Facility Activities

The refuge is a popular place to enjoy fishing, hunting, paddling, bird watching and nature photography. There are several hiking and paddling trails that will introduce you to the refuges’ habitats and let you experience wildlife. A boat launch in Franklin provides access to refuge waterways and paddle trails. Bird-watching from the levee trails is recommended during spring migration.  Squirrel hunting is a popular tradition in the fall. Please be aware that some trails may be closed to hikers during hunting season.

Hunting

Deer, squirrel, rabbit, woodcock and waterfowl hunting are allowed subject to state-approved seasons and regulations. Feral hogs may be taken during the archery season. The Centerville unit is in State Deer Area 9 and the East Zone for waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel...

Fishing

Fishing is always good on Bayou Teche. Catching depends on season, weather, and water levels. Freshwater fish including bass, sunfish, crappie, catfish, and gar are abundant. Fishing for large-mouth bass and bream can be excellent in spring and fall.

Recreational fishing is allowed on...

Boating - motorized

The refuge is a great place to enjoy boating. Most of the refuge is open to boating year-round. Motorized boats are allowed in the Franklin Unit Canals (Hanson, Wood Duck, Black Bear and Alligator) between April 16 – August 31. These canals are closed to motorboats from September 1 through April...

Boating - non-motorized

The refuges' paddling trails are a great way to access the refuge and enjoy exploring the bayou. The Franklin Unit has several old logging canals -- Black Bear Trail, Alligator Trail and Wood Duck Trail -- designated for paddling. These...

Birding

The refuge's bottomland hardwood forests, cypress-tupelo swamps, bayous, and freshwater marshes provide nesting, wintering, and breeding habitat for nearly 200 species of birds. Neotropical birds (birds that nest in North America but winter in the tropics) bring a flash of color and song in the...

Hiking

Refuge hiking trails are open February 1 - September 30, during daylight hours. These trails travel through bottomland hardwood forest and/or along levees. Look for neotropical birds during the spring and watch for alligators in the canals.  Knee high mud boots may come in handy during the...