. See regulations for details.

Fishing and Boating

Recreational crawfishing and frogging are popular on Bayou Macon WMA. Recreational fishing is limited. See regulations for details.

Birding and Wildlife Viewing

Birding is available year-round on Bayou Macon WMA. During the northward spring migration, dozens of species of neotropical migrants and passerine birds visit this area.

Camping

There is one primitive camping area on Bayou Macon WMA.

Other

Hiking, horseback riding, berry picking.

Directions

Address: 1500 Schrock Road Lake Providence, LA 71254

Bayou Macon WMA is located 3.5 miles east of Oak Grove and 7.5 miles northwest of Lake Providence. The major access route to this WMA is Louisiana Highway 2. LDWF maintains numerous ATV/UTV trails on this WMA. There are two self-clearing permit stations located at major entrances to the WMA.