Bayou Pierre
Located in the Red River Alluvial Valley, Bayou Pierre WMA has flat terrain with only a 5-foot change in elevation across the entire area. Bayou Pierre bisects the WMA. With poorly draining soil, the area is subject to periodic annual flooding.
During the mid-1900s, farmers cleared the area’s bottomland hardwood forest and drained the area. After several failed farming attempts, the property was deeded to LDWF in 1992.
Bayou Pierre WMA has drainages, wet weather ponds, sloughs, reforested areas, grasslands, and wildlife openings that create habitat favorable for a diverse wildlife community. LDWF has developed four distinct types of wildlife habitat on the WMA:
- A 160-acre moist soil waterfowl refuge
- 800 acres in ridge and swale topography/reforested bottomland hardwoods
- 200-plus acres in reforested hardwood
Activities and Amenities
Hunting and trapping: Available game species include white-tailed deer, rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, snipe, waterfowl, and dove. Deer, squirrel and raccoon hunting are limited due to the young age of the reforested hardwood area. Trapping is allowed on Bayou Pierre WMA, except in the waterfowl refuge. See LDWF's seasons and regulations for details.
Birding and wildlife viewing: Birding is popular at Bayou Pierre WMA, especially from early fall through winter and during the northward spring migration. Bayou Pierre WMA is an excellent area to see hawks and owls during the winter. A variety of sparrows (white-throated, white-crowned, chipping, field, fox, and song), red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, and American kestrels are also common during the winter. Spring transient warblers include the yellow, Tennessee, black-throated green, and magnolia. Scissor-tailed flycatchers often nest on Bayou Pierre WMA during the summer. Numerous species of reptiles, amphibians, and insects can also be found using the diverse habitat in this area.
Camping: Primitive camping is allowed in designated areas (see the Bayou Pierre map for details).
LDWF has partnered with several organizations including the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Unlimited, American Energy Producers, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to develop and maintain these habitats.
Acreage
2,799
Owner/Manager
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Directions
Address: 406 Clinton Rd Shreveport, LA 71115
Bayou Pierre WMA is located 20 miles south of Shreveport. From LA Hwy 1, take Yearwood Road to Lacoupe Road to access the WMA. LDWF maintains one year-round ATV/UTV trail on the area. Parish-maintained roads also provide access to and through the area.