The stretch of Highway 975 running through Louisiana's Sherburne Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is slated for closure starting September 15, 2025, until June 12, 2026. This announcement by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries comes as the Department of Transportation and Development preps to replace a bridge on the route. As a significant thoroughfare through the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area, the temporary loss of the highway is set to impact how enthusiasts and regular visitors enter the area.
Despite the blockade, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries makes clear, Sherburne Wildlife Management Area remains accessible to the public throughout the bridge's reconstruction. Nature lovers and hunters alike are advised to adjust their travels, entering from either Highway 190 to the north or I-10 from the south. The area, sprawling across Pointe Coupee, St. Martin, and Iberville parishes, continues to be a sanctuary for diverse game such as deer, squirrel, woodcock, rabbit, and various waterfowl among others.
The news, detailed on Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website, also issues a reminder that all visitors need proper permits. To gain entry to Sherburne Wildlife Management Area and other Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries-managed areas, guests must have Wildlife Management Area Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License or a Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. Full details on licensing and permits can be found on the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries dedicated page.
As one of the region's key recreational spaces, the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area offers specialized hunting seasons and youth lottery hunts to promote controlled, responsible wildlife management and conservation efforts. Despite the inconveniences posed, such as limited road and trail access, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Department of Transportation and Development are ensuring that the bridge's construction will enhance the long-term sustainability of the area while minimizing near-term disruptions to wildlife enthusiasts and the species that call Sherburne Wildlife Management Area home.
