Delta National Wildlife Refuge

Enjoy exploration and recreation on your national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge . The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. The refuge is closed at night, except during season, hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m.  Special closures are in effect during waterfowl season. Migratory game bird, big game, and upland game hunting, as well as sport fishing are allowed on the refuge subject to Louisiana state regulations.  Consult the Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex Annual User Brochure and Regulations for specific information and map. Hunters must carry a signed copy of this brochure which serves as a refuge hunting permit.

To ensure healthy habitat and sustainable natural resources for your continued enjoyment and safety, the following activities are prohibited on the refuge: 

• Feeding wildlife

• Air-thrust boats, aircraft, mud boats, and air-cooled propulsion engines

• Acting as a hunting or fishing guide or outfitter on the refuge and receiving any form of compensation for a guiding activity - including guiding, outfitting, lodging fees, or club membership

• Discharge of firearms within 250 yards of buildings or work sites, such as oil or gas production facilities

• Possession of buckshot, lead shot, slugs, rifles, or rifle ammunition while hunting

• Dogs and driving of deer during archery hunts

• Possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, other feed, or any non-naturally occurring attractant

• Use or possession of alcohol while hunting

• Trail cameras or deer decoys

• Open fires

• Cutting, removing, or damaging trees and other plants

• Target shooting

• Camping

• Using flagging or trail markers, except reflective tacks

• All commercial fin fishing and shell fishing

• Trotlines, limb lines, slat traps, jug lines, nets, or alligator lines

• It is illegal to operate unmanned aircraft on Refuge property without a special permit. (*A drone flight may be permitted occasionally for research or resource management purposes). If a drone operator stands beyond Refuge boundaries and flies the vehicle over the Refuge, fines can be levied if the drone is observed disturbing wildlife

• Taking of turtles.

Non-emergency complaints of violations on refuge lands should be reported to refuge law enforcement, (985) 882-2041.

To report general wildlife violations in the State of Louisiana: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Operation Game Thief Hotline: (800) 442-2511