Hunting regulations are designed to protect visitors as well as wildlife populations.  The regulations below govern hunting on Indian Bayou, under the authority vested by Code of Federal Regulations Title 36 part 327.  Hunting will be in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations subject to the following conditions.

Permits

         A 2024-2025 Indian Bayou Hunting Permit is required for all persons regardless of age.  Permits must be signed prior to hunting any game and must be carried at all times while in the field.  Your hunting permit acknowledges your understanding of these regulations.  The cut-out on the cover of this brochure is your annual permit.  All persons 16 years or older are required to have a photo identification while in the field.

Firearms

The possession of firearms, ammunition, loaded projectile firing devices, bows and arrows, crossbows, or other

weapons are prohibited except during designated area hunts. Hunters must have firearms unloaded at all times while traveling within the area by motor vehicle, ATV, UTVs, horse, bicycle, and while in a vessel under mechanical power. Loaded weapons are not allowed within 100 feet of designated parking areas, roads and trails including pipelines during deer gun and primitive weapon hunts.  Loaded is defined as shells or cartridges in the gun’s chamber, magazine, cylinder, or clip when attached to firearms or crossbows cocked and in the ready position, or caps on muzzleloaders.

Motorized vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

All motorized vehicles, including automobiles, ATVs, E-bikes, UTVs and motorcycles are restricted to roads

and trails that are designated on the area map. ATVs/Ebikes/ UTVs must be brought in to the area by vehicle

or trailer, off loaded in parking areas. ATVs/E-bikes/UTVs may only be operated on designated trails. Trails

designated as Physically Challenged are restricted to physically challenged permit holders and persons 60

years or older with proof of age. Those users may utilize all other designated ATV trails as indicated on the map.  Physically Challenged users may not deviate from the DESIGNATED ATV trails on the area map. Vehicles must park in designated parking areas. Blocking gates or roads with a vehicle or ATV/ UTV is prohibited. ATV/UTV tires are restricted to those with a maximum one-inch lug height. ATVs/E-bikes/UTVs are not allowed off designated trails, NO EXCEPTIONS! Designated trails are open from 4:00 a.m. until two hours after sunset. Visitors using designated trails later than two hours after sunset are required to contact the project office to obtain a Special Use Permit.

State bag limits apply unless otherwise specified.  The only open seasons are those listed in this brochure.  Hunting is permitted area-wide except in designated closed areas as indicated on the area map.  All hunting shall be still hunting, except as otherwise specified.

         Only portable stands and blinds may be used.  These must be removed from the property at the end of each day.  Blinds or stands made solely of natural vegetation and NOT held together by nails or other metallic fasteners may be left in place but cannot be used to reserve hunting locations. Natural vegetation (including corner post) is defined as natural branches that are two inches or less in diameter.

         Migratory bird and small game hunting are prohibited during either-sex gun hunts for deer except waterfowl hunting.

         Horses are permitted throughout the property EXCEPT during open gun and primitive firearm hunts for deer and turkey seasons.

Dog training allowed April 6 - September 22.

Hogs, coyote and armadillos may be taken incidental to any area hunt with weapons legal for that hunt. Bobcats may be taken by big game license holders.

 Antler Restrictions

Deer hunters are limited to one deer per day. A legal buck shall be defined as deer with at least 4-points on one side or a deer with unbranched antlers commonly referred to as spikes (no minimum length).  To be counted as a point, a projection must be at least one inch long and its length must exceed the length of its base.  The beam tip is counted as a point but is not measured as a point.

Tagging and Deer Harvest Check-in

Proper use of state tags is required.  All deer harvested during gun hunts are required to be physically checked out.  The East side Ranger Station located in St. Landry Parish (see map for location) will be staffed during each of these dates.  A Park Ranger patrolling the West Atchafalaya Protection Levee may also check a deer during the either-sex gun hunts.  Every checked deer will be given a metal validation tag.  Successful archery and primitive weapon hunters are required to fill out a deer harvest card prior to leaving the property.  Harvest cards are located on area information bulletin boards.

“Hunter Orange” or “Blaze Pink” Requirements

All users EXCEPT waterfowl hunters must display a total of 400 square inches of Hunter Orange and wear a Hunter Orange cap during the open gun and primitive weapon hunts for deer.  Hunter Orange must be worn the entire time while in the field.  Hunters participating in the dog season for rabbit, squirrel and woodcock must wear a minimum of a Hunter Orange cap. All hunters and archers (while on the ground), EXCEPT waterfowl hunters, also must wear a minimum of a hunter orange hat or cap during the special dog season for rabbit and squirrels.  All users afield during all other hunting seasons are encouraged to wear Hunter Orange.  Deer hunters hunting from concealed ground blinds are still required to wear 400 square inches of Hunter Orange, wear a Hunter Orange cap and must also display a minimum of 400 square inches of Hunter Orange above or around their blinds which is visible from 360