The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, in concert with the Trust for Public Land, heralded the inception of a new 1,642.5-acre Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Washington Parish. Christened as the Bogue Chitto WMA, this newly minted reserve has the distinction of not only being the 53rd WMA under LDWF but also serves as the sole representative of such a protected space within the bounds of Washington Parish. Strategically situated along the west bank of the Bogue Chitto River, and in intimate proximity to the town of Franklinton and Bogue Chitto State Park, the area emerges as a beacon of public access to nature's bounty.
According to an announcement issued by LDWF, the establishment of Bogue Chitto WMA was realized using funds from the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Fund, a pot of money set aside during the 2022 legislative session earmarked for the purpose of bolstering outdoor conservation efforts in the state. As Tyler Bosworth, Acting Secretary of LDWF, stated, "We are proud to add another prime property to our WMA program while also highlighting the Louisiana Outdoors Forever program and our conservation partners."
The announcement further elaborates that Bogue Chitto's realms are home to a myriad of wildlife, encompassing game species such as deer, wild turkey, and squirrel. The enclave is graced with approximately 6.5 miles of riverfront expanse along the Bogue Chitto, clothed in extensive bottomland forests and rugged forested hills. These verdant expanses offer more than just hunting; they are an angler's delight and a paddler's haven, with numerous small lakes and the river itself inviting fishing, paddling, and swimming enthusiasts.
Slated to swing open its gates to the public on July 1, 2025, the WMA will provide an assortment of outdoor activities, LDWF anticipates. As per the same LDWF release, upcoming visitors will be greeted with opportunities for hunting (specific game species yet to be disclosed), fishing, hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, and photography. The WMA extends an open invitation for the public to forge a connection with the landscape that aids in fostering a passion for the outdoors.
In the shaping of this conservation triumph, the LDWF and Trust for Public Land extends their gratitude to project partners, such as the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation/Restore the Earth Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation-Louisiana Chapter, Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation, and The AES Corporation, for their unwavering commitment and contribution. Mid-South Program Director for Trust for Public Land, Stacey Shankle, articulated the collective sentiment, saying, "It’s great to see the recently created Louisiana Outdoors Forever fund creating another public space like the Bogue Chitto WMA, for Louisianans to access the rich wildlife and unmatched beauty found along the iconic Bogue Chitto," as noted by LDWF.
