Hunting & Fishing Regulations

Introduction

General Hunting Regulations

• Prohibited Activities
• D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge
• Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge
• Attention Bow Hunters
• Warning

Specific Hunting Regulations

• Small Game Hunts
• Big Game Hunts
• Fishing and Froging
• Summary of Recent Regulation Changes
• Signs and Boundaries

 

Introduction

D'Arbonne and Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuges are two of over 500 national wildlife refuges. The primary objective of a national wildlife refuge is to provide habitat for the conservation and protection of all species of wildlife. The harvest of animals is one tool used to manage fish and wildlife populations. Carefully managed hunting and fishing maintain these populations at a level compatible with the environment, provide wholesome recreational opportunities and permit the use of valuable renewable resources.

The regulations in this pamphlet supplement the general regulations governing hunting and fishing on national wildlife refuges as set forth in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations. Hunting and fishing will be in accordance with applicable State regulations except as noted below.

As you use the refuges, take pride in America and the refuge resources. Report violations promptly. Respect the rights of others using the refuge.

Use caution when operating boats or wading in flooded areas of both refuges. Obstructions/obstacles, both natural and man-made, may be submerged and unmarked.

Refuge hunting seasons apply to all navigable waterways that are wholly within the refuge boundaries.

 

General Hunting Regulations

A signed refuge hunting permit (front of brochure) must be carried by all hunters. Brochures may be requested by calling the office.

Only those species listed may be taken. All other animals and plants are protected. The refuges are home for the bald eagle and red-cockaded woodpecker. Please help protect these threatened and endangered birds.

Hunting is allowed in certain areas of the refuge as shown on the refuge hunting map. No hunting within the maintained right-of-way of the roads and ATV trails shown on the reverse maps.

All hunters under age 16 must have completed a hunter education course and carry a card or certificate with them. Youths must be closely supervised (in sight and in normal voice contact) by an adult at least 21 years old. An adult may supervise only one youth under 16 years old on a big game hunt and no more than two youths under 16 years old on a small game or waterfowl hunt.

 

Prohibited Activities

Camping, overnight mooring of houseboats, littering, open fires, overnight parking, target practice and ~ cutting of vegetation are prohibited. No mooring of houseboats within 50 yards of the mouth of Steep Bank Creek.

Motorized vehicles are not permitted off the designated public access roads. This includes motorcycles, 3-wheelers, 6-wheelers, jeeps, cars, trucks, etc. Parking is restricted to parking areas and along public access roads which are shown on the reverse map. ATV's with a maximum tire pressure of 5 lbs. p.s.i. are permitted only on trails designated for their use (see map). The trails are marked with signs and white paint.

Disabled sportsmen that need assistance should contact the Refuge Manager.

 

D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge

Use or possession of shells containing lead shot smaller than Number 2 is permitted only while hunting small game in upland habitat. Upland habitat is defined as any land area consisting primarily of pine trees and not subject to flooding (see map).

 

Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge

Use or possession of shells containing lead shot smaller than Number 4 buckshot is prohibited.

Firearms are permitted only during open hunting seasons. Except for raccoon hunting, firearms are not allowed on the refuge at night. Firearms larger than .22 caliber rimfire, shotgun slugs, or lead shot larger than Number 2 are allowed only during the refuge gun deer season. Firearms must be completely unloaded when being transported in motorized vehicles, boats, and ATV’s.

All hunters (except waterfowl hunters) must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange during the refuge gun deer hunt.

Personal property may not be left unattended (includes boats, deer stands, blinds, decoys).

Feral hogs, coyotes and beaver may be taken during all refuge hunts. No bag limit.

Dogs are allowed only for hunting quail, woodcock, and ducks during refuge seasons and for hunting rabbits, raccoon, and squirrels after the last refuge gun deer season ends. Only recognized breeds of bird dogs and retrievers are permitted for quail and migratory bird hunting.

The use of horses and mules is prohibited except by special permit.

It is unlawful to drive or screw a nail, spike or other metal object into a tree or to hunt from any tree in which a nail, spike, or other metal object has been driven or screwed.

 

Attention Bow Hunters

Proof of certification in a bow hunters' education course is mandatory to bow hunt including cross bows.

Baiting or hunting over a baited area is prohibited.

The possession or use of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.

Artifacts-No person shall search for or remove any object of antiquity, including arrowheads, pottery or other Indian artifacts.

 

Specific Hunting Regulations

Small Game Hunts

• Squirrel, Rabbit, Quail, Woodcock-
• State season
• Raccoon and Opossum-
• December 1-31, 1999. May also be taken during daylight hours of the  squirrel and rabbit seasons. Elevated levels of mercury contamination have been found in refuge raccoons, and it is recommended that they not be eaten. Raccoons taken on the refuge may not be sold for human consumption.
• Waterfowl and Coots-
• State season dates including Youth Day except closed during special Teal season. Daily hunting until noon only, including the area between the Mollicy levee and river, and the portion of the refuge south of the Mollicy levee.
• Hunting is permitted by "Waterfowl Hunting Area" signs and boundary trees painted blue on the side facing the no hunting area and orange on the side facing the hunting area.
• Deer
• Still-hunt only-no dogs. All hunts are either sex.

 

Big Game Hunts

Archery hunting-State season except on closed area during refuge deer gun season (see map), no firearms allowed. The possession or use of pods is prohibited.

Gun Hunting-November 6-7 and November 26-27,1999. Archery and muzzleloader permitted, except in closed area (see map).  Limit - 1 deer per day.

All deer taken during the gun hunts must be checked at a refuge check station between 7:00 am. and 7:00 PM. on the same day the deer is taken. See map for check station locations.

 

Trapping

January 1-31,2000. Special $10 trapping permit required. Apply at refuge office.

 

Fishing and Froging

Fishing is open on both refuges year- round in accordance with State regulations with the following exceptions: Recreational fishing gear (slat traps, etc.)  requires a special permit and commercial fishing is prohibited.

Mercury contamination has been documented on both refuges. On July 29, 1992, the State of Louisiana issued the following consumption advisory regarding fish from the Ouachita River: For pregnant women and children (less than 7 years of age), consume no bass, and limit consumption of other species of fish to 2 meals per month (a meal is considered to be half a pound offish for an adult). For non-pregnant women men and children (7 years of age and older), limit the consumption of bass to 2 meals per month, and there is no limit on other species offish.

Elevated levels of mercury have been found by the Fish and Wildlife Service in other species of fish and it is strongly recommended that no fish caught on either refuge be eaten.

Ends of trotlines must be attached by a length of cotton line which extends into the water. Trotlines must be tended daily. Trotlines lacking the cotton line or having exposed hooks are subject to removal by refuge personnel. Froging is permitted in all refuge waters during the state season except closed in areas within the Mollicy levee.

 

Summary of Recent Regulation Changes

• No Sunday deer gun hunt after Thanksgiving (Nov 28).
• All deer taken on gun hunts must be checked including those from Upper Ouachita NWR.
• Goose hunting until noon after duck season will be allowed as per State seasons & Regulation.
• All of Upper Ouachita NWR west of the river above Alabama Landing is open to waterfowl hunting (except early Teal season).

 

Signs and Boundaries

Signs are useful tools in regulating the use of a public area. The wordings of the signs apply to the areas behind the signs. Pay attention to the signs, watch for boundary corners, and check your location with the maps.

	This sign marks the outer refuge boundary. Public entry by foot is generally authorized at all times on D'Arbonne and Upper Ouachita Refuges. However, other refuges in the system may have different regulations concerning general entry. Always know the regulations before entering.		This sign means that the area is closed to all entry. Do not trespass behind this sign for any reason other than emergency.
	This sign means that motorized vehicles are not to be driven past it. This applies to all cars, trucks, jeeps, all-terrain vehicles, and motorcycles. Non-motorized bicycles are allowed.		This sign marks the boundaries of the waterfowl hunting areas. This is the only area of the refuge where waterfowl hunting is allowed.