Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1984.  Its 15,000 acres are part of the largest bottomland hardwood swamp in the country.  This beautiful swampland offers a multitude of recreational options.  Hunting, fishing, hiking  and some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the country exist in the Atchafalaya Basin.

DIRECTIONS TO REFUGE OFFICE: From Baton Rouge, LA, take U.S. Highway 190 west to the Atchafalaya River, then go south on Louisiana Highway 975 to the Sherburne WMA. You may also drive from Baton Rouge or Lafayette, LA by taking Interstate 10 to the Whiskey Bay Bridge.  Exit onto Hwy 975 north onto a gravel road about 9 miles. Turn right onto Bayou Manual Road or continue north along the levee for more entrances. After prolonged heavy rainfall, a 4x4 may be temporarily necessary to access the refuge.

For contact information, see the About Us page of the Southeast Louisiana Refuges.

ENDANGERED & THREATENED SPECIES ON THE REFUGE: Bald eagle, and Louisiana black bear

OTHER WILDLIFE SPECIES: White-tailed deer, Eastern wild turkey, the spectacular swallow-tailed kite, and neo-tropical migratory birds

HABITAT DESCRIPTION: America’s great river swamp deep in the heart of Cajun country, and the southern end of the Lower Mississippi River Valley. It’s the nations largest complex of forested wetlands of bottomland hardwoods and swamps.

MANAGEMENT GOALS: Improving plant communities for endangered, threatened and declining species of wildlife as well as for waterfowl and other migratory birds, wildlife management through public hunting and developing partnerships.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC USE: Hunting of migratory game birds, small game and big game, sport fishing, nature trail walking, photography and environmental education.

There is a recently (2007) improved boat launch with a new dock and observation deck at the Section 120 Road trail.

STEP OUTSIDE DAY will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at the Sherburne WMA Complex.  The event is free and open to the public.  Lunch will be provided and many activities are scheduled including archery, boat rides, decoy painting, fishing, target shooting, trap shooting, bear maze, and walking a birding trail.  All equipment will be provided and activities run from 9:00am to 3:30pm.  Many exhibits will also be on display. For more information, contact (985) 882-2030.

Consult the state of Louisiana, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries “Sherburne Wildlife Management Area” for hunting regulations. A free self-clearing permit is required for all activities on the management area. The permits are available at kiosks along the entrance roads to the area. All persons older than 16 or younger than 60 using wildlife management areas including the refuge for any reason must purchase a Wild Louisiana Stamp, hunting, or fishing license from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or other local supplier of licenses. For all other uses, contact the refuge manager.