For Immediate Release For more information contact:
October 18, 2019 Jimmy Laurent, Refuge Manager
jimmy_laurent@fws.gov
(985) 882-2031
St. Francisville, LA
Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge to Re-open
After having been closed for over three years, Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge will re-open on Saturday, October 19, 2019. Due to an extensive amount of deposited silt from prolonged flooding, both all-terrain vehicles and utility vehicles are currently prohibited. The trails are not suitable for anything other than walking or non-motorized biking. This is not a permanent restriction. The trails will re-open once they are cleared and determined safe for public use. Access to the refuge is now by way of a new parish servitude, which bypasses the damaged portion of Creek Road. Vehicle access ends at the first steel bridge located over Hardwicks Ditch. Any vehicle access beyond this point requires a Special Use Permit.
The refuge is open to both big and small game hunting in accordance with state regulations. Deer hunting is restricted to archery only—except for the youth gun hunt and the two-day primitive weapons season on November 8th and 9th, 2019. Small game hunting is closed during the primitive weapons hunt and the youth deer hunts. Waterfowl can be hunted on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from one half hour before legal sunrise to noon during the state season.
Annual Public Use Permits are required for visitors who participate in hunting or fishing activities. Permits are $20.00 per year, and are valid August 1st through July 31st
St. Catherine Creek NWR headquarters office
21 Pintail Lane
Sibley, MS 39165
Pat’s Hardware
7666 US-61
St Francisville, LA 70775
The Sports Center
305 Sgt Prentiss Dr
Natchez, MS 39120
We thank you for your cooperation and look forward to seeing you at Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge!