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Description:
Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge, located 25 miles northeast of Alexandria, was established in 1958. Vegetation is primarily lowland hardwood forest subject to annual flooding from Catahoula Lake. Several natural cypress shaded bayous and brakes add diversity throughout the forest. White-tailed deer, small game mammals, songbirds, raptors and waterbirds are commonly seen throughout the refuge. An interesting variety of reptiles and amphibians from alligators to cricket frogs also inhabit the refuge. Waterfowl are abundant during the winter. Peak waterfowl populations of 75,000 ducks have been recorded. The Duck Lake impoundment was constructed in the 1970's to provide additional management capabilities for waterfowl. Catahoula Lake is a 26,000 acre Wetland of International Importance; a historic concentration area for shorebirds, waterbirds and migrating/wintering waterfowl. Catahoula Refuge also borders a portion of the Dewey Wills Wildlife Management Area. Together, these areas provide a haven for wildlife and preserve representative samples of the unique habitats originally in the Lower Mississippi River Ecosystem. Directions:
From Alexandria, LA take State Hwy 28 east to US 84. Turn left and go 1 1/2 miles to refuge highway sign. Turn left onto refuge entrance road. Office is second building.
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