p>Received as a donation through federal bankruptcy proceedings in 1994 and 1998, Big Colewa Bayou WMA consists of six separate units:

Bearskin (borders the Boeuf River with about 4,715 feet of frontage)

Big Colewa (straddles Big Colewa Bayou)

Redwing

New Prospect

Plum Grove

New Hope.

On all units except Bearskin, the terrain is basically flat, varying only 10 feet in elevation?85 to 95 feet above sea level. Most of the Bearskin unit is also flat, but elevation changes abruptly near the banks of the Boeuf River, from 70 to 100 feet above sea level. Roadways, pipelines, sloughs, and bayous provide some diversity throughout the area's terrain.

Timber species on the various tracts include willow, water, and delta post oak; sweetgum; hackberry; sassafras; cedar and American elm; and pignut hickory. Bald cypress, green ash, bitter pecan, overcup oak, and black willow are found along small stream drainages. Principle understory and mid-story species include palmetto, rattan, greenbrier, trumpet creeper, poison ivy, peppervine, Japanese honeysuckle, hawthorn, deciduous holly, and swamp dogwood. LDWF has planted approximately 400 acres of agricultural land in hardwood trees.

Activities and Amenities

Hunting and trapping: Archery only deer hunting is available. Other game species include rabbit and dove. There are also limited hunting opportunities for waterfowl, woodcock, and squirrel. Big Colewa Bayou WMA has a small game emphasis area. See regulations for details.

Physically challenged wheelchair-confined deer hunting areas are available on Big Colewa Bayou WMA. There is a physically challenged deer season available by reservation only.

physically challenged hunter permit

Fishing: Freshwater fishing is available along the Boeuf River. See regulations for details.

Birding and wildlife viewing: Dozens of species of neotropical migrants and passerine birds visit Big Colewa Bayou WMA during the northward spring migration. Black bears are sometimes found in the area.

Other: hiking, horseback riding, berry picking

The smaller units are walk-in only, but LDWF maintains an ATV/UTV trail that provides access to area users on the Bearskin unit. There is one self-clearing permit station on the Bearskin unit.

Directions

Bearskin: approximately 10 miles west of Pioneer on River Road

Big Colewa: south end of Morgan Road, 7 miles southwest of Oak Grove

Redwing: east end of Bearfoot Road, 1 mile south of Redwing Community and 6 miles southwest of Oak Grove

New Prospect: bordered on the west by LA Hwy 585 and on the east by Bennie Fowler Road, 7 miles west of Darnell

Plum Grove and New Hope: 3 miles west of Darnell; no public access roads

Contact Big Colewa Bayou Wildlife Management Area

REMINDER: This listing is a free service of LandCAN.
Big Colewa Bayou Wildlife Management Area is not employed by or affiliated with the Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.

Listed in:

• Ecotourism
• State and Federal Land