Features

  • Photo of a male and female northern shoveler feeding on glassy water

    Waterfowl

    Coastal Louisiana is the winter home of between 3-5 million ducks, over half the waterfowl that travel the Mississippi and Central Flyways.

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    Marsh formation at Delta

    The splay of channels at Delta NWR originated in the 1860’s when a breach, or crevasse, was made in the Mississippi River levee. 

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    Marshes grow our seafood

    Coastal wetlands are breeding, spawning, feeding, and nursery grounds for over 75% of Louisiana’s harvested fish and shellfish species.

    More about the values of wetlands at Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act

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    Roseate spoonbill

    Spoonbills feed by wading in shallow water, sweeping their heads from side to side.

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    Our largest reptile

    North America's largest reptile is found in slow moving rivers, marshes, and bayous in the south.

    Listen to an alligator bellow here..

Things to Know

Hunting the Refuge

Photo of yellow lab hunting dog in marsh

Delta National Wildife Refuge is subject to Louisiana hunting and fishing regulations and seasons. Hunters must carry a FREE signed Refuge hunting permit.

Download a free Delta National Wildlife Refuge hunting permit and general regulations.

Take a Virtual Tour of Delta NWR

view of canal through marsh at Delta

Explore the waterways and marshes of Delta National Wildlife Refuge on a virtual boat tour.

Take a Virtual Tour with our boat pilot

Attention Young Artists

Two Ross Geese swimming side by side

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
Waterfowl Traveling the Mississippi

Ancient Travel Routes

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The Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and flows 2,350 miles to the Gulf of Mexico near Venice, Louisiana. The area drained by the Mississippi watershed covers about 40% of the lower 48 states, and about 40% of the nation's migratory waterfowl use the river basin as a migratory flyway.

More about migratory birds

About the Complex

Southeast Louisiana Refuges

Delta 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
Follow NWRS Online