Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

  • Child holding an Eastern lubber grasshopper

    Junior Ranger Activities

    Check out some fun nature activities you can do while social distancing!

    Junior Ranger Activities 2020

  • Wildlife & Habitat - Wintering Waterfowl

    Get your permit online!

    Get your Annual Use Permit, check out refuge Brochures, and apply for a Lottery Hunt online!

    Permits and Lotteries

  • Blackfork Trail Rotator Promo

    Blackfork Walking Trail

    This scenic trail winds through the cypress forest and is marked by white diamond markers.

    Learn More

News

Hunting the Refuge

Download refuge hunt regulations at the link below.

Cat Island Hunt Seasons and Regulations

Bald Cypress

Champion Cypress

Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge is home an impressive bald cypress tree, Taxodium distichum. At a height of 96 feet, a diameter of 17 feet, and a circumference of 56 feet, it is truly a sight to behold. The tree is estimated to be approximately 1,500 years old. Visitors may view the tree by way of the Big Cypress Trail, a .75 mile round-trip trail through a unique mixture of bottomland hardwood forest on flat terrain. Parking is located at the trailhead, which is located 4.6 miles from the main gate. This trail is in a no hunting area and allows only foot traffic.

Learn more about the Cypress-Tupelo Swamp
Friends Group and Partnerships

Friends Group & Partnerships

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The refuge partners with Friends of Cat Island Refuge on many important projects that benefit wildlife, the visiting public and surrounding communities.

Partnerships

About the Complex

Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex

Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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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
Follow NWRS Online