Features

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    Cypress knees

    What's up with cypress knees? These above ground roots anchor the tree in wet soils. The tallest "knee" on record was 14 feet high!

    The mystery of the cypress knees

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    Swallow-tailed kite

    Watch for this spectacular black and white raptor soaring overhead when you visit the Refuge.

    Learn More

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    Wood duck

    The unique and elegant wood duck nests in cavities. You may see wood duck nest boxes on the Refuge.

    More about the wood duck

Hunting at the Refuge

Hunting the Refuge

Hunting is a popular fall activity on the Refuge. A self-clearing permit, available at roadside kiosks, is required to hunt the Refuge. For information on hunting regulations visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website at the link below.

State of Louisiana Hunting Regulations

The Nation's Great River Swamp

Visit the Atchafalaya Basin for an adventure in natural and cultural history. Get wild at your National Wildlife Refuge.

The Atchafalaya Heritage Area

Take a Virtual Boat Tour of the Refuge

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Enjoy a trip down Big Alabama Bayou, launching from the Sherburne Wildlife Management Headquarters boat launch.

Take a Virtual Boat Tour Here

Attention Young Artists

Jr Duck Stamppromo

Could your work be on the next Junior Duck Stamp? Support conservation, education, and the arts with a Junior Duck Stamp!

More About the Junior Duck Stamp Contest
Explore the Refuge

Exploring the Refuge

The Sherburne Wildlife Management Area offers great opportunities to fish, hunt, hike, birdwatch, paddle, and camp...

Visitor activities

About the Complex

Southeast Louisiana Refuges

Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Southeast Louisiana Refuges.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
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