The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: Hunting must be in accordance with State-issued Sherburne Wildlife Management Area regulations.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: Hunting must be in accordance with State-issued Sherburne Wildlife Management Area regulations.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Hunting must be in accordance with Sherburne Wildlife Management Area regulations.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow finfishing and shellfishing year-round in accordance with Sherburne Wildlife Management Area regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit all commercial finfishing and shellfishing.
Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require that all hunters and anglers age 16 and older purchase an annual public use permit (name/address/telephone number). We waive the fee for individuals age 60 and older. The refuge user is required to sign, certifying that you understand and will comply with all regulations, and carry this permit at all times while on the refuge.
2. We allow migratory game bird hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season. We do not open for the special teal season and State youth waterfowl hunt.
3. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of the maintained rights-of-way of roads, refuge road or designated trail, building, residence, or designated public facility.
4. Hunters must remove harvested waterfowl, temporary blinds, and decoys (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) used for duck hunting by 1 p.m. daily.
5. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
6. Any hunter under age 17 must possess and carry proof of completion of an approved Hunter Safety Course and be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may supervise (within sight of and in normal voice contact with) only one youth for all youth hunts except migratory birds. One adult may supervise no more than two youths while hunting migratory game birds.
7. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
8. We prohibit use or possession of any type of trail-marking material.
9. Coyote, beaver, feral hog, and raccoon are incidental take species and, as such, you may take them during any open hunting season only with the weapon allowed for that season if you are a hunter having the required licenses and permits. There is no bag limit on coyote, feral hog, and beaver. State regulations apply on other incidental species.
10. Refuge users must check all game taken before leaving the refuge at one of the self-clearing check stations indicated on the map in the refuge public use brochure (name only).
11. You must check all game taken on the refuge before leaving the refuge at one of the self-clearing check stations indicated on the map in the refuge Hunting and Fishing Regulations Brochure.
12. We allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles as per State Wildlife Management Area (WMA) regulations and size specifications on designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter) from September 1 through the hunting season. An ATV is an off-road vehicle with factory specifications not to exceed the following: Weight 750 pounds (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (212.5 cm), and width 48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 x 12 with a maximum 1 inch (2.5 cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
13. We only allow ATVs on designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter) from September 1 through the hunting season. An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is an off-road vehicle with factory specifications not to exceed the following: weight 750 pounds (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (212.5 cm), and width 48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25x12 with a maximum 1 inch (2.5 cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
14. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)). This requirement only applies to the use of shotgun ammunition.
15. Each refuge user must obtain a daily use reporting card (one per person) and place it on the dashboard of their vehicle or in their boat where their personal information (name/city/state/zip code) is readable and in plain view. Users must complete all the information requested (name/address/phone number) and return the cards to the refuge kiosk/check stations upon departure from the refuge.
16. Refuge users may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit the refuge by 2 hours after legal sunset except that raccoon and opossum hunters during the month of February may use the refuge at night.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow squirrel and rabbit hunting within the State season. We will list specific refuge season dates annually in the Refuge Public Use Brochure.
2. Conditions A1, A3, and A7 through A16 apply.
3. We allow the use of dogs to hunt squirrel and rabbit during that portion of the season designated as ``With/Without Dogs.'' We list specific season dates in the refuge brochure.
4. While engaged in upland game hunting, we prohibit possession of hunting firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter) larger than .22 caliber rimfire, shotgun slugs, or buckshot.
5. Refuge users may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit the refuge by 2 hours after legal sunset except that raccoon and opossum hunters during the month of February may use the refuge at night.
6. Youth hunters under age 16 must have completed a hunter education course and possess and carry evidence of completion. An adult age 21 or older must closely supervise youth hunters (within sight and normal voice contact). One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter while hunting upland game.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A3, and A7 through A16 apply.
2. The bag limit is one antlered or one antlerless deer per day. Hunters must check out each deer harvested according to the instructions posted at a designated check station prior to leaving the refuge. The State season limit and tagging regulations apply.
3. You must check all deer on the same day taken during lottery deer hunts at a staffed refuge check station.
4. We require a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) of unbroken hunter orange as the outermost layer of clothing on the chest and back, and in addition, we require a hat or cap of unbroken hunter orange. You must wear the solid hunter-orange items while in the field.
5. We prohibit hunters leaving stands on the refuge until the opening day of archery season, and they must remove them by the end of the last day of the archery season. Hunters must clearly mark stands used on the refuge with the name and address of the owner of the stand. Hunters must remove portable stands from trees daily and must place free-standing stands in a nonhunting position daily (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
6. We only allow deer hunting with modern firearms during the lottery deer hunt. We require special limited permits for the lottery deer hunt. We only allow hunters with a valid lottery deer hunt permit (must possess and carry the permit) to use the refuge during the lottery deer hunt.
7. We allow deer hunting within the State season. We will list specific refuge season dates annually in the Refuge Public Use Brochure.
8. We allow deer hunting with primitive firearms subject to State regulations. Specific open dates will appear in the annual Refuge Hunting and Fishing Regulations Brochure.
9. We prohibit possession or use of buckshot.
10. We prohibit possession or use of climbing spikes.
11. We prohibit baiting or hunting over bait and the possession of bait or any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
12. There is a $5 application fee per person for the lottery gun hunt application (name/address/phone number).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A11 through A15 apply.
2. You must tend trotlines daily. You must attach ends of trotlines by a length of cotton line that extends into the water.
3. We prohibit commercial fishing.
4. We prohibit the taking of alligator snapping turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
5. We only allow fishing during daylight hours.
6. The refuge boat ramp is open from 4 a.m. until 2 hours after legal sunset.
7. We prohibit wire traps, slat traps, wire nets, hoop nets, trotlines, yo-yos, and jug lines on the refuge.
Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds (duck and goose) on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We consider all waterfowl and coot hunting to be youth hunts. Youths, age 15 or younger, must accompany an adult age 21 or older. The youth must be capable of and must actively participate in such hunt by the possession and/or firing of a legal weapon during such hunt for the express purpose of harvesting game.
2. Each adult may supervise no more than two youths, and no more than one adult may supervise each youth during the course of any hunt. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Adults accompanying youth on refuge hunts may participate by hunting but may not harvest more than their own daily bag limit. Youth must harvest their own bag limits.
3. We allow waterfowl (duck, goose, and coot) hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, including early teal season, youth waterfowl hunt season, or other such special seasons that may be promulgated by law or statute. We will close the refuge to waterfowl and coot hunting during any segment of goose season that extends beyond the regular duck season.
4. Hunters may not enter the refuge prior to 4 a.m. on the day of the hunt and must exit the refuge with all equipment and materials (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) no later than 1 p.m.
5. We allow hunting only on those portions of the refuge that lie outside of the confines of the hurricane protection levee, unless we post areas closed to hunting or designated areas closed on the refuge hunt permit (signed brochure).
6. Specific State regulations apply during the State Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days (i.e., adults may not hunt), except adults must be age 21 or older.
7. Hunters must possess and carry a valid refuge hunt permit (signed brochure).
8. We allow dogs only to locate, point, and retrieve while hunting.
9. We allow only nontoxic shot while hunting (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
10. We prohibit hunting within 500 feet (150 m) of any residence or structure adjacent to the refuge; and we prohibit hunting within 200 feet (60 m) of any road, railroad, levee, water control structure, designated public use trail, designated parking area, and other designated public use facilities.
11. We require hunters to comply with State regulations regarding the completion of a Hunter Safety Course.
12. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in part 32).
13. We prohibit air-thrust boats, aircraft, mud boats, and air-cooled propulsion engines on the refuge, except hunters may use air- cooled propulsion engines to traverse the refuge through the Intracoastal Waterway and the Irish Bayou Straight Canal.
14. We prohibit motorized vehicles on all levees.
15. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting/angling guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting/angling on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
16. We prohibit the use of open fires.
17. We prohibit camping.
18. We prohibit target shooting on the refuge.
19. We prohibit the use of any type of material used as flagging or trail markers, except bright eyes.
20. We close all portions of the refuge outside of the Hurricane Protection Levee to public entry other than waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. from November 1 through January 31 and during the State teal season.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow finfishing and shellfishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. The refuge is open from 30 minutes before legal sunrise to 30 minutes after legal sunset.
2. We allow sport fishing and shell fishing year-round on designated areas of the refuge and only after 12 p.m. on portions of the refuge outside of the Hurricane Protection Levee from November 1 through January 31 and during the State teal season. We close the remainder of the refuge from November 1 through January 31.
3. We only allow sport fishing with hand-held rod and reel or hand-held rod and line. You may take bait shrimp with cast nets 8 feet (2.4 m) in diameter or less. You may take crawfish (up to 100 pounds (45 kg) per person) with wire nets up to 20 inches (50 cm) in diameter. We allow recreational crabbing with a limit of 12 dozen per person. You must attend all fishing, crabbing, and crawfishing equipment at all times.
4. The use of trotlines, limblines, slat traps, gar sets, nets or alligator lines is prohibited on the refuge.
5. Only outboard motors 25 horsepower or less are permitted in waterways inside the hurricane protection levee.
6. We prohibit feeding of any wildlife within the refuge.
7. We prohibit all commercial finfishing and shell fishing.
8. Conditions A12 through A19 apply.
9. We prohibit motorized vehicles on all levees.
Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds and waterfowl on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. All hunters must possess and carry a signed hunt permit while hunting on the refuge. This permit is free and available on the front cover of the refuge brochure. This permit is free and available on the front cover of the refuge's brochure.
2. We prohibit hunting in and/or shooting into or across any agricultural field, roadway, or canal.
3. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters age 15 and younger during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game hunts and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
4. We require waterfowl hunters to remove all portable blinds, boats, decoys, and other personal equipment from the refuge by 1 p.m. daily.
5. All hunters must check-in prior to hunting and check out after hunting at a refuge self-clearing check station. You must report all game taken on the refuge when checking out by using the check card.
6. We prohibit airboats and marsh buggies (tracked vehicles) on the refuge. We restrict motorized boat use to existing canals, ditches, trenasses, ponds, and from areas marked as nonmotorized areas only.
7. We prohibit parking, walking, or hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any active oil well site, production facility, or equipment. We also prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, building, residence, or designated public facility.
8. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait while in the field and hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or any nonnaturally occurring food attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
9. We allow hunting until 12 p.m. (noon). Hunters may only enter the refuge after 4 a.m.
10. We allow waterfowl hunting in Centerville, Garden City, Bayou Sale, North Bend East, and North Bend West Units during the State waterfowl season. We open no other units to migratory waterfowl hunting.
11. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
12. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)). This requirement only applies to the use of shotgun ammunition.
13. We prohibit horses and ATVs.
14. We prohibit the use of any type of material used as flagging or trail markers except bright eyes.
15. We prohibit target shooting on the refuge.
16. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
17. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (Sec. 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in part 32).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow hunting from the start of the State squirrel and rabbit seasons until the last day of State waterfowl season in the West Zone.
2. We prohibit upland game hunting on days corresponding with refuge deer gun hunts.
3. We allow hunters to enter the refuge after 4 a.m., but they must leave the refuge 1 hour after legal sunset.
4. We allow hunting 7 days per week beginning with the opening of the State season through the last day of the State waterfowl season in the West Zone in the following refuge units: Centerville, Garden City, Bayou Sale, North Bend--East, and North Bend--West Units. We open no other units to the hunting of upland game.
5. We prohibit dogs.
6. Conditions A1 through A3, A5 through A8, and A12 through A17 apply, except we allow the use of .17 and .22 caliber rimfire or smaller while hunting small game.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting of deer only with firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter) during 5 specific days during October and November. A youth gun hunt will occur during the last weekend of October. The general gun hunt will occur during the final full weekend in November. The general gun hunt will be a lottery hunt. We will require a Lottery Hunt Permit. Hunters will find permit application procedures in the refuge brochure. The youth gun hunt includes both Saturday and Sunday. The general gun hunt includes the Friday immediately before the weekend.
2. We allow archery deer hunting from the start of the State archery season until January 31. Hunters may take deer of either sex in accordance with State-approved archery equipment and regulations. The State season limits apply. The following units are open to archery deer hunting: Centerville, Bayou Sale, North Bend East, North Bend West, and Garden City. We close refuge archery hunting on those days that the refuge deer gun hunts occur.
3. We allow hunting only in the Centerville, Garden City, Bayou Sale, North Bend East, and North Bend West Units. We do not open the Bayou Sale Unit for all big game firearm hunts.
4. We allow each hunter to possess only one deer per day, the deer may be a buck or a doe. State season limits apply.
5. You may take no other native or feral wildlife other than white-tailed deer while engaged in big game hunting (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
6. Hunters may use only portable deer stands. Hunters may erect deer stands one day before the deer archery season and must remove them from the refuge within 1 day after the season closes. Hunters may place only one deer stand on a refuge. Deer stands must have owner's name, address, and phone number clearly printed on the stand. Hunters must place stands in a nonhunting position when not in use (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
7. All hunters (including archery hunters) except waterfowl hunters must wear and display 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) of unbroken hunter orange as the outermost layer of clothing on the chest and back and a hunter-orange cap during deer gun seasons. Deer hunters hunting from concealed ground blinds must display a minimum of 400 square inches of hunter orange above or around their blinds which is visible from 360 degrees.
8. Conditions A1 through A3, A5 through A8, A13 through A17, B3, and B5 apply.
9. We prohibit the use of trail cameras.
10. We prohibit the use of deer decoys.
11. We prohibit dogs and driving deer.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in all refuge waters in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow recreational fishing. We prohibit all commercial fishing activity.
2. We prohibit the use of unattended nets, traps, or lines (trot, jug, bush, etc.).
3. The refuge is open from legal sunrise until legal sunset unless stated otherwise.
4. The Franklin Unit canals (birdfoot canals) will be open for motorized boats between April 15 and August 31. This unit is open to nonmotorized boats all year.
5. Conditions A6, A13, A15, and A17 apply.
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, coot, goose, snipe, rail, gallinule, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge during the State season for those species in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon), including the State special teal season and State youth waterfowl hunt.
2. We do not open the refuge to goose hunting for that part of the season that extends beyond the regular duck season.
3. We allow only temporary blinds, and hunters must remove the blinds and decoys by 1 p.m. (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
4. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
5. You must possess and carry a valid refuge hunt permit (signed brochure).
6. We prohibit air-thrust boats, aircraft, mud boats, and air-cooled propulsion engines on the refuge.
7. An adult age 21 or older must supervise youth hunters age 15 or younger during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
8. We prohibit camping.
9. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (Sec. 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in part 32).
10. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) from the centerline of any road open to vehicle travel, Boy Scout Road, any maintained trails, or from any residence. We prohibit hunting in refuge-designated closed areas which we post on the refuge and identify in the refuge hunt permits (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter).
11. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
12. Hunters may not enter the refuge before 4 a.m. and must exit the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset for that day.
13. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
14. We prohibit horses.
15. We prohibit all-terrain vehicles.
16. We prohibit target shooting on the refuge.
17. We prohibit the use of any type of material used as flagging or trail markers except reflective tacks.
18. We designate refuge areas closed to public hunting on the refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) or posted with no hunting signs.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, and quail on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow upland game hunting during the open State season using only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)) size 4 or smaller or .17 or .22 caliber rimfire rifles or smaller.
2. You may only use dogs for hunting squirrel and rabbit after the close of the State archery deer season.
3. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for quail.
4. Conditions A5 through A10 and A12 through A18 apply.
5. All hunters, including archers (while on the ground), except waterfowl hunters must wear a hunter orange cap or hat during the dog season for squirrel and rabbit.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We are open only during the State season for archery hunting of deer.
2. We only allow portable stands.
3. We prohibit dogs and driving deer.
4. You may take deer of either sex in accordance with State-approved archery equipment and regulations. The State season limits apply. Longbow, compound bow, and crossbow or any bow drawn, held, or released by mechanical means will be a legal means of take during the deer archery season.
5. Hunters may erect temporary deer stands 1 day prior to the start of deer archery season. Hunters must remove all deer stands within 1 day after the archery deer season closes. Hunters may place only one deer stand on a refuge. Deer stands must have the owner's name, address and phone number clearly printed on the stand. Hunters must place stands in a nonhunting position when not in use (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
6. Hunters may take hogs only during the refuge deer archery hunt.
7. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait while in the field and hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or any nonnaturally occurring food attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
8. Conditions A5 through A10, A12 through A18, and B5 apply.
9. We prohibit the use of trail cameras.
10. We prohibit the use of deer decoys.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in designated waters of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You may fish only from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until \1/2\ hour after legal sunset, except we allow night fishing from the bank and pier on Lake Road.
2. You must only use rods and reel or pole and lines while fishing.
3. We prohibit the use of trotlines, limblines, slat traps, gar sets, nets, or alligator lines on the refuge. You may take bait with cast nets 8 feet (2.4 m) in diameter or less.
4. We allow recreational crabbing.
5. We prohibit all commercial finfishing and shellfishing.
6. Conditions A6, A8, A9, and A13 (angling guides) through A17 apply.
7. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge as indicated in the refuge brochure in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit (signed refuge brochure).
2. We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season, except we do not open during the special teal season and State youth waterfowl hunt.
3. We prohibit accessing the hunting area by boat from Black Bayou Lake.
4. You may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m.
5. We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (45 m) of the maintained right-of-way of roads and from or across ATV trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit hunting within 50 feet (15 m), or trespassing on above-ground oil or gas production facilities.
6. We prohibit leaving boats, blinds, and decoys unattended.
7. We allow dogs to only locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
8. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters under age 16 during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
9. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
10. We only allow ATVs on trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter) designated for their use and marked by signs. We do not open ATV trails March 1 through August 31. An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is an off-road vehicle with factory specifications not to exceed the following: Weight 750 lbs. (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (212.5 cm), and width 48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 inches x 12 inches (62.5 cm x 30 cm) with a maximum of 1 inch (2.5 cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas as indicated in the refuge brochure and in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A3, A5, A8, and A9 apply.
2. We prohibit taking small game with firearms larger than .22 caliber rimfire, shotgun slugs, and buckshot.
3. You may hunt raccoon and opossum from \1/2\ hour before sunrise to \1/2\ hour after sunset of rabbit and squirrel season and at night during December and January. You may use dogs for night hunting. We prohibit selling raccoon and opossum taken on the refuge for human consumption.
4. We allow use of dogs to hunt squirrel and rabbit during January and February only.
5. We allow use of horses and mules to hunt raccoon and opossum at night only after obtaining a Special Use Permit at the refuge office.
6. We prohibit opossum and raccoon night hunters from using ATVs.
7. You may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit no later than 1 hour after legal shooting hours.
8. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)) while hunting on the refuge. This requirement only applies to the use of shotgun ammunition.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge as indicated in the refuge brochure in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A3, A5, A8, A9, A10, and B7 apply.
2. We prohibit gun deer hunting.
3. The daily bag limit is one deer of either sex. The State season limit applies.
4. We prohibit leaving deer stands, blinds, and other equipment unattended.
5. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters under age 16 during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
6. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You may enter the refuge \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise, and you must exit no later than \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
2. You may only launch boats at the concrete ramp adjacent to the visitor center. We prohibit launching boats with motors greater than 50 hp. We prohibit personal watercraft (Jet Skis).
3. We prohibit trotlines, limb lines, yo-yos, traps, or nets.
4. We prohibit commercial fishing.
5. We prohibit leaving boats or other equipment on the refuge overnight (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
6. We require a boat launch fee. You must pay launch fees and fill out and properly display your launch permit before launching boat.
7. We prohibit take of frog, turtle, and mollusk (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
8. We prohibit crossing the boat lane booms.
9. We prohibit crossing the water hyacinth booms in a boat or traveling over idle speed within the booms.
Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon), including the State special teal season and State youth waterfowl hunt. You must remove blinds and decoys by 1 p.m. (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). We do not open the refuge to goose hunting for that part of the season that extends beyond the regular duck season.
2. We allow woodcock hunting in accordance with State regulations using only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)) size 4 or smaller.
3. We allow public hunting on designated areas during the open State season for listed migratory game bird species. We designate areas where public use is restricted in the refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) or by designated signage.
4. When hunting for migratory game birds, we only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve.
5. We require possession of a signed refuge hunt permit (signed refuge brochure) while hunting.
6. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters age 15 or younger during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game hunts and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
7. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45.7 meters) from the centerline of any public road, refuge road, designated or maintained trail, building, residence, designated public facility, or from or across aboveground oil or gas or electric facilities. We prohibit hunting in refuge-designated closed areas, which we post on the refuge and identify in the refuge hunt permits.
8. For the purpose of hunting, we prohibit possession of slugs, buckshot, rifle, or pistol ammunition unless otherwise specified.
9. We allow primitive camping within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of designated streams. These include either bank of the Boque Chitto River, Wilson Slough, and West Pearl River south of Wilson Slough, refuge lands along the East Pearl River, and Holmes Bayou. Campers must mark their campsite with the owner's name, address, phone number, and dates of occupancy placed in a conspicuous location in the center of camp.
10. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly to indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
11. We prohibit horses, trail cameras, and ATVs.
12. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
13. We prohibit the use of any type of material used as flagging or trail markers, except reflective tacks.
14. We prohibit the use or possession of alcohol while hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
15. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait while in the field and hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or any nonnaturally occurring food attractant, on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
16. We prohibit target shooting on the refuge.
17. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in part 32).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow use of dogs for rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, and opossum on specific dates listed in the refuge hunt brochure.
2. We will close the refuge to hunting (except waterfowl) and camping when the Pearl River reaches 15.5 feet (4.65 m) on the Pearl River Gauge at Pearl River, Louisiana.
3. We prohibit the take of feral hog during any upland game hunts.
4. All hunters in Louisiana (including archery hunters and small game hunters), except waterfowl hunters, must wear and display not less than 400 square inches (2,580.6 square centimeters) of unbroken hunter-orange as the outermost layer of clothing on the chest and back and a hunter-orange cap during deer gun seasons. We require all deer hunters to display a minimum of 400 square inches (2,580.6 square centimeters) of hunter-orange or a hunter-orange cap or hat while walking to and from elevated stands. All hunters in Mississippi must wear not less than 500 square inches (3,225.8 square centimeters) of hunter-orange in place of the 400 square inches (2,580.6 square centimeters) requirement described for Louisiana. All hunters, including archers (while on the ground), except waterfowl hunters, must wear a hunter-orange cap during the dog season for squirrels and rabbits. Deer hunters hunting from concealed blinds must display a minimum of 400 square inches (2,580.6 square centimeters) of hunter-orange above or around their blinds that is visible from 360 degrees.
5. Conditions A5 through A17 apply, except you may use .22- caliber rifles or smaller, and the nontoxic shot in your possession while hunting must be size 4 or smaller (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, turkey, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A5 through A7, A9 through A11, A13 through A17, B2, and B4 apply.
2. You may use only portable deer stands. You may erect deer stands one day before the deer archery season and remove them from the refuge within 1 day after this season closes. Hunters may place only one deer stand on a refuge. Deer stands must have owner's name, address, and phone number clearly printed on the stand. Hunters must place stands in a nonhunting position when not in use (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
3. We allow archery deer and hog hunting during the open State deer archery season. You may take deer of either sex in accordance with State-approved archery equipment and regulations. The State season limits apply.
4. We list specific dates for general gun big game hunts in the refuge hunt brochure.
5. We list specific dates for the primitive weapons big game hunts in the refuge hunt brochure.
6. Legal primitive weapons/firearms used for hunting during the primitive weapons/firearm season are defined by State regulation.
7. We prohibit the use of dogs unless noted otherwise.
8. You may take hog as incidental game while participating in the refuge archery, primitive weapon, and general gun deer hunts and where otherwise specified. We list specific dates for the special hog hunts in February and March in the refuge hunt permit (signed brochure). During the special hog hunts in February, you must use trained hog-hunting dogs to aid in the take of hog. During the special hog hunts, you may take hog from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until \1/2\ hour after legal sunset, and you must use pistol or rifle ammunition not larger than .22 caliber rimfire or shotgun with nontoxic shot to take the hog after it has been caught by dogs (see Sec. 32.2(k)). During the special hog hunt in March, you may use any legal hunting firearm. Condition A8 applies during special hog hunts in February.
9. You must kill all hogs prior to removal from the refuge.
10. We prohibit the use of deer and turkey gobbler decoys.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow recreational fishing year-round in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow cotton limb lines.
2. Conditions A9 and A11 apply.
3. We close the fishing ponds at the Pearl River Turnaround to fishing and boating during the months of April, May, and June.
4. When open, we allow boats in the fishing ponds at the Pearl River Turnaround that do not have gasoline-powered engines attached. Anglers must hand launch these boats into the ponds.
5. We prohibit the take of turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
6. We allow trotlines but the last five feet of trotline must be 100% cotton.
7. We prohibit all commercial finfishing and shellfishing.
8. The Pearl River Turnaround area, when open, is daylight use only.
Breton National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport finfishing and shellfishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Crabbers must tend crabbing equipment at all times.
2. Anglers may not use trotlines, slat traps, or nets.
3. We prohibit camping.
4. We will post as closed to all entry portions of the refuge during migratory bird nesting seasons to reduce disturbance to colonies of brown pelicans and other shore birds.
Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, gallinule, snipe, and dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. The refuge will be open on selected days for migratory game bird hunting as identified in the refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) and regulations brochure.
2. We prohibit entrance to the waterfowl hunting area earlier than 4 a.m. Shooting hours for waterfowl hunts end at 2 p.m. each day.
3. We require every hunter to possess and carry a valid, signed refuge hunt permit and regulations brochure.
4. Every hunter must complete and turn in a Migratory Bird Hunt Report (FWS Form 3-2361) available from a self-clearing check station after each hunt.
5. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, trail, building, resident, or designated public facility.
6. We prohibit all persons or groups from acting as guides, outfitters, or in any other capacity in which any individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for service rendered to any person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
7. We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge.
8. We allow dogs when migratory bird hunting for the purpose of locating, pointing, and retrieving only.
9. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
10. Hunters must remove all hunting-related equipment (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge immediately following each day's hunt.
11. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (see Sec. 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in part 32 of this chapter).
12. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters age 15 or younger during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. The refuge will be open for hunting on selected days as identified in the refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) and regulations brochure.
2. We allow only portable deer stands. Hunters may place deer stands on the refuge 1 day before the white-tail deer archery season and must remove them from the refuge within 1 day after the season closes. Hunters may place only one deer stand on the refuge, and deer stands must have the owner's name, address, and phone number clearly printed on the stand. Hunters must place stands in a nonhunting position at ground level when not in use.
3. Conditions A3, A5 through A7, and A9 through A12 apply.
4. Each hunter must complete and turn in a Big Game Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2359) available from a self-clearing check station after each hunt.
5. We prohibit entrance to the hunting area earlier than 4 a.m. Hunters must leave no later than 1 hour after legal sunset.
6. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grail, salt, minerals, or other feed or any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing, boating, crabbing, and cast netting on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing with a rod and reel or a pole and line. We prohibit possession of any other type of fishing gear, including limb lines, gill nets, jug lines, yo-yos, or trotlines.
2. We allow recreational fishing, crabbing, or cast netting in the East Cove Unit year-round from legal sunrise to legal sunset, except during the Louisiana west zone waterfowl season or when the Grand Bayou Boat Bay is closed.
3. We prohibit fishing, crabbing, or cast netting from or trespassing on refuge water control structures at any time.
4. On the East Cove Unit, we prohibit walking, wading, or climbing in or on the marsh, levees, or structures.
5. We allow sport fishing, crabbing, and cast netting in the Gibbstown Unit's Outfall Canal from March 15 through October 15.
6. We allow only nonpowered boats in the Bank Fishing Road waterways.
7. We allow only recreational crabbing with cotton hand lines or drop nets up to 24 inches (60 cm) outside diameter. We prohibit using floats on crab lines.
8. Anglers must attend all lines, nets, and bait and remove same from the refuge when through fishing (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
9. The daily limit of crabs is 5 dozen (60) per boat or vehicle, regardless of the number of people thereon.
10. Cast net size is in accordance with State regulations.
11. The daily shrimp limit during the Louisiana inshore shrimp season is 5 gallons (19 L) of heads-on shrimp per day, per vehicle or boat.
12. We allow cast netting for bait on both the East Cove Unit and the Gibbstown Unit in accordance with State regulations when the units are open for public fishing only. Anglers must empty cast nets directly into the container from the net. The daily bait shrimp limit is one gallon (3.8 L) per day, per boat, outside the Louisiana inshore shrimp season.
13. Shrimp must remain in your actual custody while on the refuge.
14. We prohibit ATVs, air-thrust boats, and personal motorized watercraft (jet skis) in any refuge area (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter).
15. We allow operation of outboard motors in refuge canals, bayous, and lakes. We allow only trolling motors in the marsh.
16. We prohibit all persons or groups from acting as guide, outfitter, or an any capacity in which any other individual(s) pay or promise to pay directly or indirectly for service rendered to any other person or persons fishing on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership, unless authorized by a refuge Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383).
17. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
18. We prohibit the commercialization (i.e., selling) of plants and wildlife unless authorized.
Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge as shown on the refuge hunt brochure map in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require that all hunters and anglers age 16 and older purchase an annual public use permit (name/address/telephone number). We waive the fee for hunters age 65 and older. The refuge user is required to sign, certifying that you understand and will comply with all regulations, and carry this permit at all times while on the refuge.
2. Refuge users may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit the refuge by 2 hours after legal sunset.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)). This requirement applies only to the use of shotgun ammunition.
4. You must use designated parking areas to participate in any refuge public use activity.
5. Youth hunters under age 17 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult must possess and carry a refuge permit (Public Use Permit/signature only required) and may supervise no more than two youth hunters during waterfowl/upland game hunting.
6. We allow take of beaver, feral hog, nutria, raccoon, and coyote incidental to any refuge hunt with weapons legal for that hunt until you take the daily bag limit of game.
7. Refuge users must check all game (name) taken prior to leaving the refuge at one of the self-clearing check stations indicated on the map in the refuge public use brochure.
8. We allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility-type vehicle (UTVs) as per State WMA regulations and size specifications on designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter) from September 15 through the hunting season. An ATV is an off-road vehicle with factory specifications not to exceed the following: Weight 750 pounds (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (212.5 cm), and width 48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 inches x 12 inches (62.5 cm x 30 cm) with a maximum 1 inch (2.5 cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
9. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, trail or ATV trail, building, residence, or designated public facility.
10. We prohibit the possession or use of any type of trail-marking material.
11. We prohibit horses or mules.
12. We allow parking only in designated parking areas.
13. We prohibit camping or overnight parking on the refuge.
14. We prohibit air-thrust boats on the refuge.
15. We prohibit all other hunting during refuge lottery deer hunts.
16. We allow waterfowl hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays until 12 p.m. (noon) during the designated State duck season.
17. Hunters must remove harvested waterfowl, temporary blinds, and decoys (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) used for duck hunting by 1 p.m. daily.
18. We allow dogs to only locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
19. We prohibit accessing refuge property by boat from the Mississippi River.
20. We prohibit trapping.
21. We prohibit the possession of saws, saw blades, or machetes.
22. We prohibit possession of alcohol while hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
23. We prohibit all commercial activities (including, but not limited to, guiding).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge as shown on the refuge hunt brochure map in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A15, A19 through A23 apply.
2. While upland game hunting, we prohibit the possession of hunting firearms larger than 0.22 caliber rimfire, shotgun slugs, and buckshot (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
3. We allow the use of squirrel and rabbit dogs from the day after the close of the State-designated Deer Rifle Season. We allow up to two dogs per hunting party for squirrel hunting.
4. We require the owner's name and phone number on the collars of all dogs.
5. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge as shown on the refuge hunt brochure map in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Condition B1 applies.
2. We allow archery-only deer hunting on the refuge during the State archery deer season.
3. There is a $5 application fee per person for each lottery hunt application (name/address/phone number).
4. Hunters may not leave stands on the refuge until the opening day of archery season. Hunters must remove all stands by the end of the last day of the archery season. Hunters must clearly mark all stands used on the refuge with the name, address, and phone number of the owner. Hunters must use only portable deer stands, remove them from trees daily, and place freestanding stands in a nonhunting position daily (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit the use of dogs to trail wounded game.
6. You may only take one deer of either sex per day during the deer season. State season limits apply.
7. We require a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) of unbroken-hunter orange as the outermost layer of clothing on the chest and back, and in addition we require a hat or cap of unbroken-hunter orange.
8. We prohibit driving or screwing nails, spikes, or other metal objects into trees or hunting from any tree into which such an object has been driven (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
9. We allow ``still hunting'' only. We prohibit man drives or use of dogs.
10. We prohibit use of climbing spurs.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge as shown on the refuge hunting and fishing brochure map in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit commercial fishing or commercial crawfishing.
2. Conditions A1, A2, A4, A7, A8 (on the open portions of Wood Duck ATV trail for wildlife-dependent activities throughout the year), A11 through A14, A19, A20, and A23 apply.
3. We prohibit slat traps or hoop nets on the refuge.
4. We prohibit possession of cleaned or processed fish on the refuge.
5. We allow recreational crawfishing on the refuge subject to specific dates (see refuge brochure for details). The harvest limit is 50 pounds (22.5 kg) per permit per day.
6. You must attend all crawfish traps and nets at all times and may not leave them on the refuge overnight. We allow up to and not to exceed 20 traps per angler on the refuge.
7. We prohibit harvest of frog or turtle on the refuge (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
8. We prohibit boat launching by trailer from all refuge roads and parking lots.
Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot only on designated areas of the Bushley Bayou Unit in accordance with State hunting regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow migratory hunting of duck, goose, and coot on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season.
2. We prohibit migratory game bird hunting during deer-gun and primitive firearms hunts.
3. We allow the use of dogs only to locate, point, and retrieve game when hunting migratory game birds.
4. We allow the use of shotguns only for hunting migratory birds.
5. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters under age 16 during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
6. Hunters must check-in and check out in accordance with refuge-specific terms (see refuge hunting brochure for details).
7. We require hunters age 16 and older to purchase and carry a signed special refuge recreational activity permit (name/address/phone only).
8. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit no later than 2 hours after legal sunset for that day. Waterfowl hunting must cease by 12 p.m. (noon), and hunters must remove all decoys, blinds and boats from the hunting area by 1 p.m.
9. We prohibit hunting or the discharge of firearms within 150 feet (45 m) from the centerline of roads and maintained trails.
10. We prohibit parking, walking, or hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any active oil and gas facility or equipment.
11. We prohibit the use of mules or horses.
12. We prohibit the use or possession of saws, saw blades, or machetes.
13. We allow the use of nonmotorized boats or boats with motors of 10 horsepower or less on refuge lakes and waters as designated. We prohibit the use of air-thrust boats, water-thrust boats, or personal watercraft.
14. Refuge users must enter and exit the refuge only at designated parking areas on the refuge. We prohibit accessing adjacent lands from the refuge parking areas or any other part of the refuge.
15. We prohibit the use or possession of any type of material used as flagging or trail markers except bright eyes or reflective tape.
16. We prohibit camping or parking overnight on the refuge.
17. We restrict use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to designated trails. We allow ATVs only for hunting and fishing and other wildlife-related activities. ATVs will not exceed 25 miles per hour (mph) when operated on the refuge. ATVs used on the refuge will not exceed the following: Weight 750 pounds (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (212.5 cm), width 48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 inches x 12 inches (62.5 cm x 30 cm) with a maximum one inch (2.5 cm) lug height and maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 pounds per square inch (psi) as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
18. We allow the incidental take of feral hog, raccoon, beaver, nutria, and coyote while hunting with firearms or archery equipment authorized for that hunt.
19. We prohibit the possession or use of remote cameras.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A5 through A19 apply.
2. At the Headquarters Unit, we only allow squirrel and rabbit hunting from the first day of the State season until October 31.
3. At the Bushley Unit, we allow squirrel and rabbit hunting in accordance with the State season.
4. We prohibit squirrel and rabbit hunting during deer-gun and primitive firearms hunts.
5. At the Bushley Unit, we allow the use of dogs to hunt squirrels and rabbits only after the last primitive firearms season for deer on the refuge. Hunters must place their names and phone numbers on the collars of all their dogs.
6. We require hunters participating in the dog season for rabbits to wear a hunter-orange cap.
7. We allow the use of shotguns with nontoxic shot and rifles .22 magnum or smaller when hunting. We prohibit possession of toxic shot when hunting.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A5 through A19 apply.
2. At the Headquarters Unit, we allow archery hunting of deer and feral hog during the State archery season except the area south of the French Fork of the Little River, which we close during deer-gun hunt in that area.
3. We allow deer-gun hunting on the area south of the French Fork of the Little River for 2 days in December with these dates being set annually.
4. At the Bushley Unit, we allow archery hunting for deer and feral hog during the State archery season except we close during deer-gun hunt and primitive firearms hunts.
5. We allow hunting of deer with primitive firearms during the first segment of the State season for area 1, weekdays only (Monday through Friday) and the third weekend after Thanksgiving Day.
6. We allow the use of portable deer stands. Hunters may place deer stands on the refuge 1 day before the deer archery season and must remove them from the refuge within 1 day after this season closes. Hunters may place only one stand on the refuge. Deer stands must have the owner's name, address, and phone number clearly printed on the stand. Hunters must place stands in a nonhunting position when not in use (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
7. We prohibit the possession of buckshot when hunting.
8. All hunters (including archery and small game hunters), except waterfowl hunters on refuges, must wear and display 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) of hunter orange and a hunter-orange cap during the deer-gun and primitive firearms seasons. Deer hunters hunting from concealed ground blinds must display a minimum of 400 square inches of hunter orange above or around their blinds which is visible from 360 degrees.
9. You may take only one deer per day during any refuge hunt. The State season limits apply.
10. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game or the use of pursuit dogs.
11. We prohibit the use of dogs to trail wounded deer.
12. At the Headquarters Unit, we close hunting during high water conditions, elevation 42 feet (12.6 m) or above as measured at the Corp of Engineers center of the gauge on Catahoula Lake. On the Bushley Unit, we close hunts when the gauge measures elevation 44 feet (13.2 m) or above.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A10 through A17 apply.
2. We require anglers age 16 and older to possess and carry a signed special refuge recreational activity permit (name/address/phone only).
3. Anglers may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit no later than 2 hours after legal sunset for that day.
4. At the Headquarters Unit, we allow year-round fishing on Cowpen Bayou and the Highway 28 borrow pits. We allow fishing on Duck Lake, its tail-waters Muddy Bayou, Willow Lake, and the Highway 84 borrow pits from March 1 through October 31. We allow only rod and reel or pole and line fishing. We prohibit snagging.
5. At the Bushley Bayou Unit, we allow fishing year-round. We allow trotlines, but anglers must tend them at least once every 24 hours and reset them when receding water levels expose them. Anglers must attach lines with a length of cotton line that extends into the water. We allow the use of yo-yos, but you must attend and only use them from 1 hour before legal sunrise until \1/2\ hour after legal sunset. We allow the use of only recreational gear.
6. At the headquarters unit, we allow the launching of only trailered boats at designated boat ramps. Anglers may launch small hand-carried boats from the bank in other areas. We prohibit dragging of boats or driving onto road shoulders to launch boats.
7. We allow fishing from 1 hour before legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
8. We prohibit bank fishing on Bushley Creek and fishing in Black Lake, Dempsey Lake, Long Lake, Rhinehart Lake, and Round Lake during deer-gun and primitive firearms hunts.
9. We prohibit fishing in Black Lake, Dempsey Lake, Long Lake, Round Lake, and Rhinehart Lake during waterfowl hunts.
10. We prohibit taking or possessing snake, frog, turtle, salamander, and mollusk by any means (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge as indicated in the refuge brochure in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge permit (signed refuge brochure).
2. We allow migratory game bird hunting on designated areas as indicated in the refuge brochure.
3. We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season except when closed during the special teal season and State youth waterfowl hunt.
4. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m.
5. We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 m) of the maintained rights of way of roads (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter), and from above-ground oil or gas or electrical transmission facilities.
6. We prohibit leaving boats, blinds, and decoys unattended.
7. We allow dogs to only locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
8. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters under age 16 during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
9. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A5, A8, and A9 apply.
2. We prohibit hunting in the ``Beanfield'' area west of Bayou D'Arbonne after October 31.
3. We prohibit taking small game with firearms larger than .22 caliber rimfire, shotgun slugs, and buckshot.
4. You may hunt raccoon and opossum during the daylight hours of rabbit and squirrel season and at night during December and January. You may use dogs for night hunting. You may take raccoon and opossum on the refuge, but we prohibit their sale for human consumption.
5. You may use dogs to hunt squirrel and rabbit after the last refuge Gun Deer Hunt.
6. You may only use horses and mules to hunt raccoon and opossum at night after obtaining a special permit at the refuge office.
7. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit no later than 2 hours after legal shooting hours.
8. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)). This requirement only applies to the use of shotgun ammunition.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge as indicated in the refuge brochure in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A5, A9, and B7 apply.
2. We allow general gun deer hunting on the following days: the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday of November, the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday following Thanksgiving Day, and the second Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving Day. We allow archery deer hunting during the entire State season.
3. We allow a restricted Gun Deer Hunt for hunters with Class I Wheelchair Bound Permit issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on the second consecutive Saturday and Sunday of November. Only permitted hunters may carry firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
4. The daily bag limit is one antlered and one antlerless deer. The State season limit applies.
5. You must check all deer taken during general Gun Deer Hunts at a refuge check station between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the same day taken unless stated otherwise in the annual refuge hunting brochure and permit.
6. We prohibit leaving deer stands, blinds, and other equipment unattended.
7. Deer hunters must wear hunter orange as per State deer hunting regulations on Wildlife Management areas.
8. We prohibit hunters placing or hunting from stands on pine trees with white-painted bands or rings.
9. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters under age 16 during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
10. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit leaving boats and other personal property on the refuge unattended.
2. You must tend trotlines daily. You must attach ends of trotlines by a length of cotton line that extends into the water.
3. We prohibit commercial fishing. Recreational fishing using commercial gear (slat traps, etc.) requires a special refuge permit (that you must possess and carry) available at the refuge office.
4. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
Delta National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon), including the State special teal season, State youth waterfowl season, and State light goose special conservation season.
2. We only allow temporary blinds. You must remove both blinds and decoys (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) by 1 p.m.
3. We allow dogs to only locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
4. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
5. Hunters must possess and carry a valid refuge hunt permit (signed brochure).
6. We allow hunting only on those portions of the refuge that lie northwest of Main Pass and south of Raphael Pass.
7. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations part 32).
8. We prohibit air-thrust boats, mud boats, aircraft, and air-cooled propulsion engines on the refuge.
9. We close all refuge lands between Raphael Pass and Main Pass to all entry during the State waterfowl hunting season.
10. We prohibit discharge of firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter) within 250 yards (225 m) of buildings or worksites, such as oil or gas production facilities.
11. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters age 15 or younger during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game and migratory game bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
12. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
13. We open the refuge from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset with the exception that hunters may enter the refuge earlier, but not before 4 a.m.
14. We prohibit camping.
15. We prohibit target shooting on the refuge.
16. We prohibit the use of any type of material used as flagging or trail markers, except bright eyes.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. The refuge rabbit season opens the day after the State duck season closes and continues through the remainder of the State rabbit season.
2. We restrict hunting to shotgun only.
3. We allow dogs for rabbit hunting.
4. Conditions A4 through A16 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We only allow archery hunting of white-tailed deer and hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State archery regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A5 through A16 apply with the following exception to condition A11: Each adult may only supervise one youth hunter.
2. We allow archery deer hunting, bucks only, October 1 through 15. We allow either-sex archery deer hunting October 16 through 31 and from the day after the close of the State duck season through the end of the State deer archery season.
3. Hunters may use only portable deer stands (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). Hunters may erect deer stands 1 day before the deer archery season and must remove them from the refuge within 1 day after the season closes. Hunters may place only one deer stand on a refuge. Deer stands must have the owner's name, address and phone number clearly printed on the stand. Hunters must place stands in a nonhunting position when not in use.
4. We prohibit dogs and driving of deer for archery deer hunting.
5. You may take hog only with archery equipment during the archery deer season.
6. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals or other feed or any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
7. Longbow, compound bow, and crossbow or any bow drawn, held, or released by mechanical means will be a legal means of take during the deer archery season.
8. We prohibit the use of trail cameras.
9. We prohibit the use of deer decoys.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow recreational fishing and crabbing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow recreational fishing and crabbing from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until \1/2\ hour after legal sunset. During State waterfowl hunting seasons; however, we only allow recreational fishing and crabbing from after 12 p.m. (noon) until \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
2. We prohibit all commercial finfishing and shellfishing.
3. We prohibit the use of trotlines, limblines, slat traps, jug lines, nets, or alligator lines.
4. Conditions A7, A8, A9, A14, and A15 apply.
5. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge as depicted on the refuge hunting brochure map in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow waterfowl (duck, goose, coot) hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season.
2. We prohibit teal hunting during the State September season.
3. There will be lottery-spaced-blind-waterfowl hunts on designated sections of the refuge during the regular State waterfowl season subject to refuge-specific dates, terms, and selection process (see refuge hunting brochure for details).
4. Hunters may use shotguns and possess only approved nontoxic shot for hunting migratory game birds.
5. We allow the use of dogs only to locate, point, and retrieve game when hunting migratory game birds.
6. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit no later than 2 hours after legal sunset for that day. Waterfowl hunting must cease by 12 p.m. (noon), and hunters must remove all decoys, blinds, and boats from the hunt area by 1 p.m.
7. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters under age 16 during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
8. We allow the incidental take of raccoon, feral hog, beaver, nutria, and coyote using only approved nontoxic shot while hunting migratory game birds.
9. We require hunters age 16 and older to purchase and carry a signed refuge special recreational activity permit (name/address/phone number only).
10. We prohibit hunting or the discharge of firearms within 150 feet (3.7 m) from the centerline of roads and maintained trails.
11. Hunters must check-in and check out in accordance with refuge-specific terms (see refuge hunting brochure for details).
12. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait while in the field, hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or any nonnaturally occurring food attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
13. We prohibit camping or overnight parking on the refuge.
14. Refuge users must enter and exit the refuge only at designated parking areas occurring on the refuge. We prohibit accessing adjacent lands from refuge parking areas or any other part of the refuge.
15. We restrict the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to designated trails. We allow ATVs only for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-related activities. ATVs will not exceed 25 mph when driven on the refuge. ATVs used on refuges will not exceed the following: Weight-750 lbs. (337.5 kg), length-85 inches (2.12 m), and width-48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 inches (62.5 cm) x 12 inches (30 cm) with a maximum 1-inch (2.5 cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 p.s.i. as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
16. We allow only electric-powered or nonmotorized boats.
17. We prohibit the use of horses or mules.
18. We prohibit the use or possession of any type of material used as flagging or trail markers, except for bright eyes or reflective tape.
19. We prohibit the use or possession of saws, saw blades, or machetes.
20. We prohibit the use or possession of remote cameras.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit on designated areas of the refuge as depicted on the refuge hunting brochure map in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A9 through A20 apply.
2. We allow the use of only shotguns and rifles that are .22 magnum caliber rimfire or less for upland game hunting. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot in shotguns while hunting (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
3. We allow incidental take of raccoon, feral hog, beaver, nutria, and coyote with firearms that are authorized for use during upland game hunting.
4. We allow the use of rabbit dogs only after the close of the State deer rifle season. Dog owners must place their name and phone number on the collars of all their dogs.
5. We require hunters participating in the special dog season for rabbits to wear a hunter-orange cap.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge as depicted on the refuge hunting brochure map in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A9 through A20 apply.
2. We allow archery hunting in special designated areas (see refuge hunting brochure map) during the State archery deer season subject to refuge closures resulting from high water conditions.
3. You may only harvest one buck or doe per day during the refuge archery season. Deer harvested on the refuge count towards the State bag limit.
4. We allow incidental take of raccoon, feral hog, beaver, nutria, and coyote while deer hunting with weapons authorized for use.
5. You may use only portable deer stands (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). Hunters must place deer stands on the refuge 1 day before the deer archery season and must remove them from the refuge within 1 day after the season closes. Hunters may place only one deer stand on the refuge and deer stands must have the owner's name, address, and phone number clearly printed on the stand. Hunters must be place the stand in a nonhunting position and at ground level when not in use.
6. Deer hunters hunting from concealed ground blinds must display a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) of hunter orange above or around their blinds which is visible from 360 degrees.
7. We prohibit the use of deer decoys.
8. We prohibit the use of dogs to trail wounded deer.
9. We prohibit organized drives for taking or attempting to take game or the use of pursuit dogs.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in designated areas as depicted in the refuge hunting brochure in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A13 through A19 apply.
2. We allow bank fishing in Coulee Des Grues only along Little California Road from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. Anglers may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit no later than 2 hours after legal sunset for that day.
4. We require anglers age 16 and older to purchase and carry a signed refuge special recreational activity permit.
5. We prohibit the use of gear or equipment other than hook and line to catch fish.
6. We prohibit the possession of cleaned or processed fish on the refuge.
7. We prohibit the harvest of frog, turtle, snake, or mollusk (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
8. We prohibit crawfishing.
Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, gallinule, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. The refuge will be open on selected days for migratory game bird hunting as identified in the refuge hunt permit and regulations brochure.
2. We require every hunter to possess and carry a valid signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) and regulations brochure.
3. We prohibit entrance to the waterfowl hunting area earlier than 4 a.m. Shooting hours end at 2 p.m. each day.
4. Each hunter must complete and turn in a Migratory Bird Hunt Report (FWS Form 3-2361), available from a self-clearing check station, after each hunt.
5. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in part 32).
6. We prohibit all mechanized equipment including motorized boats within the designated wilderness area.
7. We prohibit all boat motors, excluding trolling motors, within refuge marshes. We prohibit air-thrust boats and ATVs on the refuge (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter), unless otherwise permitted.
8. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of refuge canals; waterways; public roads; buildings; above-ground oil, gas, or electrical transmission facilities; or designated public facilities. Hunting parties must remain a distance of no less than 150 yards (135 m) away from another hunter.
9. You must remove all hunting-related equipment (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge immediately following each day's hunt.
10. We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge.
11. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
12. We allow the use of dogs when migratory bird hunting only for the purpose of locating, pointing, and retrieving.
13. We prohibit all persons or groups from acting as guides, outfitters, or in any other capacity in which any individual(s) pay or promise to pay directly or indirectly for service rendered to any person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
14. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters age 15 or younger during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during migratory game bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting for white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. The refuge will be open for hunting white-tailed deer on selected days as identified in the refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) and regulations brochure.
2. We allow only portable deer stands. Hunters may place deer stands on the refuge 1 day before the deer archery season and must remove them from the refuge within 1 day after the season closes. Hunters may place only one deer stand on the refuge, and deer stands must have the owner's name, address, and phone number clearly printed on the stand. Hunters must place stands in a nonhunting position at ground level when not in use.
3. Conditions A2 and A5 through A14 apply.
4. We prohibit entrance to the hunting area earlier than 4 a.m. Hunters must leave no later than 1 hour after legal sunset.
5. We prohibit hunting in the headquarters area along Nature Road and along the Lacassine Pool Wildlife Drive (see refuge map).
6. We allow boats of all motor types with 40 hp or less in Lacassine Pool.
7. We prohibit boats in Lacassine Pool and Unit D from October 16 through March 14. We prohibit boats in Units A and C.
8. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt minerals, or other feed or any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
9. Each hunter must complete and turn in a Big Game Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2359) available from a self-clearing check station, after each hunt.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A6, A7, A10, A13 (fishing guide), C6, and C7 apply.
2. We allow fishing March 15 through October 15.
3. You may enter the refuge 1 hour before legal sunrise, and you must leave 1 hour after legal sunset.
4. We prohibit fishing in the headquarters display pond.
5. We prohibit bank fishing from the Lacassine Pool Wildlife Drive.
6. We prohibit air-thrust boats, ATVs, and Jet Skis on the refuge (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter).
7. We prohibit dragging or driving of boats over levees.
8. You must only launch trailered boats at the cement ramps at the public boat launches in Lacassine Pool.
9. We only allow boats powered by paddling or trolling motors in the Unit D impoundment within Lacassine Pool.
10. We prohibit boat and bank fishing in Lacassine Pool Unit D and refuge waters from October 16 through March 14.
11. We prohibit all boat motors, excluding trolling motors, in refuge marshes outside Lacassine Pool. We prohibit air-thrust boats, ATVs, and UTVs (utility vehicle) on the refuge (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter) unless otherwise allowed.
12. We prohibit all mechanized equipment, including motorized boats, within the designated wilderness area.
13. We allow fishing only with rod and reel or pole and line in refuge waters. We prohibit possession of any other type of fishing gear, including limb lines, gill nets, jug lines, yo-yos, or trotlines.
14. We allow only recreational crabbing with cotton hand lines or drop nets up to 24 inches (60 cm) outside diameter. We prohibit using floats on crab lines.
15. The daily limit of crabs is 5 dozen (60) per boat or vehicle, regardless of the number of people thereon.
16. Anglers must attend all lines, nets, and bait and remove same from the refuge when through fishing (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
17. Anglers can travel the refuge by boat from 1 hour before legal sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset in order to access fishing areas. We prohibit fishing activities before legal sunrise and after legal sunset.
18. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge as depicted on the refuge hunting brochure map in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow waterfowl (duck, goose, coot) hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon) during the Statewide duck season.
2. Hunters may use shotguns and possess only approved nontoxic shot for hunting migratory game birds.
3. We allow the use of dogs only to locate, point, and retrieve game when hunting for migratory birds.
4. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit no later than 2 hours after legal sunset for that day. Waterfowl hunting must cease by 12 p.m. (noon), and hunters must remove all decoys, blinds, and boats from the hunt area by 1 p.m.
5. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters under age 16 during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
6. We prohibit migratory game bird hunting during refuge deer primitive firearm hunts.
7. We allow the incidental take of raccoon, feral hog, beaver, nutria, and coyote using only nontoxic shot while hunting migratory game birds.
8. We restrict the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to designated trails. We allow ATVs only for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-related activities. ATVs will not exceed 25 mph when driven on the refuge. ATVs used on refuges will not exceed the following: Weight 750 lbs. (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (2.12 m), and width 48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 inches (62.5 cm) x 12 inches (30 cm) with a maximum 1-inch (2.5 cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
9. We restrict the special all-terrain vehicle trails for physically challenged persons to ATV physically challenged permittees. Individuals that qualify must obtain a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383) from the refuge office to use these trails.
10. We require hunters age 16 and older to purchase and carry a signed refuge special recreational activity permit (name/address/phone number only).
11. We prohibit hunting or the discharge of firearms within 150 feet (45 m) from the centerline of roads and maintained trails.
12. Hunters must check-in and check out in accordance with refuge-specific terms (see refuge hunting brochure for details).
13. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait while in the field, hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or any nonnaturally occurring food attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
14. We allow watercraft with motors up to 36 hp in Possum Bayou (north of boat ramp), Palmetto Bayou, Duck Lake, Westcut Lake, Point Basse, and Nicholas Lake.
15. We allow electric-powered or nonmotorized boats in Doomes Lake, Lake Long, Possum Bayou (south of boat ramp), and Lake Ophelia.
16. We prohibit camping or overnight parking on the refuge.
17. Refuge users must enter and exit the refuge only at designated parking areas occurring on the refuge. We prohibit accessing adjacent lands from refuge parking areas or any other part of the refuge.
18. We prohibit the use of horses or mules.
19. We prohibit the use or possession of any type of material used as flagging or trail markers, except for bright eyes or reflective tape.
20. We prohibit the use or possession of saws, saw blades, or machetes.
21. We prohibit the use or possession of remote cameras.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge as depicted on the refuge hunting brochure map in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A5 and A8 through A21 apply.
2. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit no later than 2 hours after legal sunset for that day.
3. We only allow the use of shotguns and rifles that are .22 magnum caliber rimfire or less for upland game hunting. We allow only nontoxic shot in shotguns and prohibit possession of toxic shot when hunting.
4. We allow incidental take of raccoon, feral hog, beaver, nutria, and coyote with firearms authorized for use during upland game hunting.
5. We prohibit upland game hunting during refuge deer primitive firearm hunts.
6. We allow the use of squirrel and rabbit dogs only after the close of the State deer rifle season. Dog owners must place their name and phone number on the collars of all their dogs.
7. We require hunters participating in the special dog season for rabbits to wear a hunter-orange cap.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge as depicted on the refuge hunting brochure map in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A5 and A9 through A21 apply.
2. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit no later than 2 hours after legal sunset for that day.
3. We restrict the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to designated trails from the first Saturday in September until the last day of refuge turkey season. We allow ATVs only for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-related activities. ATVs will not exceed 25 mph when driven on the refuge. ATVs used on refuges will not exceed the following: Weight 750 lbs. (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (2.12 m), and width 48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 inches (62.5 cm) x 12 inches (30 cm) with a maximum 1-inch (2.5 cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
4. You may harvest only one buck or doe per day during the refuge archery season. You may harvest only one buck or doe during each of the primitive firearm lottery deer hunts. Deer harvested on the refuge count towards the State bag limit.
5. We allow incidental take of raccoon, feral hog, beaver, nutria, and coyote while deer hunting with weapons authorized for use.
6. You may use only portable deer stands. Hunters may place deer stands on the refuge 1 day before the deer archery season and must remove them from the refuge within 1 day after the season closes. Hunters may place only one deer stand on the refuge, and deer stands must have the owner's name, address, and phone number clearly printed on the stand. Hunters must place stands in a nonhunting position and at ground level when not in use.
7. All deer gun hunters must wear and display 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) of hunter orange and a hunter-orange cap during the deer gun seasons and lottery deer hunts. Deer hunters hunting from concealed ground blinds must display a minimum of 400 square inches of hunter orange above or around their blinds which is visible from 360 degrees.
8. There will be lottery deer primitive firearm hunts subject to refuge-specific dates, terms, and selection process, as outlined in the refuge hunting brochure. Applicants may not apply for more than one hunt. There is a $5 nonrefundable application fee per person for each hunt application.
9. We allow youth deer hunting in the closed area of the refuge during lottery youth deer gun hunts subject to the refuge-specific dates, terms, and selection process outlined in the refuge hunting brochure. Youths selected in prior years may not apply.
10. We prohibit all other hunting during refuge deer primitive firearm hunts as described in the refuge hunting brochure.
11. We prohibit the use of deer or turkey gobbler decoys.
12. We allow turkey hunting only during the first 16 days of the State season until 12 p.m. (noon). We prohibit incidental hunting of hog. We allow the use and possession of lead shot for turkey hunting (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
13. We prohibit the use of dogs to trail wounded deer.
14. We prohibit organized drives for taking or attempting to take game or the use of pursuit dogs.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in designated areas as depicted in the refuge hunting brochure in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A14 through A21 and C3 apply.
2. We require anglers age 16 and older to purchase and carry a signed refuge special recreational activity permit (name/address/phone number only).
3. Anglers may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit no later than 2 hours after legal sunset for that day.
4. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
5. We allow the use of ATVs on the designated trails to the Duck and Westcut Lake boat ramps from March 1 through October 15.
6. We allow sport fishing in Duck Lake, Westcut Lake, Lake Long, and in the immediate vicinity of the Lake Agnes drainage culverts on the Red River during March 1 through October 15 from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
7. We prohibit the use of gear or equipment other than hook and line to catch fish.
8. We prohibit the possession of cleaned or processed fish on the refuge.
9. We prohibit the harvest of frog, turtle, snake, or mollusk (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
10. We prohibit crawfishing.
Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, moorhen, gallinule, and coot in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on Wednesdays and Saturdays until 12 p.m. (noon). Hunters may only enter the refuge after 4 a.m.
2. Prior to hunting, we must assign a refuge blind and issue a refuge lottery waterfowl permit to any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for hunting migratory game birds. You may only hunt from your assigned blind.
3. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters age 15 or under during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game and migratory game bird hunts. An adult may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
4. All hunters must possess and carry a signed hunt brochure (on the front cover) while hunting on refuge. The brochure is free and available on at the refuge office or online at http://www.fws.gov/boguechitto/. All hunters must check-in and check out at a refuge self-clearing check station. Each hunter must list their name on the self-clearing check station form (Migratory Bird Hunt Report, FWS Form 3-2361) and deposit the form at a refuge self-clearing check station prior to hunting. Hunters must report all game taken on the refuge when checking out by using the self-clearing check station form.
5. Only one adult may occupy a blind with up to two youths during a designated Lottery Youth Waterfowl Hunt. We allow no more than three hunters to hunt from a blind at one time during any waterfowl hunt.
6. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (see Sec. 26.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in part 32). Hunters may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
7. We prohibit air-thrust boats or marsh buggies on the refuge. We restrict motorized boat use to existing canals, ditches, trenasses, and ponds.
8. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait while in the field and hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt minerals, or any nonnaturally occurring food attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
9. We prohibit target shooting on the refuge.
10. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
11. We prohibit horses and ATVs.
12. We prohibit the use of any type of material used as flagging or trail markers except bright eyes (see Sec. 27.94 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We open the refuge to hunting of deer and hog only during the State archery season, except prior to 12 p.m. (noon) on Wednesdays and Saturdays during State waterfowl seasons when we close areas north of the Intracoastal Waterway to hunting of big game.
2. Hunters may only enter the refuge after 4 a.m. and must exit by 1 hour after legal sunset.
3. You may take big game with archery equipment and in accordance with State law. From October 1 through October 15, State bucks-only regulations are in effect. From October 16 through February 15 you may take only one deer of either sex per day and hunters may possess only one deer. The State season limits on deer apply. There is no daily or possession limit on feral hogs.
4. We prohibit trail cameras.
5. We prohibit the use of deer decoys.
6. We only allow portable stands. Hunters may erect temporary deer stands 1 day prior to the start of deer archery season. Hunters must remove all deer stands within 1 day after the archery deer season closes. Hunters may place only one deer stand on a refuge. Deer stands must have the owner's name, address, and phone number clearly printed on the stand. Hunters must place stands in a nonhunting position when not in use (see Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
7. We prohibit dogs and driving deer.
8. Conditions A3, A4, and A6 through A12 apply.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in all refuge waters in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow recreational fishing. We prohibit commercial fishing on the refuge.
2. We prohibit the use of unattended nets, traps, or lines (trot, jog, bush, etc.).
3. We allow fishing in the refuge year-round.
4. The refuge is open from legal sunrise until legal sunset unless specifically stated otherwise.
5. Conditions A6, A7, and A9 apply.
6. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
Red River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, woodcock, and dove on designated areas of the refuge as indicated in the refuge brochure in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge permit (signed refuge brochure).
2. We allow waterfowl and woodcock hunting on designated areas as indicated in the refuge brochure until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season.
3. We allow dove hunting only during the first 3 days of the State season on all refuge lands as indicated in the refuge brochure.
4. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m.
5. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, trail, or ATV trail, residence, building, aboveground oil or gas or electrical transmission facilities, or designated public facility.
6. We prohibit leaving boats, blinds, and decoys unattended.
7. We allow dogs only to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
8. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters under age 16 during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
9. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
10. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shotgun ammunition for hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
11. We prohibit the possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, mineral or other feed or nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge as indicated in the refuge brochure in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A5, and A8 through A11 apply.
2. We allow hunting on all refuge lands on designated areas as indicated in the refuge brochure.
3. We prohibit the use of firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter) larger than .22 caliber rimfire, shotgun slugs, and buckshot while hunting on the refuge.
4. We allow hunting of raccoon and opossum during the daylight hours of rabbit and squirrel season. We allow night hunting during December and January, and you may use dogs for night hunting. We prohibit selling of raccoon and opossum taken on the refuge for human consumption.
5. We allow use of dogs to hunt squirrel and rabbit after December 31.
6. If you want to use horses and mules to hunt raccoon and opossum at night, you must first obtain a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383) at the refuge office.
7. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit the refuge no later than 1 hour after legal shooting hours.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge as indicated in the refuge brochure in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A5, A8 through A11, and B7 apply.
2. We allow only archery hunting.
3. We allow deer hunting on all refuge lands on designated areas as indicated in the refuge brochure.
4. The daily bag limit is one deer of either sex. The State season limit applies.
5. We allow use of portable deer stands as indicated in the refuge brochure.
6. We allow hog hunting during all open refuge hunts with weapons legal for the ongoing hunt.
7. We allow turkey hunting on the days noted in the brochure.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge as indicated in the refuge brochure in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit leaving boats and other personal property on the refuge unattended.
2. We allow use of only electric trolling motors on all refuge waters.
3. You must tend trotlines daily. You must attach ends of trotlines by a length of cotton line that extends into the water.
4. We prohibit commercial fishing. Recreational fishing using commercial gear (slat traps, etc.) requires a special refuge permit that you must possess and carry available at the refuge office.
5. We prohibit the taking of alligator snapping turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, gallinule, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We will open the refuge on selected days for migratory game bird hunting as identified in the refuge hunt permit and regulations brochure.
2. We require all hunters to possess and carry a valid signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) and regulations brochure.
3. We prohibit entrance to the waterfowl hunting area earlier than 4 a.m. Shooting hours end at 2 p.m. each day.
4. Each hunter must complete and turn in a Migratory Bird Hunt Report (FWS Form 3-2361) from a self-clearing check station after each hunt.
5. You may access the hunt areas by boat using the boat launches at the West Cove Public Use Area or by access through Burton Canal. You may access hunt areas by vehicle from Vastar Road or designated turnouts within the refuge public hunt area along State Highway 27 (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter) unless otherwise posted.
6. We allow hand launching of small boats along Vastar Road (no trailers allowed).
7. We allow operation of outboard motors in designated refuge canals only. We allow trolling motors within the refuge marshes.
8. We prohibit air-thrust boats, personal motorized watercraft (e.g., Jet Skis), and ATVs on the refuge (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter) unless otherwise posted.
9. We allow only portable blinds and those made of native vegetation. Hunters must remove portable blinds, decoys, spent shells, and all other personal equipment (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) after each day's hunt.
10. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of refuge canals; waterways; public roads; buildings; above-ground oil, gas, or electrical transmission facilities; or designated public facilities. Hunting parties must maintain a distance of no less than 150 yards (135 m) away from another hunter.
11. We prohibit all persons or groups from acting as guides, outfitters, or in any other capacity in which any other individual(s) pay or promise to pay directly or indirectly for service rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
12. We allow dogs when migratory bird hunting only for the purpose of locating, pointing and retrieving.
13. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (see Sec. 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in part 32).
14. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
15. We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge.
16. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters under age 16 during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during migratory game bird hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge regulations.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing, crabbing, and cast netting in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Bank and wharf access for fishing are available year-round at the Public Use Areas along State Highway 27. Anglers may access the refuge for fishing by boat only during the March 15 to October 15 open period. You may launch boats at designated boat ramps only.
2. We allow fishing with a rod and reel, pole and line, or jug and line. We prohibit possession of any other type of fishing gear, including limb lines, gill nets, or trot lines. Jug line limit is up to 10 per boat, and you must attend them at all times. The angler must mark all jugs with their fishing license number (State requirement) and remove the jugs (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge daily.
3. We allow hand launching of nonmotorized boats into Units 1A and 1B from Blue Crab Recreation Area for recreational paddling year-round. We prohibit fishing October 16 through March 14.
4. We allow operation of outboard motors in designated refuge canals and Management Unit 3 (40 hp maximum in Unit 3). We allow use of trolling motors within the refuge marshes.
5. Conditions A8, A11 (fishing guide), and A15 apply.
6. Anglers can travel the refuge by boat from 1 hour before legal sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset in order to access fishing areas. We prohibit fishing activities, however, before legal sunrise and after legal sunset.
7. Crabbing: We allow recreational crabbing in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
i. We allow only recreational crabbing with cotton hand lines or drop nets up to 24 inches (60 cm) outside diameter. We prohibit using floats on crab lines.
ii. Anglers must remove all hand lines, drop nets, and bait (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge upon leaving.
iii. We allow a daily limit of 5 dozen (60) crabs per vehicle or boat.
8. Cast Netting: We allow recreational cast netting in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
i. We allow recreational cast netting from boats only from legal sunrise to legal sunset during the Louisiana inshore shrimp season.
ii. Anglers must immediately return all incidental take (bycatch) to the water before continuing to cast.
iii. The daily shrimp limit during the Louisiana Inshore shrimp season is 5 gallons (19 L) of heads-on shrimp per day, per vehicle or boat.
iv. The daily bait shrimp limit is one gallon (3.8 L) per day, per boat, outside the Louisiana inshore shrimp season.
v. Shrimp must remain in your actual custody while on the refuge.
vi. We prohibit all cast netting activities from the banks, wharves, and water control structures.
vii. We prohibit cast netting at or around any recreation area and boat launch not designated as open for cast netting.
viii. We allow cast netting throughout the refuge except where posted and signed as closed.
ix. We prohibit swimming and/or wading in the refuge canals and waterways.
9. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, coot, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge access permit (signed brochure) when hunting.
2. We require that all hunters must check-in/check-out daily at their closest entrance point using the Visitor Check-in Permit and Report (FWS Form 3-2405) for all recreational activities.
3. We allow hunting of duck and coot on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays until 2:00 p.m. during the State season. We prohibit migratory bird hunting during refuge gun hunts for deer.
4. We allow refuge hunters to enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m., and they must leave no later than 2 hours after legal sunset unless they are participating in the refuge nighttime raccoon hunt.
5. In areas posted ``Area Closed'' or ``No Waterfowl Hunting Zone,'' we prohibit hunting of migratory birds at any time. The Public Use Regulations brochure will be available at the refuge headquarters no later than August.
6. We allow hunting shotguns equipped with a single-piece magazine plug that allows the gun to hold no more than two shells in the magazine and one in the chamber. We prohibit target practicing or shooting to unload modern firearms on the refuge at any time. Shotgun hunters must possess only an approved nontoxic shot when hunting migratory birds (see Sec. 32.2(k)). Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in part 32).
7. We prohibit permanent or pit blinds on the refuge. You must remove all blind materials and decoys by 2 p.m. daily.
8. We allow nonmotorized boats, electric motors, and boats with motors 10 hp or less in refuge lakes, streams, and bayous. Boaters must follow State boating regulations, including those for navigation lights. We prohibit boat storage on the refuge. Hunters/anglers must remove boats daily (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
9. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait while in the field and hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or any nonnaturally occurring food attractant while on the refuge at any time (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
10. We allow all-terrain vehicle (ATV) travel on designated trails for access typically from September 15 to the last day of the refuge squirrel season. We open designated trails from 4 a.m. to no later than 2 hours after legal sunset unless otherwise specified. We define an ATV as an off-road vehicle (not legal for highway use) with factory specifications not to exceed the following: Weight 750 pounds (337.5 kilograms), length 85 inches (212.5 centimeters (cm)), and width 48 inches (121.9 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 inches (62.5 cm) x 12 inches (30 cm) with a 1-inch (2.5 cm) lug height and maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi. We require a permanently affixed refuge ATV permit that hunters may obtain from the refuge headquarters. Hunters/anglers using the refuge handicapped all-terrain trails must possess the State's Physically Challenged Program Hunter Permit or be age 60 or older. Additional physically challenged access information will be available at the refuge headquarters.
11. While visiting the refuge, we prohibit: use of artificial light to locate wildlife (see Sec. 27.73 of this chapter), littering (see Sec. 27.94 of this chapter), fires (see Sec. 27.95 of this chapter), trapping, man-drives for game, use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting (see Sec. Sec. 32.2(j) and 27.81 of this chapter), flagging, engineers tape, paint, unleashed pets (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter), and parking/blocking trail and gate entrances (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this chapter). We also prohibit hunting or shooting within 150 feet (45 m) of a designated public road, maintained road, trail, fire breaks, dwellings, and above-ground oil and gas production facilities. We define a maintained road or trail as one which has been mowed, disked, or plowed.
12. We prohibit field dressing of game within 150 feet (45 m) of parking areas, maintained roads, and trails.
13. An adult at least age 18 must supervise youth hunters younger than age 16 during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters younger than age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute violation of refuge regulations.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of raccoon, squirrel, and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow nighttime raccoon hunting beginning typically the third Saturday in December and typically ending the third Sunday in January. We allow raccoon hunters to hunt from legal sunset to legal sunrise with the aid of dogs, horses, mules, and use of lights. We allow such use of lights on the refuge only at the point of kill. We prohibit all other use of lights for hunting on the refuge. Hunt dates will be available at refuge headquarters typically in July. We prohibit ATVs during the raccoon hunt. Hunters must attempt to take treed raccoons.
2. We allow squirrel and rabbit hunting with and without dogs. We will allow hunting without dogs from the beginning of the State season to a date typically ending the day before the refuge deer firearms hunt. We do not require hunters to wear hunter orange during the squirrel and rabbit season without dogs. Squirrel and rabbit hunting with or without dogs will begin typically the second Monday in January and will conclude the last day of February, but will re-open for Louisiana State Spring Season, typically during May. We require a minimum of a solid-hunter-orange cap during the squirrel season with or without dogs. We allow no more than three dogs per hunting party.
3. We close squirrel and rabbit hunting during the following gun hunts for deer: refuge-wide youth hunt, primitive firearms hunt, and modern firearms hunt.
4. In areas posted ``Area Closed'' and ``No Hunting Zone,'' we prohibit upland game hunting at any time.
5. When hunting, we allow .22 caliber and smaller rimfire weapons or shotguns equipped with a single-piece magazine plug that allows the shotgun to hold no more than two shells in the magazine and one in the chamber. We prohibit target practicing or shooting to unload modern firearms on the refuge at any time. Shotgun hunters must possess only an approved nontoxic shot when hunting upland game (see Sec. 32.2(k)). Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in part 32).
6. Conditions A1, A2, A4, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12, and A13 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of refuges in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Deer archery season will begin the first Saturday in November and will conclude on January 31. We prohibit archery hunting during the following refuge-wide deer hunts: youth gun hunt and modern firearms hunts. We prohibit possession of pods, drug-tipped arrows, or other chemical substances.
2. The deer primitive firearms season will occur between November 1 and January 31. Legal primitive firearms for primitive season include:
i. Hunting rifles, .44 caliber minimum, all of which must load exclusively from the muzzle or cap and ball cylinder; use of black powder or approved substitute only; use of ball or bullet projectile only, including saboted bullets, including muzzleloaders known as ``in line'' muzzleloaders; and
ii. Single-shot, breech-loading hunting rifles, .35 caliber or larger of a kind or type manufactured prior to 1900 and relics, reproductions, or reintroductions of that type of rifle having an exposed hammer that use metallic cartridges loaded with black powder or modern smokeless powder.
3. During the deer primitive firearms season, hunters may fit any legal primitive hunting firearm with magnified scopes. We allow hunters using primitive weapons described as muzzleloader (including in-line) (see C.2.i.) to hunt reforested areas. We prohibit hunters using primitive weapons described in C.2.ii. from hunting in reforested areas.
4. We will conduct two quota-modern-firearms hunts for deer typically in the months of November and/or December. We will make hunt dates and permit application procedures available at refuge headquarters no later than August. We restrict hunters using a primitive firearm during this hunt access to areas where we allow modern firearms. We prohibit hunting and/or shooting into or across any reforested area during the quota hunt for deer. We require a quota hunt permit (Quota Deer Hunt Application, FWS Form 3-2354) for these hunts.
5. We will conduct guided quota youth deer hunts and guided quota deer hunts for full-time wheelchair users in the Greenlea Bend area typically in December and January. We will make hunt dates and permit application procedures (Quota Deer Hunt Application, FWS Form 3-2354) available at the refuge headquarters typically in July. For the guided quota youth hunts, we consider youth to be ages 8 through 15.
6. We will conduct a refuge-wide youth deer hunt. We will make hunt dates available at refuge headquarters typically in July. An adult at least age 18 must supervise youth hunters younger than age 16 during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during small game and migratory bird hunts but may supervise only one youth during big game hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters younger than age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute violation of refuge regulations.
7. Hunters may take only one deer (one buck or one doe) per day during refuge deer hunts except during guided youth and wheelchair-bound hunts where the limit will be one antlerless and one antlered deer per day.
8. We allow turkey hunting the first 16 days of the State turkey season. We will conduct a youth turkey hunt the Saturday and Sunday before the regular State turkey season. Hunters may harvest two bearded turkeys per season. We allow the use and possession of lead shot while turkey hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)). We allow use of nonmotorized bicycles on designated all-terrain vehicle trails. Although you may hunt turkey without displaying a solid-hunter-orange cap or vest during your turkey hunt, we do recommend its use.
9. Conditions A1, A2, A4, A8, A9, A10, A11, and A12 apply.
10. In areas posted ``Area Closed'' or ``No Hunting Zone,'' we prohibit big game hunting at any time. We close ``Closed Areas'' (designated on the Public Use Regulations brochure map) to all hunts. We prohibit shooting into or across any closed area with a gun or archery equipment.
11. We prohibit any hunter from using climbing spikes or to hunt from a tree that contains screw-in steps, nails, screw-in umbrellas, or any metal objects that could damage trees (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
12. We allow muzzleloader hunters to discharge their primitive firearms at the end of each hunt safely into the ground at least 150 feet (135 m) from any designated public road, maintained road, trail, fire break, dwelling, or above-ground oil and gas production facility. We define a maintained road or trail as one that has been mowed, disked, or plowed, or one that is free of trees.
13. We prohibit deer hunters leaving deer stands unattended before the opening day of the refuge archery season. Hunters must remove stands by the end of the last day of the refuge archery season (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). Hunters must clearly mark stands left unattended on the refuge with the name and address of the stand owner. Hunters must remove portable stands from trees daily and place freestanding stands in a nonhunting position when unattended.
14. We require deer hunters using primitive firearms or modern firearms to display 400 square inches (2,580.6 square centimeters) of solid hunter-orange consisting of a solid-hunter-orange cap on their head and a solid hunter-orange vest over their outermost garment covering their chest and back. Hunters must display the solid-hunter-orange items the entire time while in the field.
15. We require primitive firearms and modern firearms hunters using ground blinds to display outside of the blind 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) of hunter orange, which is visible from all sides of the blind. Hunters must wear orange vests and hats as their outermost garments while inside the blind.
16. We allow hunting with slugs, rifle, or pistol ammunition larger than .22 caliber rimfire only during the quota hunts for deer. We prohibit use of buckshot when hunting. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in part 32).
17. We require that hunters tag all deer and turkey per State tagging requirements.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Anglers must possess and carry a signed refuge access permit (signed brochure) when fishing.
2. We require that all anglers must check-in/check-out daily at their closest entrance point using the Visitor Check-in Permit and Report (FWS Form 3-2405) for all recreational activities.
3. We allow anglers to enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m., and they must depart no later than 2 hours after legal sunset.
4. In areas open to fishing, State creel limits and regulations apply.
5. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
6. Conditions A8, A9, and A11 apply.
7. We prohibit fish cleaning within 150 feet (45 m) of parking areas, maintained roads, and trails.
Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl (duck, goose, coot, gallinule, rail, snipe), woodcock, and dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge permit (brochure).
2. We allow dove hunting during the first 3 days of the State season.
3. We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season.
4. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m.
5. We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 m) of the maintained rights of ways of roads, from or across ATV trails, and from above-ground oil, gas, or electrical transmission facilities.
6. We prohibit leaving boats, blinds, and decoys unattended.
7. We allow only recognized dog breeds to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
8. Youth hunters under age 16 must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
9. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide or outfitter, or in any other capacity that receives payment directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, beaver, coyote, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 and A9 (to hunt upland game) apply.
2. We prohibit firearm ammunition used for hunting small game larger than a .22 caliber rim-fire, shotgun slugs, and buckshot.
3. We allow hunting of raccoon and opossum during the daylight hours (legal sunrise to legal sunset) of rabbit and squirrel season. We allow night hunting (legal sunset to legal sunrise) during December and January, and we allow use of dogs for night hunting. We prohibit the selling of raccoon and opossum taken on the refuge for human consumption.
4. We allow the use of dogs to hunt squirrel and rabbit after the last refuge gun deer hunt.
5. To use horses and mules to hunt raccoon and opossum at night, hunters must first obtain a General Special Use Application and Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) at the refuge office.
6. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit no later than 2 hours after legal shooting hours.
7. We allow hunting of beaver and coyote during all open refuge hunts with weapons legal for the ongoing hunt.
8. Youth hunters under age 18 must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A9, B6, and B8 (to hunt big game) apply.
2. We allow deer gun hunts subject to State regulations. Specific open dates will appear in the Annual Public Use Regulations Brochure.
3. The daily bag limit is one either-sex deer. The State season limit applies.
4. We prohibit leaving deer stands, blinds, and other equipment unattended.
5. Deer hunters must wear hunter orange as per State deer hunting regulations on Wildlife Management Areas.
6. We prohibit hunters placing stands or hunting from stands on pine trees with white-painted bands and/or rings.
7. We will hold a limited lottery youth turkey hunt on the Saturday of the State youth turkey hunt weekend.
8. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
9. We allow hunting of hog during all open refuge hunts with weapons legal for the ongoing hunt.
10. We prohibit the use of dogs for hog hunting.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow sport fishing year-round except within closed areas of the refuge, as designated by the Annual Public Use Regulations Brochure.
2. We prohibit outboard motors in the Wigeon Ponds.
3. We prohibit launching boats from a trailer or from a nondesignated boat ramp within the Mollicy levee.
4. We prohibit leaving boats and other personal property on the refuge unattended (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
5. You must tend trotlines daily. You must attach ends of trotlines by a length of cotton line that extends into the water.
6. We prohibit commercial fishing. Recreational fishing using commercial gear (slat traps, etc.) requires a special refuge permit (General Special Use Application and Permit, FWS Form 3-1383-G) that you must possess and carry and that is available at the refuge office.
7. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter). [58 FR 5064, Jan. 19, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 29074, May 18, 1993; 59 FR 6692, Feb. 11, 1994; 59 FR 55186, Nov. 3, 1994; 60 FR 5277, Jan. 26, 1995; 60 FR 62042, Dec. 4, 1995; 61 FR 45367, Aug. 29, 1996; 61 FR 46395, Sept. 3, 1996; 62 FR 47378, Sept. 9, 1997; 63 FR 46916, Sept. 3, 1998; 65 FR 30783, May 12, 2000; 65 FR 56402, Sept. 18, 2000; 66 FR 46357, Sept. 4, 2001; 67 FR 58945, Sept. 18, 2002; 68 FR 57316, Oct. 2, 2003; 69 FR 54362, 54394, Sept. 8, 2004; 69 FR 55995, Sept. 17, 2004; 70 FR 54169, Sept. 13, 2005; 70 FR 56376, Sept. 27, 2005; 73 FR 33176, June 11, 2008; 73 FR 51158, Aug. 29, 2008; 74 FR 45684, Sept. 3, 2009; 75 FR 18420, Apr. 12, 2010; 76 FR 3961, Jan. 21, 2011; 76 FR 56070, Sept. 9, 2011; 77 FR 56041, Sept. 11, 2012; 80 FR 51904, Aug. 26, 2015]